Charles David McNamara Bradley

Charles David Bradley died in his sleep at his apartment in Orem on Friday, April 3, 2009, after an adverse reaction to medication.



Charles was born in Provo to Edward and Patricia (Thornhill) Bradley on December 17, 1983. From the time he was old enough to walk and talk, his greatest passion in life was helping other people. Whenever he saw another family member unloading the dishwasher, setting the table, or doing any task, no matter how far beyond his toddler abilities, he would rush up and exclaim, "I will do it! I will do it!" He made countless drawings and art projects for his parents and siblings, and as he got older loved to make things for others with his leather kit.



Charles graduated in 2002 from Springville High School, where he had enjoyed being in its award-winning marching band.



As P.F.C. Bradley, a/k/a "Charlie Bravo," he served with honor as a combat medic in the United States Army. He excelled professionally, most recently as a retail manager at Home Depot and Target, and had begun taking up work as a photographer.



Charles was a born romantic and found the love of his life in his fiancee Bonnie Smith.



Charles packed his years full of life. He loved to shoot things, camp, hike, bow fish, travel, and be in the great outdoors. He also loved to spend time with people, play video games and pool, dance, play practical jokes, throw parties with friends (who knew him as "Chuck"), plan elaborate dates, dress up in his impeccable style, and, most of all, to make people happy.



He has always been witty, fun-loving, thoughtful, cheerful, generous, gentle, and strong. He was a friend to everyone, especially those who needed a friend.



Charles loved his family and was proud of his heritage. He added "McNamara" to his name in honor of his Irish grandpa Charles David McNamara. Charles adorned his own body with the name "McNamara," the McNamara creed "Stability in Heaven" written in Gaelic, a shamrock, and the Bradley family crest, and led St. Patrick's Day celebrations for his niece and nephews. He was a world-class uncle and loved kids. Still a child at heart, he knew how to make things fun for them.



Charles spent the end of his life the way he had spent all of it. In his last day, he spent hours helping his parents, caring for an ailing cousin, and imparting wisdom to a nephew.



His passing leaves a void in our lives and hearts. Charles gave so much love to all of us. As we give that love to one another, he is always with us.



Charles is survived by his parents, Edward and Patricia, Mapleton; siblings: Debbie (J.D.), Orem; Ken (Sharon), Mapleton; Don, Salt Lake City; Jen and Matt (Sandy), both of Spanish Fork; Elizabeth (Brian) Couch; Bridget (Michael) Feeks; Edward, Jr., (Heidi); Margaret (Todd) Woodward, all of South Bend Indiana; and Sarah (Joe) Fink, VaIparaiso, Indiana; his fiancee Bonnie Smith; a sister-in-law Sue; a "brother" Devin Ward; "a brother by another mother" Dave Bingham; a beloved aunt Joanne Martin; nephews Aaron, Luther, Tristan, KJ, Broc, Donnie, and Nicholas; a niece Ngarie; cousins Crystal, Brandi, and Sean; a goddaughter Adalie; and numerous other nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Charles's passing will be memorialized in a service on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at the LDS chapel at 1600 N and Main, in Mapleton. A receiving line will begin at noon and the funeral at 1:00 PM. Charles's life will be celebrated in a wake held that evening.



In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a memorial fund to be established in his name at Wells Fargo Bank of Springville, Utah.