WILLIAM O. BILL BRADLEY (published on August 15, 2009)
| WILLIAM O. BILL BRADLEY January 10, 1946 - July 18, 2009 Bill Bradley loved to live and loved to love. His defining traits were passion for his family, love of nature, discernment in all things, the desire to make the world a better place, and the eternal optimism and boundless energy required to make good things happen. Bill was born in Edmonton, AB. He was the second son of Dr. Leonard and Mona Bradley, adored brother of Leslie (David Osoba), Heather (Jim McWilliams) and Tom (Lori Lothian). His home was Winnipeg for most of his youth, filled with great adventures with friends from school, Betula Lake, University of Manitoba, and Deke Fraternity. Bill was 30 years old when he met the great loves of his life, Donna and her daughters Tracy and Nikki Shibou. Bill and Donna were soul mates; collaboration and creativity were hallmarks of their marriage. They built their home on 10 acres where they raised their daughters. It was a place where he could be close to nature and indulge his passions for family, Labradors and ATCs. After a long career with CKY/92CITI FM, Bill enjoyed the challenge of joining Donna in real estate, combining their talents to create teambradley. Bill's second home was the cottage, where the Bradley clan would meet and celebrate the traditions Bill so loved: lively conversations over meals in the porch, cribbage, Frisbee golf, boat trips, water sports, berry picking, and projects. His grandchildren, Tracy and Dan Savoie's daughters Hannah and Emma and Nikki's son Ike, were the great joys of Bill's life. He was their beloved Peepa and he delighted in teaching them all things from baking to building birdhouses. He instilled in them his love of nature. Bill was a devoted son to Mona and Brad (predeceased in 2005); their happiness and welfare were top priorities. Donna's family was a big part of Bill's life. Predeceased by Ike and Fanny Glesby, and brothers-in-law Arlen and George, Bill provided love and support to sisters-in-law Carol Braunstein, Marilyn Druxman and Barbie Glesby. Bill was a great teacher. He devoted much time and energy throughout his life to projects that reflected his passions, including initiatives at Pine Ridge Golf Club, fundraising for Ducks Unlimited and developing the Trans Canada Trail through Betula. His last project was raising awareness for the Idle Free Zone campaign. Bill inspired many as he continued to work on these projects despite his illness. He brought the same optimism and energy to his fight with cancer. Bill and Donna worked hard to beat the odds, combining traditional therapy with acupuncture. The family is thankful to Dr. Tan, and the doctors and staff at CancerCare, as well as acupuncturists Dr. Ha (California) and Dr. Nan Mah (Winnipeg). Together they succeeded in giving Bill four more years of precious time. Donna is indebted to Dr. Sisler, the Palliative Care team and Father Gerry Ward for their support and compassion, giving Bill the gift of dying at home in the loving arms of his family. The theme for Bill's Celebration of Life, held at his golf club, was inspired by his size 13 feet. Big Shoes to Fill aptly describes the sentiment of those who loved him. These include many nieces, nephews, great nieces, relatives, and friends. Live every moment, and leave the world a better place were the lessons we learned from him. The family is grateful to those who wish to make donations in Bill's memory to the North Whiteshell Trail Association, Box 138, Seven Sisters Falls, MB, R0E 1Y0. |
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