Jay Bradley

In Loving Memory of:

Jay Thomas Bradley

Jan 6, 1970 – Nov 26, 2024

Born Jan 6, 1970 in Edmonton, Alberta to Linda and Wayne Curtis. Jay is survived by his maternal grandmother Josephine Bealle; mother Linda Bradley; aunts Shirley Curtis, Penny Bealle, Bobbi Kennedy; uncle Rick Bealle; and cousins Michael Curtis, Mathew Bealle, Garry Bealle. Jay is predeceased by his father Wayne Curtis; grandparents Alma & Reg Curtis, Robert Bealle; uncle Alan Curtis.

Jay spent his early years in Edmonton. As a child he loved playing soccer. His family smilingly remembers the day that Jay was excited about scoring a goal – but whoops it was the opposing team’s goal! Jay’s love of sports continued as he grew older. He was an avid spectator of all sports, especially the Edmonton Oilers.

Jay frequently traveled to Edson and Lloydminster to visit his grandparents. During these visits with his grandparents he developed a love of fishing and the outdoors as he traveled to various lakes and rivers around Alberta. He also fondly remembers exploring the Coal Branch with his grandmother. Jay’s love of fishing, hunting and nature extended throughout his life. In summer 2024, he visited a shooting range with an outdoors buddy. Jay’s desire to go hunting and fishing always kept him hopeful. The outdoors – with a fishing pole, a rifle, his dog Zeus, or simply a good view was where he found peace. His condo was a wonderful setting for him to bond with nature, enjoying the views of the North Saskatchewan River in all seasons and the howling of coyotes at night. We are heartbroken to have lost Jay at such a young age, but take comfort to know that he is at peace – surely thinking about the next fishing or hunting trip.

Jay graduated from Red Deer High School and later trained as a refractory bricklayer. He took pride in working hard and loved the camaraderie that this profession provided.

Jay was proud of his well-trained black lab Zeus, with whom he happily explored the Red Deer dog parks.

In his forties, Jay was diagnosed with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia and ceased his work as a refractory bricklayer. Despite the challenges HSP posed, Jay was resilient, always striving to overcome the next obstacle. Friends and family admired Jay’s determination to maintain his independence and fitness. He was proud of his ability to cook hearty meals for himself, especially enjoying a tasty steak or nostalgically preparing meals that his Dad had cooked in the past. Jay was a dedicated member of the Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement at the University of Alberta. On warm days, he arrived early so he could jumpstart his exercise routine by walking outdoors with his walker before undertaking his fitness training in the gym.

In 2024 Jay was diagnosed with colon cancer. He shared many conversations with condo neighbors and others who inspired him to stay positive. We admired his brave and calm approach to cancer treatment and surgery. During his hospital stay he enjoyed wheelchair outings to explore the beautiful gardens and artwork in the hospital. He was particularly fond of a large quilt that depicted a prairie field of hay bales, and he loved a quiet lounge with outdoor views where he played crib.

One of the nurses who cared for Jay characterized him as a “very likable gentleman.” Jay was indeed a kind and sociable fellow with a big heart. His mom notes that “he did not have a mean bone in his body.” He was a good conversationalist in the old fashioned sense. He always took time to ask about friends and family. He loved to engage people in discussions about sports, hunting and the political scene in Alberta, Canada and the United States. Jay could be intense, but as one condo neighbor noted Jay did not hold a grudge and after a grumble was ready for a friendly conversation about hockey, politics or hunting.

Jay will be dearly missed by all who knew him: family, friends, condo neighbors, medical personnel, and Cross Cancer acquaintances.

A celebration in Jay’s honor will be held in Spring 2025.

If you wish to honor Jay’s memory with a donation, donations may be made to:

Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta.
or
Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement, University of Alberta, Edmonton