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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BRADLEY, Ronald - My 97 year old Father passed away of old age, peacefully at the Veteran's Lodge at Broadmead.
He was born to his father and mother William and Emma Bradley on October 5, 1925 in the small town of Bolton, England.
His brother Fred born 1921, also welcomed him into the family.
After only a couple years, the family decided to move to Winnipeg (God only knows why Winnipeg!), where he grew up.
His brother Fred, in 1940, joined the war effort by signing up with the Canadian Air Force. He became a pilot and an Observer on a bomber. One day in 1941, Fred left on a bombing mission headed to Germany, he sadly never returned.
Ron, in 1943, joined the Navy and became a Stoker First Class on a mine sweeper; he held this position until the end of World War II. Ron stayed on for a few more months sweeping for left-over mines. After which he promptly got out of the Navy.
Joining the Winnipeg fire department, and with the passing of his father in 1948, at the age of 59, Ron was a relatively young man now needing to care for his mother. After some years feeling there was more in this world than waiting for a fire, Ron tried his hand in all sorts of other jobs, mostly sales. One of which was selling freezers to farmers in Saskatchewan. Can you imagine this challenge in winter! But it did make for some good stories, which he loved to tell!
1955, while attending a mutual friend's funeral, my parents met one another. My father says he fell instantly in love; this love lasted to the end of his life.
1957, having enough of the cold and snow of Manitoba, they packed up his 1954 MGA and drove to Victoria to make a new life and home. Staying with their good friends the Girards for a short time. Marrying Joan later that year (she dislikes being called by her first name, Vera).
Both Ron and Joan started working at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, my mother as a dietician and my father in the purchasing department.
1960, they bought a nice little waterfront property in Metchosin, where they built their dream home and Ron could pursue his love of gardening.
In 1962, my mother gave birth to my sister Julia and in 1966 gave birth to me, Christopher.
During the 60's both my parents made many lifelong friends. It was during this time my father ran a scout troop.
Some whom are reading this, will still have fond memories of him.
He loved boating and fishing. He and my mother had numerous camping type vehicles. After retiring at the age of 60 they drove across Canada creating many more memories. As well as travelling to Hawaii several times, and to Mexico, on one occasion. I had the privilege of taking my father to Dominican Republic when he was 83. one of the most enjoyable holidays I have ever had. The only part of the trip that I found most unpleasant, was that I had forgotten he snored like someone cutting wood with a chain saw!
Ronald spent numerous years volunteering for the Victoria Maritime Museum, he also became President of Metchosin School Museum Society. In his later years he took up the art of stained glass, making all sorts of beautiful and interesting window hangings, figurines and lampshades.
I
asked him on more than one occasion did he have any regrets, or if he wished
he had done more? He always told me he had absolutely no regrets of any
sort.
One thing he told me just before he died was, he fell in love with my mother instantly upon meeting her. They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this November 11th 2022!
Passing away shortly after his 97th birthday, he will be sorely missed by his immediate family. His wife Joan of 65 years. My sister Julia, his two grandchildren Janine, her husband Dalton. Sager his partner Courtney, myself Chris and my partner Rosa, along with many friends and loved ones.
Please contact me through my Email for information about a celebration of life - Misterb40@gmail.com (The Victoria Times Colonist 22 Oct 2022)
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