Burton E. Bradford, 78

Burton E. “Brad” Bradford, 78, of Hayden, passed away peacefully on Feb. 16, 2013. Brad was born April 7, 1934, to Edward and Thelma Kirby Bradford in Royal Oak, Mich.

Brad and his brother Glenn and sisters, Shirley and Emily were raised in Ellsworth, Mich., where he graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1953. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force from which he retired after 20 years of service (Korea and Vietnam). His second career was as an upholsterer in Spokane and then Coeur d’Alene for Erickson’s Upholstery as “The Boat Top Man.”

Brad enjoyed boating, hunting, fishing and camping throughout North Idaho. His favorite past-time was the rides on his Honda Gold Wing to Sturgis, S.D., for the rally. He was a charter member of the Hayden Eagles No. 4080.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Annie, of Hayden; his sons, Don (Ludy) Bradford and Steve (Janet) Bradford; daughter Mona (Joe Showen) Bradford, all of Coeur d’Alene; and daughter Lola (Bill Durham) Bradford of Middlesex, N.C.; also grandchildren, DJ, Hammond, Kelsie, Brady, Hannah and Abbey. He is also survived by his sister, Emily (Don) Able of Michigan and his favorite sister-in-law, Margaret Wagner of Canada.

At his request, there will be no services. There will be a Celebration of Life for family and friends from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2013, at the Leisure Park Clubhouse, 1480 Leisure Drive, Hayden.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, or the Kootenai Humane Society, P.O. Box 1005, Hayden, ID 83835.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Brad’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.