John W. Bradford
John W. Bradford, 81 of Red Lodge, passed away at the St.
John’s Transitional Care Cottage in Billings, on January 29,
2011, following complications from an automobile accident in
June 2010. John was born on July 31, 1929 in Livingston, MT
the son of Harry D. and Louise (Willis) Bradford. The family
moved to Missoula and later to Billings where he graduated
from Billings Senior High in 1947. He went on to Eastern
Montana College for one semester, where he met the love of
his life, LaVetta Jacobsen. They were married on September
3, 1950 in Scobey, Montana. The new couple moved to Missoula
where John attended the University of Montana, received his
Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in 1951. He then
joined the Navy and served during the Korean War.
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, John and
LaVetta moved to Billings where he went to work as a Landman
for Mobile Oil Company. In 1956, he joined his father Harry
at Bradford Roofing. He continued with the business,
accepted his sons to continue his legacy, and retired in
1994. The couple enjoyed their home in Red Lodge, beginning
in 1988, commuting to Billings every day!
As a business owner and entrepreneur, John was very involved
in many professional organizations and civic groups. He was
a past president of Midwest Roofing Contractors Assn., Past
President of the National Roofing Contractors Assn.,
recipient of the MaCauley Award from the MRCA, and
participated in various industry organizations. He was
instrumental in the development of the Montana Roofing
Contractors Association. He served on many boards during his
career, including the board of directors for the Yellowstone
Boys and Girls Ranch, Billings Chamber of Commerce,
Deaconess Hospital, Northern Rockies Cancer Treatment
Center, and Rocky Mountain College. He also served as a
trustee for School District 2. Civic involvements include
past membership in the Billings Optimist Club, the Billings
Downtown Rotary, and the Red Lodge Rotary. John enjoyed his
club involvements including the Yellowstone Country Club,
the Laurel Country Club, and Pueblo del Sol Country Club. He
was a member of the Al Bedoo Shrine, and was in the G. I.
Drill Squad. He was also Mason and a member of the Scottish
Rite. Throughout his life, John was an avid Griz fan. Go
Griz!
John is survived by his wife LaVetta of Billings; children
Tracy (Dave) Brekke of Bozeman, Dane (Sandy) Bradford of
Billings and Tom (Carol) Bradford of Billings; grandchildren
Tom and Alex Brekke, Jens and Jake Bradford; his dog Annie,
which survived the car accident, and lots of grand-dogs!
Cremation has taken place. Memorial Services will be held at
3:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at Kathy Lillis
Chapel on the Campus of St. John’s Lutheran Ministries (on
Mission Way off of Shiloh Rd.)
Memorials may be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Beartooth Hospital Foundation in Red Lodge. Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and remembrances may be shared with the family at www.michelottisawyers.com or mailed to LaVetta Bradford, 3840 Rimrock Road #1417, Billings, MT 59102.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
Vetta,
Tom and families, we are so sorry to hear about John's death. We can't
tell you how often we have talked and thought about him, and you, Vetta,
since that terrible accident.
Vetta, we enjoyed you and John so much, and truly think you are one of
the finest couples we have ever known.
Our sympathies and Blessings to all.
Very sincerely, Dean and Vera Bassett
Lavetta: Sid and I are very sad for you and your family. We know John was a number one family man and will be sorely missed. We are praying for peace for you. Sid & Betty Griffith
Dear LaVetta, Tracy, Dane, Tom and families,
I was so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I know this has been a
difficult few months for you since the accident. John was an
important part of my life as a child. He was really the only cousin
I ever knew. My fondest memory is the time he took me up in his
plane when I was a college student at MSU. He was a great husband,
father, businessman, and an asset to the city of Billings. He truly
lived his life to the fullest.
With our greatest sympathy,
Ron and Holly Peterson
About 40 years ago I met John and LaVetta.
Class people. They exude it. John was a natural, talented and
affable leader and he owned one of the most disarming smiles ever
made. I know he will be missed.
Sincerely,
Jerry Hanson