Obituary of John D. Bradley

John D. Bradley A man who touched so many throughout his long and meaningful life, John D. Bradley passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on September 12, 2015 at the age of 90. Born July 23, 1925 in Chatham, he was the son of Bruce Bradley and Marjory Sigler. Brother to David A. Bradley (Vye Jones), and the late Robert S. Bradley. Husband to Mary Alice (Kennedy), and the late Betty (Rogers) (1999). Father to Larry (Mary), Dean (Jeanne D’Arc), R. Jay, and the late Stephen. Grandfather to James (Marissa), Bruce, Amanda, John, Ella, Elizabeth, Louisa, and Sam. Great Grandfather to Carson and Emmett. Uncle and Great Uncle to many nieces and nephews. An amazing man, we have all been honoured to be a member of his family. Growing up on the family farm in Dover, John Bradley was an active citizen of the Chatham Kent community his entire life. He served his country during World War II, following which he attended the Ag School at the University of Guelph before returning to the family farm. John joined his brothers in starting a number of farm-related business initiatives including raising and marketing Christmas trees throughout Canada and the United States. Born with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, in the late 1950’s John, with his two brothers, turned their attention to various business ventures centred around Chatham. Among many of John’s projects was the creation of the Country Kitchen restaurant on Richmond Street; the creation of the Thames Lea Plaza shopping centre; the development of the Chatham Holiday Inn; the creation of Chatham Towers and other high rise apartment buildings in Chatham; the development of the ‘Birdland’ subdivision; the development of the new Union Gas headquarters and the creation of a local Trust company known as Kent Trust & Savings. Beginning in 1973, John and his two brothers developed the Wheels Inn out of the old Progressive Welders factory. In operation for 37 years, the facility was extensively expanded to include the Wheels Fitness and Racquet Club, the Wheels Country Spa, the Wheels Bowling Centre and the Wild Zone Amusement Park. For many years John sat on the Board of Union Gas Ltd. and National Trust Ltd. He also participated in many other business associations and organizations. In addition to his business activities John was active in various charitable efforts within the community. A member of the Board of St. Joseph’s Hospital, he also served on the Board of Orchestra London. Following in the footsteps of his father Bruce in fostering wildlife conservation, John was a strong supporter of Ducks Unlimited. He helped to create the Active Lifestyles Centre on Merritt Avenue in Chatham. Inspired by Community Foundations in other cities like London, John was instrumental in helping to set up the Chatham Kent Community Foundation in 1990; a philanthropic organization devoted to creating and maintaining an endowment fund which provides annual grants to registered charities in Chatham Kent. An active boater, hunter and skier John loved life and was a good friend to many from all walks of life. Business and socializing were primary pleasures for him, and his family and friends were always front and centre in his life. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. The family wishes to thank all the many caregivers who took such good care of John during his lengthy Alzheimer’s illness. A special thank you to Cathy and Albert Earle for the many hours spent in helping our father with his many needs. Family will gather for a Private Funeral Service and Interment at St. Thomas Anglican Church in Dover. Friends and Colleagues are welcome to share in a time of remembrance and celebration at the John D. Bradley Centre, 565 Richmond Street, Chatham, on Monday, September 21, 2015 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. If desired in honour of John Bradley, please consider a memorial donation to the Chatham-Kent Community Foundation. Online condolences are welcome at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, ON N7L 3K6 JDBradley from McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd. on Vimeo.