Brad Barton

Every man dies. Not every man really lives. William Wallace, Braveheart

Brad Christopher Barton, #23. (March 5, 1980 October 4, 2011).

Born in Bountiful, raised in Farmington, Utah (Heaven as Brad put it), by his two best friends and heroes, Pamela Parrish Barton and Noel Reneer Barton. Brad packed a lot of life into 31 years. According to Brad, his greatest moments are a District Championship won at Farmington Jr. High, a reigning career as family tennis champion (and also an undefeated collegiate tennis record, 1-0), a flawless pick-up ball career, a 14-0 record, a Big Sky Championship and an NCAA berth at Weber State, and every beautiful moment spent within the lines (or as far outside the bounds as he wanted to play) of the basketball court.

When dealt diabetes at 14, Brad continuously commented, Worse things have happened to better people. The toughest, most competitive, comedic, loyal, thoughtful, passionate and compassionate friend to all. Gratitude and optimism were his core, knowledge and wit were at his fingertips, and he was the life of every party. He had more friends than anyone has relatives, said his father.

Basketball was his life. He played at Farmington Jr. High, Davis High, BYU-Hawaii, Weber State and professionally for BBC Nyon, in Switzerland. He was an assistant coach at Viewmont High School, student assistant coach at Weber State, ran and co-founded the Barton Basketball Academy, coached in Switzerland, played exhibition ball in China, ran programs in Turkey, instructed coaches in China, assistant coach at Snow College and College of Eastern Utah, and current Utah State University Eastern head coach. He was also an individual and personal coach to hundreds of players and coaches.

He loved the Savior. John 15:13.

Survived by parents, Noel and Pam. Siblings Brian & Emily, (Taylor, Tanner), Bret & Sarah (Brian, Travis, Peter, Lucy), Brenda & Jeremy Whicker (Cade, Jace, Colby), Brooke & Jeran Van Alfen (Jayda, Judd, Jett).

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, 11:00 a.m. at the Dee Events Center. Family and friends may call Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 N. Main, Farmington UT and from 9:00-10:45 a.m. at the Dee Event Center prior to services. Interment- Farmington City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to any Zions Bank in the name of Brad Barton. Donations will be used for a basketball scholarship fund for Utah State Eastern Basketball.

Winners ball. Tomorrow is a promise to no one. Be good. 23.