October 4, 1939 - July 19, 2018
We are all saddened by the passing of our guiding "North Star", Wilf Bradley, on July 19th, 2018.
Margaret, his wife and best friend of 59 years, was at his side through his short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife, his daughters Mardell, Kathy (Ben) and son Brad (Traci), grandchildren Erinn, Teagan, Rowan and Kallum, his brother Jim and many dear friends and relatives.
Wilf was born in Drumheller, AB and grew up on a farm, where his values and strong work ethic served him well throughout his life. Wilf attended the University of Calgary and received his Bachelor of Education degree, teaching in Calgary and Peace River before moving to Nanaimo in 1967. Soon Wilf was out on the ocean; fishing, boating and learning to sail.
Forever after, weekends and holidays were spent with the family out on the water in one of the many series of boats. After twenty years of teaching, the call of wide open spaces grew stronger. Wilf and Margaret bought a commercial fish boat and taught themselves how to build and run a successful commercial fishing business.
Traveling in the winter became a favourite pastime; exploring the Southwestern States, the Baha, mainland Mexico and Hawaii. In recent years, Wilf and Margaret adventured to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Machu Picchu, Peru, up to Alaska, and through the Panama Canal.
The desert was a place of adventure and relaxation for Wilf. He shared his enthusiasm for the outdoors, hiking, biking, motorcycling, and "Jeeping" with the many friends he and Margaret made on their travels down south. And in retirement the summers were always spent cruising the beautiful BC coastlines, their love of the sea and the coast still a major part of their lives.
The outdoors was one of his great loves, along with his wife and his '57 Belair convertible. He lived his life on his own terms, declaring that every one of his adventures was possible, it was just a matter of logistics.
A Celebration of Life will be held September 23rd, 2018 at the Nanaimo Yacht Club, 400 Newcastle Ave., Nanaimo, BC beginning at 2:00 pm. Those who so desire may make a memorial donation in Wilf's name to a charity of your choice.
Special thanks to our long time friend Dr. John MacMillan, the palliative home care nurses and the nurses, medical staff and doctors in the palliative care unit at NRGH for their kindness and comforting care during Wilf's final days.
Service Details
2:00 PM