Submit a PhotoDonald William Bradford, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed into his heavenly home on August 16, 2023, at the age of 77.
He was born in Palo Alto, California, on June 16, 1946, to William and Gwenda Bradford. He graduated from Mt. Diablo High School in Concord, California in 1964. He attended Pasadena College in Pasadena, California and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1969. He met his beautiful wife Joanne through church and camp activities when they were teenagers and married July 15, 1967. They were blessed to have celebrated 56 years of marriage.
Don was an amazing athlete and had a true love and passion for the game of basketball. He played throughout high school and college and was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Pasadena College (now Point Loma Nazarene University) in 2002 with his 1967-68 men’s basketball team, for which he was a starter.
Throughout his career, Don was very successful in sales, but his focus became raising funds for non-profit organizations such as the YMCA, Azusa Pacific University, and Jews for Jesus. Don made a lasting impact and left an incredible legacy of quiet strength for all who were blessed enough to know and love him.
He is survived by his wife Joanne, his daughter Donna and Todd Waters in Nashville, TN; his son Jeff and Candice Bradford in Gilbert, AZ; as well as his brother Bob and Marietta Bradford in Modesto, California; and along with 6 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren with another expected in November.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Gilbert Memorial Park in Gilbert, Az. 2100 East Queen Creek, Gilbert, AZ, 85297. Reception to follow.
The service will be live-streamed and recorded.
For Out-of-Town Guests:
Hampton Inn and Suites Phoenix/Gilbert – (Hilton property) 2.5 miles north of GMP (Val Vista and Pecos)
- Main number: (480) 543-1500
- Discounted Rate Code is CR-GBMP
- https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=PHXGTHX&corporateCode=0003229932&flexibleDates=true
Hyatt Place Phoenix/Gilbert – 2.5 miles north of GMP (Val Vista and Pecos)
- Main number: (480) 899-5900
- Discounted Rate Code is 0003229932
- Booking Link, must be used with Google Chrome: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/arizona/hyatt-place-phoenix-gilbert/phxzg?corp_id=CR192808
Please click link below to watch Donald memorial live.
https://www.viewlogies.net/gilbert-memorial-park/VznvhBV0h?pin=874264
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Dear Joanne and family, our hearts were saddened when we read that Don Bradford had passed away, but we had to turn and rejoice that he was in the arms of Jesus Christ our Lord whom he had served. What a day that must have been. We will all be there sooner or later and will greet Don and others. “Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.” Joanne, we will be praying for you and the family.
Love and Hugs,
Ray & Sandee Foster
6 Dolores Ct.
Redlands, CA j92374
Our deepest and most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you, Joanne, and all the family and friends. We wish so much that we could be there to support you personally when remembering Don! We loved him so much and have mountains of special memories of a great friend, brother-in-law, and admiration of his steadfast love of family and his Christian faith.
Condolences to the Bradford family who will deeply miss Don and his loving support. Don was my boss at APU for a few years and was a joy to work with. Many great memories of knowing Joann first, then Don. God bless you as you adjust to life without Don and realize the promise of reunions to come. Love you.
Dearest Joanne and family… our hearts are so saddened to hear of your great loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We send our love as we remember such cherished memories with you. Gary and Carlene
Dear Joanne
Ellen and I, along with our Jews for Jesus colleagues send our prayers, love and blessings to you and your family. Don was a special personal friend to me and a blessing to our global mission. Are hearts are with you. We give thanks to God for knowing Don and the knowledge that we will be together again. Tuvya
I’m so sorry for everyone’s loss with Don’s passing. He is a great man and will be missed deeply. I also want to celebrate Don’s life and love. I’m grateful he was such a strong and powerful man. A man of God who served so well and was an amazing model to his whole family and community. Through him many also knew God and Jesus. He did a wonderful job on earth and I can’t wait to see the glory when all that loved him are reunited in God’s beautiful kingdom. Until later Don. Xoxo
The service was an extraordinary testimony of a godly man and an exceptional wife. What a legacy shared through the grandchildren. Truly, all of his life, was all for Jesus. He left an example for all of us. May God’s peace surround you and may The Comforter come quickly. You are dearly loved Joanne and prayed for.