The kind, loving, beautiful blue-eyed heart of our family passed away from complications following lung surgery on January 10th, 2022 - lovingly held by his three children and his wife, Wendie. We sent him to the other side softly singing “Here Comes the Sun”, knowing that although our hearts are broken, the love and kindness he shared throughout his life will continue forever.
Bradley K. Worthen was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 17th, 1950 to Keith J. and Lorraine Worthen. Brad spent his childhood exploring the foothills near Millcreek Canyon, which contributed to his lifelong love and appreciation of nature. Brad graduated from Skyline High in 1968, but more importantly during his teen years he developed his love of music. Brad was lucky enough to see many concerts - Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin at Lagoon, Neil Young at ParkWest and The Rolling Stones in New York City. We remember all the good tunes being played on the console stereo and attending many concerts with our dad, showing us how important music is for the soul.
Brad married his “sweet” Wendie Ferguson on October 11, 1973. They created a beautiful family together. They traveled around the west in a VW bus exploring Native American ruins and collecting beautiful pottery. They also loved traveling the Pacific Coast and enjoyed a trip to Alaska. Later they made many return trips to the beach with the family where Brad enjoyed the warm sun and watching his grandkids play in the ocean.
Brad is survived by his beautiful wife Wendie, sister Kim Beck (Jared), brother Jon Worthen (Susan), many nieces and nephews who thought of him as their favorite uncle, children Codi Schreck (Blake), Coleman Worthen (Calah), Caitlin Newland (Brinton) grandson Graham Bradley Schreck and granddaughter Holden Dawn Newland. Papa will be welcomed by his “little darlin’”, best friend and granddaughter Lucy Cate Schreck who passed away in 2019.
Brad loved the simple things - a hot cup of coffee, a sunny day, some loud tunes with the windows down, but mostly he loved spending time with family. He was genuinely so excited to see people - his eyes lighting up, telling you he loves you and giving you his full attention. He made everyone feel special and never said a bad thing about anyone. He was so positive (“when I win the lottery…”) and always told us things will work out. We will take these gifts with us and always try to be as kind, optimistic and appreciative of life as he was. To honor our dad, he would want you to “shower the people you love with love.” We love you so much, dad. Thank you for being who we all needed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday January 22, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Red Butte Garden - in the Orangerie, 300 S. Wakara Way Salt Lake City. Masks are required.
Brad was such a wonderful, loving, positive man. I have so many warm memories of him. He included me and my family like we were his own children. He comforted us during the most difficult of times. He always gave me a hug and told me how happy he was to see me. He was the shining example of love, acceptance, happiness, and kindness. He touched my heart in many ways and we are so sad for his passing. We love you Brad, and we rest a little easier knowing that you are at peace and happy with Lucy and you're family that has passed on before. We'll miss you and love you.
It was my privilege to have worked with Brad for 12 years in the office products industry and to have known him for many years after. He was truly one of the kindest gentleman that you would ever want to know. His upbeat, yet practical nature, of any situation, was refreshing. He had a great sense of humor. His ability to see things for what they really was was truly a gift that he shared. His love of music broadened my scope of artists and genre. I worked with Brad when CD's and CD players came about. After scratchy LP's, bleed through 8 track tape players, and hissing cassette tape noise, CD's were the BOMB. Brad had had somebody invite him over to listen to a CD. I remember, like it was yesterday, Brad saying "I heard Neil Young sing "Old Man" on a CD and I thought I had died and gone to heaven." Well, not long after we had both bought a CD player and was building our CD library. I worked along side Brad unloading and warehousing freight, furniture, and every kind of office product item you can think of. It was truly my honor to have met, worked along side, and to have known him.
I am deeply sadend to hear of the loss of my dear friend he will be greatly missed but never forgotten my prayers go out to his family and may God give you comfort and peace in this time of need 🙏❤
Right after Highschool, I went to work for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. in 1970, Brad was one of the first people I met. He welcomed me and made me feel right at home, took me under his wing so to speak, and became good friends, Iv always looked up to him and admired him. He was a gentle peaceful soul. He had a love for music, and passed that on to me, a wide variety. I have so many good memories of Brad. I have tried to keep in some contact with him throughout the years. It saddens me to see him go, but he will still be with me in my heart. R.I.P. Bladley You are Loved
Wendy and Children.
I was a childhood friend of Brads. We were neighbors and best friends growing up. I was the best man at your wedding. We moved apart after as I was in college. Brad was a dear friend and I am so sorry for yourself loss. He was a wonderful person and a lot of fun to be around. It saddens me that we moved apart as we aged. I’m not sure how well you remember me but I remember you. The two of you were a great couple. My heart goes out to you, your children, and the Worthen family. I would have come today but had complications with my schedule. All my deepest sympathy.