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
We just met Jay in July, but developed a close relationship while he and Daryl were undergoing radiation treatments at the Cross Cancer Institute. We shared the Unit 9 waiting room and over time we also shared some of the frustrations and personal personal details involved in the treatment. We had a lot of laughs with Jay and his aunts Penny and Shirley, which helped us all through a stressful time. Along with another patient, we called these three men The Three Musketeers as they supported each other through this ordeal, and we were able to share in ringing the “Bell of Hope” to celebrate making it through the 25 days of radiation. We were impressed with Jay’s cheerful attitude and sense of humor despite all that he faced in his life. We would count on seeing Jay each day and worry if he was a little later than us, but he didn’t miss a treatment and we were always happy to see him. In fact, when Daryl’s treatment ended in early August, we missed these daily visits at the Cross with our radiation friends.
Rest in peace, Jay. The only comforting thought is that you are now free from all the physical challenges you so bravely faced.
Every time I saw Jay he had a smile on his face, a positive attitude and a good conversation was always had. He had a good heart and made me feel like a friend not just an inlaw. You left your mark on a lot of peoples hearts and minds and you will be missed. Rest easy and be free. Sincerest condolences to Linda and the rest of the family you are in my thoughts. May all your fond memories live strong.
Jay was always willing to take the time to chat. It was my first time working at Syncrude, I had no idea Jay was even on site but he was able to spot me in the crowd of hundreds and pulled me aside for a chat and a familiar face in a new and intimidating place!
Dear Linda and Family,
What lovely tribute to Jay. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort knowing Jay’s suffering is over.
With sympathy, Bob & Kathy Martel
I am Linda’s cousin and I want to extend my sincere condolences to Linda and family over the loss of Jay. Although I only remember meeting Jay once, in Hinton back in 2012, I feel fortunate to have spent some time with him then. Thank you for creating such a loving and informative obit for Jay as I learned a lot about him from it. May Linda, family and friends gain strength in knowing the Jay is no longer suffering and is now in a better place.
I am Linda’s cousin and of course her Mother, Josephine, is my aunt. I lived on the Coal Branch until 1957. Travelling to such a large town as Edson was something we all looked forward to.
What was even more special was visiting with Jo and Bob and their family. What great memories.
I always find it difficult to put into words the sadness I feel for Linda and her family other than to express my deepest sympathy.
I have many memories of great hunting trips with Jay as he was an avid outdoorsman and a nature lover, he will be missed in the goose blinds next year.
Linda, again, my warm condolences over your loss of Jay. May you be comforted with fond memories of him…and know you are dearly loved.
Xx Ona (Shirley) Owen
My deepest condolences. Jay’s positive qualities described so well in the obituary certainly run in his family. Wishing all Jay’s family and friends strength. Love, miles.
I had the good fortune to meet Jay a few years ago. He was an engaging conversationalist and I enjoyed our visits. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Jay’s family. May memories comfort you always.
I was with Jay almost every day in past 8 months. He would came and sit with me, having a smoke and sometimes beer. He loved soccer and hockey and we talk politics too. He was so positive about his cancer and treatment and believed that he can go thru with everything. I’m glad that I knew him and got to spend time with him. My true condolences to his family and friends.
Jay and I knew each other for about 5 years . He was a very caring neighbour to have . We talked politics and hockey most days . Always making sure everything was ok in apartment . Very quiet here now he will be missed. My Deepest Sympathy To Family and Friends
my deepest sympathy to all his family and friends .