Michael Glen Bradford

Michael Glen Bradford, age 69, finished his mortal journey and began a new adventure on Friday, September 18, 2020 after suffering a pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest. Mike was born October 23, 1950 - the second of five children born to Glen Robert Bradford and Dawna Kay Bennion. Mike grew up in Salt Lake City and found many opportunities for adventure in his youth, along with his two brothers and two sisters. His genuine nature drew people to him and he made several loyal friends who would remain close throughout his life. He attended Jordan High School and while there, Mike was the pitcher on the baseball team for four years until graduation. He played on the U of U baseball team after receiving a scholarship before leaving to serve a two-year mission in Zurich, Switzerland for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Within two months of returning home from his mission, Mike married Maurianne Sadleir on November 17, 1972 in the Salt Lake Temple. They divorced after 24 years of marriage, but remained friends until her death in 2005. Mike and Maurie were blessed with five children: three sons, followed by two daughters.

Mike owned and operated a successful mechanic business, Bradford Coachworks, and was well-known as the most honest and talented mechanic in the business. Many deep conversations took place in the garage, and after visiting his shop, customers left with a working vehicle and Mike's philosophical ruminations. Mike's ability to build with his hands knew no bounds and he created joy for his children and grandchildren through his contraptions and building projects. His progeny delighted in the cabin, the treehouse lighted by tiki torches, the five-seated bike, and many other inventions, all constructed with his talented hands. A favorite project of his children was a merry-go-round, which he built with spare car parts that included a differential, a ball bearing, an old idler arm, a tire rim and a used Ford axle (which he said "wasn't good for anything anyway.").

Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with his loved ones. Family and friends alike gravitated toward Mike and his larger-than-life personality. He lived life on his own terms and a more stubborn and determined man has not lived! There was never a dull moment in his presence and his sense of humor, quick wit and creativity remain unmatched. Of special mention was his ability with the written word; he used both his cleverness and eloquence to create memorable events such as treasure hunts for his grandchildren and his very own Darwin Award - which he bestowed on those family and friends "lucky" enough to receive it. He taught his children to serve others as they watched and helped him carry out many quiet and anonymous acts of service for neighbors, friends, and family. Through Mike's example, his children learned to be generous and honest, and to work until the job was finished or your hands were blistered, whichever came first. Mike believed in doing every job to the best of his ability and he passed on this trait to his children. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many different callings and positions over the years.

He was a master story-teller, a master prankster, and loyal friend extraordinaire. His children, grandchildren, and family cannot adequately describe the impact he had in their lives. The world is a brighter place because of Mike, and though our hearts are broken, we are grateful his physical troubles are over and his lost eyesight has surely returned! We love you, Dad!

Mike was preceded in death by his mother and father, ex-wife Maurie, and younger brother Phil. He leaves behind his special friend and long-time companion, Jolene Hullinger; his 5 children: Andrew Bradford (Jean), Kevin Bradford (Heidi), Peter Bradford (Sharey), Karen Oyler (Krys), and Wendy Knudsen-Bradford; 27 grandchildren; older brother Steven Bradford; sister Elaine Eyre (Glenn); and youngest sister Merrillyn Butterfield (Shaun) and many nieces and nephews. A special thank you from his children go out to Elaine Eyre and Jolene Hullinger for their constant care and concern on his behalf. Friends and family may visit at a viewing held Friday, September 25th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Anderson and Goff Mortuary, located at 11859 South 700 East in Draper. A private graveside service for family will be held afterward at Crescent Cemetery located at 11105 South State Street in Sandy.

Some bright morning when this life is over, I'll fly away. To that home on God's celestial shore, I'll fly away. I'll fly away, oh glory, I'll fly away, in the morning. When I die, Hallelujah by and by, I'll fly away.