David George Bradt

David George Bradt, our Davie Baby, Bradtski, Dad, and Grandpa, age 83, passed away peacefully in Murray, Utah on December 29, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara Heitsman Bradt, and three daughters: Lauri (Timothy) Lunde, K. Leah Place, and Sara (Rick) Dieter. He was beloved by many grandchildren: Clinton Ahaise Bradt, Annika Place, Edison Place, Zach Partlow, Daniel Partlow, Bethany Lunde, Rebekah Shaw, Abigail Lunde, and Anna Lunde. He will also be mourned by many great grandkids, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mildred and Myron “Clifford” Bradt, and sister, Joan Snyder.

Dave was born on June 23, 1939 and raised in Alabama, New York. His house did not have indoor plumbing and he would go next door to his aunt’s house with a bucket to retrieve water. Their “running water” involved Dave running next door for water. He was in the first graduating class of the new Oakfield-Alabama Central High School in 1957. When the new Ford Thunderbirds came out, he skipped high school to go see them at the dealership. Although he got in trouble and had detention, he indicated that it was really worth it, and he would do it again.

Dave graduated from Erie County Technical Institute and went on to get a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Dave started his career working as an electrical engineer when the technology of the day was vacuum tube technology. This involved manipulating a wire filament in a vacuum tube and, hence, controlling electrical flow. He contributed to the computers for Titan II and Titan III, the Gemini project, the Saturn guidance system for Apollo spacecraft, and the computer system on AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft. While he continued to work at the same facility in Owego, New York, the division he worked for changed hands from IBM to Loral and eventually to Lockheed Martin. He essentially held the same job for the entirety of his 40-year career.

He and Barbara raised their three daughters in Apalachin, New York. He was an involved and playful father. The girls remember him laying on his back so the girls could “fly” like superman on his feet and hands. He taught them to ski, bike and water ski. After retirement, he relocated to Steamboat Springs, Colorado where he enjoyed skiing the champagne powder. In later years, he divided time between Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Murray, Utah.

Skiing has been a passion since he first learned on a rope tow outside Binghamton, NY. The Triple Cities Ski club was a place where he found kindred spirits, life-long friends, and where he met Barb. Some of his fondest memories were from ski trips to Vermont, Colorado, and Europe. He volunteered on the Greek Peak Ski Patrol for 14 years and volunteered as an Ambassador at Steamboat Ski Resort for 10 years. He also enjoyed cheering on his favorite athletes at the Winter Olympics, attending them in ‘80 at Lake Placid, ‘02 in Salt Lake City, and ‘06 in Torino, Italy. He continued to ski through the age of 81.

Cars and car racing were another passion. He loved and appreciated the engineering of Formula 1 cars. He also followed and attended NASCAR races across the country, with his favorite track being in Kansas City, where he could share the experience with his grandchildren and daughter, Leah. He enjoyed owning Corvettes in his twenties, but eventually traded in his Corvette for a station wagon when his oldest child was born.

Dave is a follower of Jesus and was active in attending and supporting churches as well as other ministries. He was always willing to help out people in need and was an amazing provider for his family. Although frugal in his own spending, he was extremely generous to others.

Dave was always eager to have friends over for dinner, host guests in their home, or to travel with friends. Dave loved to joke and make people laugh. If a joke did not land as expected, he would often say, “It was a joke, except for the funny part”.

Dave thoroughly enjoyed fireworks. He enjoyed black coffee, chocolate, and rhubarb cobbler. Dave appreciated a good meal shared with friends. If apple pie was served, he would say, “Apple pie without some cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze".

Having always enjoyed travel, driving, and Willie Nelson, the song “On the Road Again” became a family tradition for anytime we set out on a new expedition. He would say, “When I’m driving, I’m on vacation.” As we remember Dave, we picture him behind the steering wheel with Willie playing on the stereo.

A gathering for Salt Lake City friends will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Le Jardin, 1910 E Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, UT 84092. Casual attire. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. If you would like to share a favorite memory of Dave with his family, please visit larkincares.com.

Dave chose to donate his body to science in hopes that his donation may advance medical research.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Dave’s legacy of generosity. Consider donating blood in his honor as he was sustained by blood transfusions in the last 2 years of his life. Share a meal with loved ones, get ‘fresh tracks’ skiing powder, tell a joke, look in awe at fireworks, make a child laugh, give generously, be kind and love well.