Dr. Bud Bradley
With broken hearts we announce the passing of Bud on Friday March 18, 2022. Bud was a husband, best friend, father, grandfather, great grandfather and just a great guy at the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital, Dunnville on Friday March 18, 2022 in his 84th year.
Born Thomas Arthur Bradley to Mae (Ness) and Art Bradley on April 30, 1938 in Niagara Falls, at a cost of $35.00; which his father felt was money well spent. His father wanted him to be called Art, and grandfather, Tom, wanted him to be Tommy, so after many heated discussions his father said ‘the hell with it, he will be “Bud” and that’s where it began. They moved to Dunnville in 1942 when his father, who was Airforce, was transferred to No. 6FTS. Shortly after, when Bud was 4, while playing with his good friend David Marshall, he was hit by a car. With fear of him losing his foot, David’s father, Dr. Marshall drove Bud to SickKids where he had many surgeries but never lost his foot. After one of his ankle surgeries he had wheelchair races in the halls of hospital, and even put a bar of soap in his armpit to cut off blood flow in his arm, he pretended to be dead and when the nurse checked for a pulse there wasn’t one. When the many doctors and nurses arrived to help he was sitting up in bed playing. In the early days Bud would be found at the arena, a place where he was comfortable, just hanging around or on the ice where he developed skills scoring goals and fighting. When not at the arena he would find trouble, anything to avoid going to school. He once brought home a pet squirrel which destroyed his mother’s curtains; he had heard if you cut a crows tongue it would talk – he tried, it does not. And if you get kicked out of school for having a mohawk haircut, you just keep getting the same cut. Bud was in Grade 10, with failing grades, his father got stationed to Montreal, so he took Bud along with hopes of keeping him out of trouble, away from the arena and attending class. He was wrong. Bud still found the arena, and signed with Jr. Canadiens before moving again with his dad the next year to Claresholm, Alberta.
Alberta is where he really blossomed as a socialite and where most of his stories would come. He would skip school to hunt pheasants, to only get caught by the principal (bribing him with the days hunt to keep him out of detention). School work was never difficult for Bud, going to class was the issue. He did eventually settle and went to the University of Alberta, when of course some of his Dunnville friends were also living in Edmonton. Most of the stories cannot be told here, but to get an idea, they hid under manhole covers and jumped out just as cars passed by. While at University he played football and hockey for the Golden Bears, partied like no other, and even managed to find time to go to class.
He joined the Canadian Officer Training Corps and enjoyed it so much that after summer training didn’t return to U of A; he joined the Army full time. He did his officer training in Camp Borden, then was sent to Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Victoria, BC. At this time Michael and Sandra were in his family, so time to settle down. While in Victoria, as Platoon Commander, Bud was offered by the Army to have expenses and salary covered if he wanted to go back to school. He chose Dentistry, back to U of A he went, and graduated in 1970. His Dental career brought him back to Camp Borden where Tracey arrived. After 18 years in the Army, Dunnville called him home, he left the Army and set up Dental practice. In 1979 he was asked if he would like to run for politics, he won the nomination and was M.P. for Haldimand Norfolk from 1979-1988. He returned yet again to Dunnville, and back to Dentistry, in 1989 where he worked until the years of football and hockey caught up with him and his hands started to fail, forcing retirement in 2005. Bud was known to do anything for anyone. He once accepted a dental payment in the form of a cow, and that’s how we got Suzy Q, a black Angus who lived out her life on a farm. Dental emergencies at the hospital were usually a free visit as long as he got them out of pain – that was all that mattered. He loved his dental staff as if they were family.
In Dunnville many stories and fun times were had. The golf trip to Myrtle Beach with Fred, Neil and Jim; the continuing story that never grew old with a few new twists here and there every time it was told. His retirement years were filled with gardening, travelling, fishing, golfing, more golfing and spending time with Fred B whenever he could. He was one of a kind, he badly sprained his ankle while golfing on the front nine, but managed to finish his 18 holes. He nearly cut off his ring finger filleting a fish, for it only to be saved by his wedding band. He did what he loved and nothing could stop him. He planned to live many more years, he had more chapters to live and more stories to tell but his body began to fail him, he ran out of time. He can now spend his time yelling at Trudeau from above.
