10/29/1928 – 8/27/2025

Donald Leslie Bradford was born October 29, 1928 in Seney, MI. When Don was six years old, the family moved to California to the Blue Lakes area of Lake County, where they resided in an old stagecoach stop. At a young age he worked harvesting seasonal produce, he also hunted and fished for family food. In 1941, his mother and siblings moved to Santa Rosa, CA. He enjoyed his High School years especially woodworking, a skill that came naturally and followed him for life.

In 1947, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He became a Radio Operator Specialist and an M1 rifle expert. When the Korean conflict broke out Don was sent to South Korea, where he was attached to a mechanized tank company as a radio operator for the 1st Marine Division and spent a year on the front lines of the conflict. In 1951 he was honorably discharged holding the rank of Staff Sargent.

Don met the love of his life, Dorothy May Stocke. They were eventually married in January in 1952. Together they raised six children, five sons and a daughter.

After the military duty, Don worked various jobs including Television repair. In 1957 he accepted a position with Pacific Bell as a troubleshooter, working out of Point Arena, CA with Microwave Transmission, a new technology at that time. In 1960, Don moved his family and transferred to the Wolf Mountain Microwave Transmission Tower in Grass Valley, CA as a Microwave Communications Specialist. Don was promoted to a staff engineer and transferred to Sacramento, CA where he would continue his work until retiring at the age of 62.Don was a member of the Toastmaster International Club and the Knights of Columbus. In the 1970’s, Don became an avid runner joining the local Slow Poke running club. He eventually became a marathon runner, participating in marathons and other races around the world. One of the greatest accomplishments in running was completing the Western States 100 mile endurance run at the age of 59.

Don is survived by his wife of 73 years, Dorothy, children Darrell, Terry (Roxanne), Dana (John), Chris (Judy), Todd, Kirk (Nora), six grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and sister Glenda (Jim). He was preceded in death by his father Leslie, mother Neva and four siblings.

A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Hooper & Weaver Mortuary with Military Honors. A private burial will take place at St. Patrick Catholic Veterans Cemetery following the service. Following the private interment, friends and family are invited to a gathering at Eskaton Village, Grass Valley.

Our family would like to thank Hospice and Eskaton for all of their care and support.