In Passing – October 2014

In Memorium: John Bradley M.D., The Consummate Gentleman

Sam Benjamin

On May 24, 2014, SaddleBrooke lost one of its finest residents. Dr. John Bradley died peacefully at Casa de la Luz Hospice in Tucson.

He is greatly missed by his lovely wife, Marilynn, his daughters, Linda and Carol, his extended family and many friends.

John, a retired physician (internist), enjoyed a highly successful medical practice in Minneapolis for 35 years. Born in Ely, Nevada, on February 16, 1928, he received his M.D. from George Washington University Medical School in 1951, being the youngest member of his class. He was held in high esteem by his colleagues who recognized his extensive medical knowledge. He was a caring clinician, known for his special gift of listening carefully to his patients, offering them comfort and easing their fears.

He was a man of many talents, winning several Senior Doubles Tennis Championships in the Twin Cities during the 1980s. He also was a fearless skier on the Aspen slopes, a voracious reader and a talented musician. John had a natural musical ear and played the cornet, piccolo trumpet and organ with exceptional ability. Not generally known was the fact that Harry James once invited the young John to audition for his famous band. However, this dream was quickly squelched by John’s mother, who prevailed in her desire to see her son become a doctor.

When John moved to SaddleBrooke in 2005, he transferred his athletic skills to the Table Tennis Club where he continued to excel.

Becoming an active member, he volunteered his services as Social Chairman. Many of the new members benefited from his genuine encouragement and his unabashed enjoyment of the game.

Throughout the years, he played four or five times a week, demonstrating his quick reflexes and tricky angle shots. He was an enthusiastic competitor, garnering several gold medals at the Tucson Senior Olympics and the Green Valley Senior Games. He was renowned in the club for his spirited and unfailing sense of humor. Many remember his favorite saying, “76 Trombones,” when the score was seven to six. He would always encourage his partners and other players, especially beginners, ending the game with his sincere compliment, “I’ve never seen you play better.”

As a retired physician, John kept up with medical literature and retained his professional knowledge and judgment. Many of his colleagues appreciated discussing perplexing medical issues with him. He always spoke highly of Marilynn and his wonderful family. He was a very special man.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at the Vistoso Memorial Chapel, 2285 E. Rancho Vistoso Boulevard in Oro Valley on October 25, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in his name to Casa de la Luz Hospice Foundation, 7740 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, Arizona 85704 where John received beautiful care the last days of his life.