He will be missed by all he knew but will always hold a special place in the hearts of his family. His wife, and love of his life, Susan, of 40 years, his children Michael (Debbie), Sandra (Brian), Tracey (Rob), Nicole (Darren) and Drew. Grandchildren Christopher, Stephanie, Jennifer, Tom, Ken, Tim, Ellyse, Alexis, Meghan, Emmah, Amelia and Clara. Great-grandchildren, Jonathon, Alexandria, Isaac, Austin, Kayla, Mya, Harley, Dayton, Isla, Keeda and Jude. Sister-in-law Jane (John). Special pseudo-Dad to Julie (Adam) and special Papa Bud to Jalyn, Owen and Logan. Predeceased by parents Art (Marguerite) Mae (Harold) infant son Jimmy (1985) and brother-in-law Steve Foster.
Special thank you to all the Doctors and Nurses over the years who saved his life too many times to count. And for those who played a role in his stories, listened to his stories or listened to him talk politics for hours- thank you, oh he loved to talk. His campaign slogan was ‘This Bud’s for you!” Now we raise a glass – This Bud, is for you. He was quite the man. Thanks for giving us the best years of our lives. Please join the family in celebrating Bud’s life by dropping by the Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre, 275 Ramsey Drive Sunday March 27, 2022 between the hours of 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Online condolences jwhartfuneralhome.com
He was a great man. Condolences to all the family.RIP Bud
So very sorry to hear of your loss. 😪
My deepest sympathy to The family. He will be remembered
Tracey & family
Sending our sincerest condolences & love to you at this time. Your dad was an amazing person.
Gina, Bev & Dave Price
Condolences to the Bradley Family.
He was my family dentist before and after being an MP. I recall a man full of knowledge and curiosity. A colourful guy for sure!
Condolences to Buds Family! He was a great guy. R.I.P. Bud you will be missed by all!
My sincere condolences Susan and family. My heart breaks for you all. Bud was the best Dentist my family ever had, my kids loved him so much.
Bud you will be missed by so many! RIP my friend!
Susan and family ….. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
A great guy and battler in and out of the political arena.
Love the stories you shared.
Very well said. Lots of great memories of Dr. Bud… always made me smile. Thinking of his lovely family.
Deep condolences to the Bradley family from our family. We fondly remember Bud through The Rotary Club of Dunnville, he had an absolutely unique spark, smile and could always share a compelling life perspective or story. It was sweet to read about his many shenanigans, and didn’t that just give us all such a great example of how we need to grab life by the tail and swing it around as if noone was watching. God Bless you Bud, RIP.
Its with great sadness i write this .
Bud was so good to me and to Dunnville and Haldimand/Norfolk people have know idea how much he fought for us and got for us in assitance .I do because i was there for a lot of it.I was so proud of him as a young man he helped so many people .with a smile and a joke even in the toughest times.
He treated everyone the same from the Prime Minister to a young guy wanting to know politics .
I learned so much from him and my father in the store talking strategy.
Always had time for you. In later years he was one of the driving forces in helping me with the help of others to get the new arena built and to get Edgewater built and new beds fro Grandview lodge in the background doing the tough job that gets no credit he did it anyway with a smile .
Thank You Bud for all the opportunities you gave me and many others ,thank you for being a great caring dentist and good friend to me and to my Father and mother
And to many others
But most of all thank you for leading, take care of our community, riding , Its citizens who really needed it. Your your loyality to your friends family was to be admired .
You made Dunnville Ottawa and this world a better place for sure.
To Susan and all the family the biggest hug i can give from myself and Kim .
May God embrace you with the love you deserve.
My condolences to the family
My good friend BUD, you were a fine example of what it means to be a man growung up in Canada . Thank you for your service tp our Country.
Your life has had so many wonderful real adventureous chapters; that a book should be written for young men to read.
“The life and times of a little boy named Bud, who grew up the way he wanted and became all a man could be.”
Along with many wonderful successes in your life, you found time to be President of Dunnville
Rotary.
May GOD continue to bless you.
You will be missed by us all.
Thank you for your friendship and life leading examples.
Archie A.D. Merigold
He certainly was one of a kind. Wonderful man that always had me laughing whenever I saw him.
Our deepest condolences Susan & family. Yes.. This Bud was for you! In too many to count, ways! Loved Bud’s many stories, where we had to book out extra time for his haircuts just to get to the end of them.. LOL .. A one of a kind man that will never be forgotten. Raise a little …. in heaven Bud.
I am so sorry to hear of Bud’s passing. He was quite the man! My condolences to Susan and the rest of the family.
Our sincerest condolences to all the family.
Our deepest condolences from our family to yours. Gods peace be with you all.
