David Glen Bradley
1939 – 2024
David Glen Bradley (1939-2024) was a compassionate and creative gentleman, full of intellectual curiosity and wonder, who never stopped dreaming of the impossible. He was known for his endless array of larger than life, yet true stories, and was head over heels in love with his beautiful bride, Charlotte, for over 57 years, never tiring of telling her daily how much he loved her. He passed away peacefully on October 28, at their home in Custer, WA, at nearly 85 years old.
Born in Huntington (“by God”), WV, the only child of John and Emma Bradley, he grew up primarily in Oakland, CA, where he first met his bride. Loving father of Teri (Danny), Nate (Jenny), and Kelly (Brian), and doting grandfather of, Rianna (Johnny), Gabriela (Thibault), Nathan, Paige (Jacob), Bryce, Andrew, and great-grandfather of Elise. He was preceded to heaven by his parents, and granddaughters Sarah and Heather.
In 1989, after 50 years as an agnostic, he surprised the world by giving his life to Jesus, baptized in Lake Samish by Pastor Kim Ryan, and his son Nate. In recent years, he and Charlotte became devoted members of North County Christ the King in Lynden, where they enjoyed serving as greeters on Sunday mornings.
David was a man of many talents: An accomplished musician who was offered a job with the Lawrence Welk band, an athlete who worked out with Jack LaLanne, and a patriot who planted flags all around the city of Blaine (with his daughter Teri). A military veteran, he proudly served in the Army in Germany, continuing to exercise his skills as an electronic technician with the Navy and the US Government. He would go on to become a businessman, at both the Shanty Town and Crossroads Taverns, but is best remembered for his Gull station/convenience store in Blaine, with its wildly popular Chick’n Spuds.
He was a Little League coach (of his son’s team), and helped to raise money for the sport by establishing the American Legion Bingo game, where he was a beloved Bingo caller, and a supporter of the Blaine Athletic Association.
Perhaps his most unique accomplishment was as the 1979 US National Cannonball and Bellyflop Champion, coming in fourth in the world the following year!
It would be hard to find a more optimistic and encouraging soul than David, and for that reason he will be sorely missed by many. Rest in Peace, David, and may perpetual Light shine upon you.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 10 at 2 p.m. at North County Christ the King Church, 1816 18th St in Lynden. All are welcome.
