Obituary of Richard Charles Bradley

December 10, 1933 – Glasgow, Scotland

October 24, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Dick, beloved husband of Terri Bradley (nee Ewashko) quietly passed away, with Terri at his side, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Southwood Hospice, Calgary, at the age of 89 years old.

Dick was born in Glasgow, Scotland to William John and Margaret Alice (Hogg) Bradley, the youngest of four siblings.

Dick is survived by his loving wife Terri, brothers-in-law, Chris Ewasko, Lloyd (Willine) Ewashko, Carl Ewashko; sister-in-law Loretta Hopkins, nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous friends and acquaintances.

Dick is also survived by his children, Angela (Ray) Galye, Lorna Bradley, Paul Bradley, Tracey (Steve) Orcherton, and adopted twins Joseph Bradley and Richard Bradley; five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, William and Margaret Bradley, his brothers and their spouses, Jim (Katie), William (Betty), his sister and her spouse, Rita (Bobby) Gillies, nephews, Robert Gillies and Andy Ferchette; granddaughter Alanna Baltus, father-in-law John Ewasko, mother-in-law Virginia Ewasko, and sister-in-law Marie Ewashko.

Dick and Terri met in September 1982 in Calgary, married on June 27, 1984, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.  Dick and Terri love to travel, explore and try different things, life was never dull.  Dick and Terri had no children together, but they did have their fur-babies, Shakespeare “Shakey” cat number one, was with them for seventeen years.  Cat number two, Dusty came into their lives nine years ago and is the Boss.

After completing school, Dick enlisted with the British Royal Air Forces.  One of his most memorable events with the British Royal Air Forces was, when Dick was chosen to be one of two out of their squadron, and one of the 4,000 armed forces members who participate in the procession of Queen Elizabeth II Coronation on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey, England.  Dick was proud to be part of this historical day, and his medal that was presented to him from Queen Elizabeth II. Dick immigrated to Canada in the mid sixty’s and in 1967 he became a proud Canadian citizen.

From a very young age Dick’s love was soccer and he was an avid soccer player.  He was known to play a wee bit of golf (and the stakes would be high), setting up all those golf tournaments.  Dick later got involved with lawn bowling in Winnipeg and Calgary.

Dick had his faith and lived his life to the fullest.  He loved to travel, explore, and always try something new, had a great sense of humour, quick witted, very determined, and was compassionate and very giving.  Dick had a great memory, and the stories he would tell – there were lots of those, along with the jokes.  Dick had a great flair for decorating.  He had a very soft spot for all animals.  He enjoyed his quite time by listening to music, reading, watching movies, and Saturday mornings’ soccer games.  Dick’s other love was singing, he enjoyed getting up in front of a crowd and belt those tunes.

A few people have offered some of their memorable moments about Dick:  His warm and friendly personality, his sense of humour, his generosity.  It was obvious that Terri and Dick were soul mates. I always remember the joking around with each other, he was one of a kind.  His funny, sassy banter.  His Scottish breakfast.  A wonderful caring man.  My visit to his office at Gulf Oil and showing me the model drilling rig being moved by Beaudrill, to the Beaufort Sea.  When I first met Dick, my thought was “Wow did Terri ever luck out!! I thought she married 007 Sean Connery”.  What is the difference between the sheep in Scotland and Australia?  You always had to be on your toes with him.  Dick was known to have nicknames for a few people, and they do know who they are – “Mrs. Flintstone”, “Wic-wic-howski”, “You Old Boot”, “Hey Dude”, “What’s her face”.

Special thanks and gratitude go out to: Dr. Desiree Hao and Natasha, Dick always looked forward to his appointment with you two.  Thank you to Dr. Gerald Lin, and all the medical teams behind the scenes at the Tom Baker. Rita and Brittany at the Calgary Senior Resource - Essential Travel for making it all come together. All the Volunteer Drivers at the Calgary Senior Resource, you all are amazing.  You gave your time and made sure Dick and I made it to all those appointments and treatments over the past two and half years. The Staff of Palliative Care and the Palliative Nurses – especially Amy, Anna, Caroline, Kira, Lindsey, Nichelle, Monica - Spiritual Health Practitioner, Rachael and Mackenzie. Our Home Caregivers for the last three months - Joan and Fernando, thank you. Father Troy, thank you for making it work. All the staff at Southwood Hospice for your help, care and compassion. All those who were and are “just there, when we needed someone to lean on”.

I am grateful to everyone for thinking of our families during this difficult time, your support means more than words can possibly be expressed.

Cremation has taken place. Private Service will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Dick’s family here. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations in Dick's memory may be made directly to the Calgary Senior Resource – Essential Travel Program, 3639 – 26^th Street NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 5E1.  Telephone Number: (403) 266-6200, www.calgaryseniors.org

Serendipity – You only run into a person that is a perfect fit once in your life.  When you find the one that you think fits, then grab on for dear life.  Only the holding on matters.

In living memory of Dick Bradley, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3.  Telephone: (403) 256-9575.