So very sorry to hear this sad news. Bud is such a great example of loving life and living it to the fullest. Our thoughts are with you all.
Deb and Kirk Dewar
Susan and Family
so sorry to hear about Bud- many memories I have throughout the years hanging out on Victoria Ave and Rainham Road !!!!!
The trips to Kingston with the return of my favorite bread!!!! and also his walks with Susan through Mudcat Fire Hall street dance !!!
Bud will be totally missed by many people in Dunnville!!!!
Hugs to everyone xoxoxo
My condolences to the family of Dr. Bradley. I know how much he was loved and how much he will be missed. RIP Bud.
To Buds family,
Bud was a great gentleman and will be missed by many
So very sorry for your loss
When I first moved to Dunnville as a single mom, money was tight. Bud made sure my kids had their teeth taken care of and he asked me several times if I needed work done but being terrified of dentists I always said no. Finally he convinced me by saying he would help me get through it and he did.
He was such a wonderful man I know his family will miss him.
My condolences to all.
My Condolences two his family he was a great guy.
Our deepest condolences to all of you at this time of sorrow.
RIP Bud
I remember going to Dr.Bud”s office and having him ask me if I was paying OR was Proctor and Gamble paying. I also remember our golf days at D.G.& C.C..
I loved the stories about the days at the University of Alberta and the guys on the floor above them and their watering the tomato plants.Rest in peace Dr. Bud. Since condolences to the family.
my deepest sympathies to the family. may he rest easy he will be missed greatly
R.I.P condolence to his family Bud was a good person to talk to.
To Susan and family, so very sorry to hear of Buds passing, he was truly one of a kind. Always a lovely smile and friendly hi to everyone!
Our thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time.
The Lafleur family ❤️
Our deepest sympathy to all of the family. Bud was a great man with a friendly smile and joke to everyone and he will be greatly missed.
We are so sorry for your loss. Bud touched so many lives and will be missed by many 💔
Dear Sue & Family
I am so sorry for your loss May he Rest in The Arms of the Angels .. may you find peace in your memories
sincerley
Sue Turner
My condolences to Buds family on his passing, The last time I seen Bud was at fanshawe college in Simcoe, he reminded me about the scare on his face that I gave him from a high stick playing hockey, and he enjoyed remindmig me of it, I really enjoyed his Biography, what a great life he had.
Rest in peace Bud.
Carl (Brantford)
I am so saddened by this news. My deepest, heartfelt sympathies to Susan, and family. Bud was a very special guy, funny, witty, smart !! And a special dentist to me.Many times my toothache would come on a Sunday. I’d call Bud at home, he’d say meet me at the office and fix me up! More than once.A great storyteller.Will be sadly missed, never forgotten ❤️❤️❤️
So very sorry for your loss.
Our sincere condolences. “Bud” was always a remarkable man who certainly loved life and lived it to the fullest. We are thinking of all of you fondly.
My deepest condolences to Susan and her family. Especially thinking of you Drew.
Bud was always kind, funny but genuine. Just a great Guy. I expect you and Don are meeting for lunch
once again. Bud will be greatly missed.
Our deepest sympathies to Dr.Bradley. He was our Family dentist for many years, if I remember correctly my youngest sister, would fall asleep in his chair, during her visits. A kind and gentle man.
My deepest condolences to Alexis and the whole family!
As a former dental patiant, I loved our chats.
My sincere condolances to his family and close friends.
Bud will be missed by those that new him.
Thoughts and Prayers . He always made me laugh … when I was getting dental surgery ? He made people’s lives better. And our community benefited from his efforts . 😪
Our Sincere Condolences Sandra and Brian, and to All the Faamily.
May he Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory. As a teenager I work on Bud’s first campaign. Which started my interest in politics.
My deepest condolences to Bud’s family and many, many friends.
He was my dentist, neighbour and political hero.
He served his community with great commitment in Ottawa and at home.
He will be sadly missed.
To Susan and Family
My sincere condolences from the heart. I had the privilege of working with Bud when he returned to Dunnville to practise dentistry after his political career ended. We had many laughs in the little office in Dr McInnis’ old house…also got some dentistry done!
Bud was also instrumental in helping me acquire my Dental Hygiene license in Alberta. That’s quite a story too…but for another time!
It sounds like there are many happy memories to fill the hole in your hearts.
For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.
Mother and I express our deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Sincerely,
Margaret & David Rowe
So very sorry to the family. Bud was definately a great man. Great neighbour, dentist and friend. He will be sadly missed by so many. RIP Bud
So sorry about your lost . My thoughts and prayers are with all the families and friends.
