Garr H. Bradley

Garr Hansen Bradley, a descendant of Utah pioneers, described growing up in Elsinore, Utah as a “Tom Sawyer childhood.” While his older brothers Dale and Hal were away serving in World War II, he was raised among his cousins and nephews Burke and Jon Bradley, Billy Bartley, and the Hansens: Kendal, Barth, James, and his brothers. They went to the white rock schoolhouse, worked the farms and ranches together, rode horses, and swam in the irrigation canals.

Garr was born September 13, 1937, to Vincent and Aretta Bradley in the family home in Elsinore. Garr was the grandson of John Brown Kenilworth Hansen, Elsinore’s last Utah pioneer. His brother Dale was an early radio enthusiast. In fact, Dale and Hal built the first radio tower, W7TST, in Ely, Nevada. This early exposure to electronics and the technology of the day later led to Garr’s career in metrology, calibration, and electronics repair.

Garr joined the Army in 1960 and served in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). He met friends there that he kept his entire life. Of his many Army stories, his favorite was firing the cannons at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy. While stationed in Washington, DC, he met Patricia Ann Good, whom he married in 1962. Garr and Pat eventually settled in Rosamond, California, and had three children: Chavonne, Michael, and Scott.

Garr’s skills with electronics led to a career at the Edwards Air Force Base. From 1967 to 1999, he worked in the calibration lab for RCA and other contractors. He spent the last 10 years of his career managing the lab for Lockheed Martin. He was most proud of the work he performed in support of the space shuttle program.

Garr began karate lessons with Richard Triplett at the Okinawa-Te dojo in 1993. He went on to become a first-degree brown belt. He loved the physical challenges and sparring and later became an instructor. He loved to watch his grandchildren take lessons and was proud of their accomplishments.

Garr loved a good story, some factual and others more tongue-in-cheek. Family and local history were important to him. He was a Kern Antelope Historical Society member and eagerly awaited the monthly newsletter and meetings.

Garr believed a man should do for himself whatever he could before hiring it out to someone else. He fixed and maintained his own cars, machines, and tools and built his own house. From 1979 to 1982, he spent every workday, evening, and weekend constructing a home for his family. He later helped his daughter Chavonne and son-in-law Don Sladek completely remodel their home. He was a man with a library of practical skills, and his family and friends always consulted him before starting a new project.

Garr passed away peacefully on October 17, 2023, in the bedroom of the house he built and lived in for 41 years. He will return to Elsinore to be buried in the family cemetery next to his parents. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Dad, you will always be the straight stick we measure against.

He is survived by the love of his life, Pat Bradley; his daughter Chavonne (husband Don Sladek), son Michael Bradley (wife Terra), and son Scott (wife Chris); his grandchildren Jeff Bradley (wife Stacey), Brandon Blair, Christina Santiago, Cari Sladek, Asya Bradley, Kathy Gilbert, and his namesake Garr Bradley; and his great-grandchildren Anthony, Blake, Jacob, Isiah, Jeffrey, Grant, Grace, Athena, Ryder, and Apollo.

We would also like to thank Julian Salas for helping with Garr’s care.

Lancaster Services: Memorial Services will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 11:00 AM in Grace Chapel, 44648 15th Street West, Lancaster, CA. Reception to follow in the chapel.

Utah Services: Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 12 PM in the Springer Turner Funeral Home at 260 North 400 West in Richfield. Friends and family may call for viewings on Sunday, November 5, from 6:00-8:00 PM and Monday, November 6, from 10:30–11:30 AM.

Following the funeral, burial with military honors accorded by the J.C. Jensen American Legion Post #75 and the Utah Honor Guard will occur on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Elsinore Cemetery. Lunch will be provided by the Elsinore Relief Society at the Elsinore Ward Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, Garr can be honored with a donation to the following organizations (Please list Garr’s name in the memo):

Okinawa-te Karate, Zelle 661-609-7241, or mailed to 44211 10th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534

Kern Antelope Historical Society, Zelle 661-609-8757, or mailed to P.O. Box 1255, Rosamond, CA 93560

FUNERAL SERVICES