Obituary of Joseph BRADLEY

December 5, 1944 – Edmonton, Alberta

March 4, 2021– Calgary

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our loving and caring father and wonderful husband of fifty years. Joe passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 4, 2021 after a battle with cancer at the age of 76 years.

The world is a little darker, and a little less bright, with the loss of Joe. A friend to everyone, and an enemy to none. Joe was like that line from the Cheers theme song "...where everyone knows your name..." Everyone certainly knew Joe!

Joe was born in Edmonton on December 4, 1944. He was the eldest son of twelve siblings. Joe retired from EECOL Electric in 2010 after thirty-seven faithful years of service. He loved his job, the customers he served and the coworkers who were his second family. After retirement, Joe enjoyed the Over Fifty Club and his games of pool. He always enjoyed many games of cards with his family and friends. He liked interacting with his Zoom buddies from the Airdrie Home Care group.

Joe "Buuuuuuuddddy" lived his life to the fullest! Eagerly volunteering and participating in the Boy Scouts of Canada and the local swim club, Nose Creek Swimming Association, throughout his sons' childhoods. There were memorable trips to the top of Mount Allen with the swim club and officiating at the many, many swim meets. Joe could always be found, coffee in hand, dropping off the "Three Amigos" 5:00 a.m. sharp for those Tuesday and Thursday morning practices in Calgary.

Most summers were spent camping with family and friends, sharing stories around the campfire and early morning coffee with Bailey’s, frequently exploring and taking on adventures in the family motorhome while enjoying his passion for fishing. A special spot was always reserved in the boat for Joe, even while humbly showing up others with his lucky Oilers 'orange and blue' Toque; as he often lazily dozed, only to be awakened by the frantic calls of his fishing buddies shouting: "Fish on Joe, FISH ON!!"

Joe had a passion for sports. He loved his Edmonton Oilers and his Eskimos, always loyal to his team, win or lose. Tom Brady won the last Super Bowl with Joe cheering on and flashing his signature smile. He always dreamt of having a Hot Dog at Fenway Park with the roar of the Boston Red Sox and the crack of the bat filling his ears and heart.

Besides his loving wife Evelyn, Joe is survived by his sons, Cameron and Corey; brothers, Gerald (Michelle) and Roger (Jeannette); and sisters, Marilyn, Carol, Noreen, Kathy (Pierre), Lynn Marie and Ann Marie (Rob). He is also survived by his mother-in-law Frances, brother-in-law Wayne (Lorraine), and sisters-in-law, Karen (Richard), Gwen (Arthur) and Connie; as well as many nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Helen Bradley; brothers, Paul (Gail) and Barry; and his sister Valerie.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB) on Thursday, March 11, 2021 from 1:00  to 4:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Joe’s (“Joey Bear”) Life will be held at a later date.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on   Joe’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of your choice.

In living memory of Joe Bradley, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.