What a wonderful story of Bud and his life you placed in the Hamilton Spectator today.
I never knew him or his family but the telling of his life is remarkable. I know I would have enjoyed discussing politics with him and ranting about our PM as well. He was one feisty child, even more than I had come to be known. I would have been drawn to him like bees to honey. So talented in everything he did with obvious ease. If any of you inherit even just a little of his character and talent, he will live on through your memories and your accomplishments. Carry on wonderfully Bradley Family. You have been well stewarded .
Condolence to family from all members of the Edmonton Branch of the PPCLI Association. Once a Patricia Always a Patricia. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember him. May he RIP
My sincere condolences to the family friends and comrades. May you rest in peace brother. VP
Been yrs since I went to him for my dental work. I Still remember him well and he was the best dentist ever.I still have his fillings ! I’m sure he will be missed
Our sincere and deepest condolences to Susan and extended family:
Thank you Bud for your friendship and your many years of continual service to our wonderful community both on a professional and political level. As a contributing citizen and valuable volunteer, your timeless and dedicated efforts helped extensively in completing much needed projects, one of them most notably was serving as Chairman of the community centre/arena committee. This much needed facility is something to be proud of and will serve the community s future generations for years to come.
Bud, I truly enjoyed our many “lengthy” conversations throughout our years of friendship. Rest In Peace.
Fred and Ellen
I had never heard of Bud until I read his obituary. A wonderful story that could only be described as a perfect salute to a very special soldier. My Ontario childhood was similar in many ways; I joined the PPCLI and only wished he had stayed on so I could have had him for my platoon commander. See you someday in the future Bud.
I write to express to the large Bradley family the sincere condolences of the Patricia’s on the passing of Bud Bradley. His time with the PPCLI was short – but the training he received in Borden and his service at Workpoint Barracks no doubt set the foundation for his 18 years as a military dentist – and we are proud to have had him – a fine looking young officer in those photos.
The Regiment remembers Bud’s service, the family is obviously proud of that service. His name will be read in this year’s list of the lost when we read that out on November 11th, 2022 in the Sacred Space in Beechwood, the National Military Cemetery, Ottawa. His name will also be listed in the 2022 edition of the Patrician’s Last Post section, published in March 2023.
Thank you all.
Brigadier-General Vince Kennedy (Retired)
Colonel of the Regiment
Princess Patricia’ s Canadian Light Infantry
What a wonderfully written tribute to a great all around gentleman !!
Sincere condolences to the family 🙏🦋
Dearest Bud, Family, and Staff,
Thank you for taking a chance on me all those years ago when I was an eager coop student. My time with you and your staff is a cherished memory. Even though my career trajectory proceeded in a different direction, I am grateful for your honesty, mentorship and guidance. I still have the Dr. Gerrit pin you and your staff gave me on my last day and a video presentation I recorded of us together. Thank you for your friendship, your kindness, and your inspiration. You were a giant in our community. I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss today. My condolences to your family and former staff. Thank you for everything.
Fun to be with. Will miss him and his stories. Years ago he wrote a reference letter for me to Lt. Col Peter McQueen which I feel carried some weight in getting me to Lahr West Germany to manage the Civilian Dental Clinic. Best 5 consecutive years of my life.
On behalf of all ranks of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Regimental Headquarters, please accept our condolences on the recent passing of Thomas Arthur Bradley, a proud member of our Regiment. His name will be added to our Last Post so his Regiment and friends whom he served with will remember his spirit and history.
A/ Regimental Major
Maj Brandon Edge
Regimental Warrant Officer
WO Bill A. Grady, CD
Bud was a valued colleague of mine in the House of Commons from 1984 to 1993. They use to say that parliament was made up of farmers and lawyers like me, but when we serve there were more dentists like Bud than either farmers or lawyers.
My heartiest condolences to his family! RIP
Our condolences to the family with your loss. Sending you hugs tracy
I’m sorry to lose my favorite seat mate in the House of Commons, from so many years ago. Bud was a really “good ‘ol guy”. We sometimes talked about my dental issues, his service in the Canadian Armed Forces, and our great times together as Progressive Conservative Members of Parliament. Fare thee well Bud, from one old friend to another! Tom Siddon
Susan and family – Our deepest condolence on the loss of your husband Bud. We lost our son Brian suddenly on Nov. 4/21. We know how difficult it is.
