Darrell Gene Bradley

1959 - 2016

DARRELL GENE BRADLEY Darrell Gene Bradley's journey came to an end February 3rd, 2016 at the age of 56. He passed away peacefully in his wife's arms after losing his battle with cancer. His final days were spent at his home in Arcata, CA with his wife Judy, his dog Louie and Spike the cat. Darrell was born October 25th, 1959 in Cedar City, UT to parents Walter and Sandra Bradley. He grew up in his father's hometown of Napa, CA and spent his summers in Trinidad and Willow Creek with his grandparents. At age 17, Darrell convinced his father to allow him to enlist in the Army. While serving in the Army he was assigned to units in Germany and Washington state as a field artilleryman. His love for Humboldt County brought him back to Willow Creek after completing his Army service. He held various jobs until being hired as a logger by Pacific Lumber and moving to Scotia, CA. He worked as a logger until he suffered a serious back injury which ended his career as a logger. After recovery, Darrell began driving for Wayne Bare Trucking in Arcata where he met Judy Powers. They fell in love and were married December 13th, 2014. In 2009, Darrell began hauling timber for Sierra Pacific Industries. He drove for them until the disease forced him to stop. Darrell loved the outdoors and hauling timber provided him the unique opportunity to see and experience the wild backcountry of Humboldt, Trinity, and Shasta counties; places few people ever see. He loved hunting and fishing and being able to take his son Aaron with him when the opportunity arose. Darrell was a prolific reader and loved history. He possessed a wonderful knowledge of the local history and great wealth of knowledge of our family's past. Darrell met many unique and wonderful people, many becoming life long friends. He would do all that he could to help when needed. His many friends have returned the favor and have provided greatly appreciated support to his wife Judy during this sad time. Darrell is preceded in death by grandparents, Victor and Lavella Bradley of Willow Creek and his father, Walter Bradley Sr. of Napa. He leaves behind his wife Judy Powers-Bradley of Arcata, his son Aaron Bradley of Fortuna, his brother Walter Bradley Jr. (and Laura) of Sierra Vista, AZ, his nephew Eric (and Jill) Bradley of Spartanburg, SC, his nephew William Bradley of Phoenix, AZ, his niece Christine Bradley of Tucson, AZ, his Uncle Allen (and Julie) Bradley of Roseville, CA, his half-brother Randy Barnhill (and Carmal) of Amarillo, TX, and numerous other family members. A service for family and friends to celebrate Darrell's life will be held April 9th at the Swiss Hall in Beatrice, CA. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com under obituaries. Darrell was stoic in his battle with cancer until the end. He is off to better hunting grounds and roads to ride. We will miss you.