Hyrum Emerson Bradley, Jr.

On Halloween 1928, Hyrum Emerson Bradley, Jr. was born to Hyrum Emerson Bradley, Sr. and Beulah Maurice Bradley at his grandparent’s home in Eureka, Utah.  His father paid the country doctor who delivered him a bushel of apples and two dozen eggs for his services.  Ah yes, life was much less expensive, less complicated, and simpler in those days!

For the last few months he received wonderful care at Whisper Cove in Kaysville, Utah.  During the early morning hours of 07 May 2022, at the age of 93 he passed from this mortal vale from causes incident to age, and slipped away to join his loved ones who had already completed their earthly adventure.  We are confident Hy’s reunion with these loved ones is glorious, delightful, and wonderful!

After residing in Price, Utah and Provo, Utah in his early childhood, as Hy entered the fourth grade, his family relocated to Pleasant Grove, Utah, where Hy first met his future wife, Dorothy Ann Nelson and became her classmate. It would seem that the Fates had aligned the stars that would set the stage for his life-long path!  He often told the story about how he chased her incessantly at recess because (he said) he liked to watch her curls bounce when she ran.  He also said she had the most delightful scream when he caught her. They had a “catch and release” policy in those days.

In his pre-teen years, he was able to spend much of each summer on a ranch a few miles south of Price, Utah riding horses “bareback” while herding other horses and cattle.  It was really “roughing” it because there was no food grown on the ranch or potable water for humans.

In high school, he played saxophone in three dance bands, excelled academically and served as Student Body President, with Dorothy as Class Secretary.

After graduating from Pleasant Grove High School, he served in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II.  He trained as an electronics technician, and while serving in the Atlantic and Mediterranean he performed the duties of “Bridge Talker,” close to the ship’s captain during all operations.

Upon returning from the Navy, Hy was delighted to discover that Dorothy was still unfettered by marriage, and he felt motivated to immediately marry her to preclude any unforeseen and unworthy rivals from attempting to steal her away.  He quickly convinced her the days of “catch and release” had passed, and after a short courtship they went to the Salt Lake LDS Temple to be sealed for time and eternity.  They were faithful companions in all of life’s adventures until Dorothy’s passing on 15 May 2018.

He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1951.

Some decades ago, Hy retired from a long and successful career with the old telephone company in Mountain Bell and AT&T, having held numerous senior leadership assignments. He loved his work.  In his last role, he managed over 3,000 people in both New Mexico and Arizona.  Hy’s work with the old telephone company moved him and the family often.  They lived in four states (some states numerous times).  Everywhere they lived, they made cherished lifelong friendships.  During his last decades he resided in Fruit Heights, Utah, often commenting that his favorite reason for living there was his close friends and neighbors.

Hy had a sure testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and faithfully served in many capacities throughout his life.  While he served diligently in a broad spectrum of Church assignments, serving at various times as a bishop, in a stake presidency and other leadership positions, as an executive secretary, as a teacher, as a missionary with Dorothy, and in temple service, he sought most devotedly to fulfil his unending divine roles as husband and father.  Until health issues complicated matters, he continued to serve in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and live a purposeful life as a devoted, faithful servant of Christ.

Hy and Dorothy had four children: Scott (Tamara); Guy (deceased); Kirk (Rosa); and Lorraine “Lorrie” (Logan) Stapley.  To date, they have 15 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 13, from 6-8 PM at the Russon Funeral Home at 1941 N. Main St. in Farmington, Utah.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 14, at the Fruit Heights Stake Center, 170 North Mountain Road in Fruit Heights, Bishop Mike Burnett conducting.  A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 AM at the church before the service.

Interment will follow at the Farmington City Cemetery.