Susan and family
Our sincere sympathy at this sad time. May your wonderful memories help to console you along your path.
Tom and Mona Inglis
My heart felt sympathy to Susan ,Michael , Sandra ,Tracey and your families .
I have such wonderful memories of working along side of Bud as his dental assistant from 1976 -79 . And also of the friendship I had with Susan ,who during that time was receptionist at the dental office .
Bud was such caring ,fun ,and compassionate person and I will always hold the memories I have close to my heart . How blessed was I to have had both Bud and Susan in my life . Thank you and behave yourself in heaven Sweet Bud ! (((HUGS)))
Our sympathies to Susan and family for your loss. We thank Bud for making his contributions to our Country and his Community. I had many opportunities in the political field to engage Bud for the betterment of our community. He was always there to help, give guidance and nurture political newbies. While attending a training course in Arnprior with a few Councillors we were able to attend a question period in Ottawa as Bud’s guest. He gave us an idea as to how federal government functioned which I appreciated. With others I had the opportunity to work with Bud on the arena community development a project we all can be proud of. He will be missed. May he Rest In Peace.
Susan and all of Bud’s family:
As I sit here watching the snow storm, I’m saddened that it and Covid concerns kept Shirley and me from being with all of you to celebrate his life. The news of Bud’s passing brought shock and a flood of memories of the things Bud and I did along with his other buddies; Bill Branston, David Marshall, George Jackson, Wayne Voakes and many others. Bud and I hitch hiking to Niagara Falls to meet his aunt inculding an obligatory trip to the arcade to buy trinkets, swimming or fishing in the canal or the mighty Grand at the dam, watching in the Branston’s kitchen as Bill, Bud, George, and Wayne gave each other Iriquois hair cuts, are just a few. As young adults we were at the University of Alberta at the same time when we had a whole lot of fun particularly on the evening we celebrated our Golden Bears trouncing Queens Golden Gaels 50-0. And finally in 2005 Bud, David, George and I reuniting to fish off the pier at Port Maitland. A life well lived remains with us always.
Love Shirley and Ron
Dear Sue, I am sorry to read about your dear Bud and send my deepest condolences to you and your family. I remember him fondly and will never forget his great big smile. The stories of his antics are heart warming and I hope these treasured memories will bring a smile to your face in good time. Sending a hug, Jennifer Bennett
So sorry to hear of your loss. Jen and I remember our trip to Ottawa where Bud showed us around parliament. He even took us to a restaurant on Parliament Hill and introduced Jen and I to escargot. We thought we’d died and gone to heaven eating such posh food on the taxpayer’s dime. He was a stellar human being.
Dear Bradley family
Susan and Drew,Tracy,Sandra,Nicole,Micheal and family.
The Transition of Bud is truly heavy in our hearts too.
Yet We can only imagine your grief as a family at this time.
Bud leaves us though with great memories and wonderful examples for the following generations.
The legacies Bud has left to us all are truly mountainous,and we would all do well to have noted his ways.
Without judgement on others it was wonderful to have learned from Buds objective and constructive thinking. Kim and l were blessed to have experienced time with Buds thoughtfulness.
I am sure as Bud moves on that from time to time we will feel his guiding hand and assurances from his warm smiles and words of wisdom… God bless you man!!
Love from the All the Deamudes ~ Tom &Kim
Candace,Dacota,Jodie Brooklynn,KenZ and Dallas
◦
Sending my condolences to the family, friends, constituents and, to the community.
Thank you for your service Bud.
R.I.P.
On behalf of all ranks of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Regimental Headquarters, please accept our condolences on the recent passing of Thomas Bradley, a proud member of our Regiment. His name will be added to our Last Post so his Regiment and friends whom he served with will remember his spirit and history.
Regimental Warrant Officer
WO Bill A. Grady, CD
Regimental Adjutant
Capt Jason M. Sukstorf
I was saddened to learn of the passing of a friend, a colleague and a wonderful man. Bud and I served in the House of Commons for many years and dear Susan knows more than most, what a great time we had together. He was highly respected by the Progressive Conservative Caucus for his clear thinking and insightful thoughts, freely expressed and widely accepted. Bud and I had a great visit to Meaford Military training centre with The Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin & Halton Regt.) under the direction of Col. Frank Ching. His interest in the well being of our Armed Forces was evident in his good works as an MP.
My thoughts and prayers are with Susan and the entire family. Bud truly earned his eternal rest. See you on the other side Bud.