April 23, 1948 — March 22, 2018
Monte L. Bradford passed away peacefully on March 22, 2018, after a courageous and brief battle with brain cancer. Monte was born on April 23, 1948, to parents, Carolyn Olson Bradford and Lionel James Bradford. He spent his childhood in Holladay, where he spent many fun hours playing with his cousins: Steve, Mike and Elaine.
He was a boy who loved adventure. He enjoyed playing “Cowboys” and was a big fan of the “Lone Ranger.” As he grew into a young man, he developed a great love for music and accumulated an impressive set of 45s as well as a 12-string Rickenbacker guitar. He enjoyed cars and restored an Austin Healey.
Monte attended Granite and Olympus high schools, graduating from Granite High School in 1966. He continued his education at the University of Utah. Monte spent many years in management for Safeway stores and was also an owner of an ice cream store, along with his brother David, in Utah Valley.
In 1981, Monte met his soul mate in Marie Midey. They married on Aug. 21, 1983. It was at this time that Monte joined Marie in her already established antique business, Shady Lane Antiques. This put his entrepreneurial and management skills to good use and allowed Monte and Marie to work side by side. Since 1993, the business has been located at The Depot Mall in Cedar City, Utah.
They made a wonderful team, each with their own unique strengths and abilities. Monte was never in a hurry but accomplished massive amounts every day. He was a true example of “slow and steady wins the race.”
Monte and Marie loved to go to auctions. They traveled to the Midwest each winter to buy for the store. Monte was a master packer. He could get an amazing amount on a trailer and bring it safely back home no matter the weather.
Monte was a big fan of talk radio and always enjoyed a good discussion on politics. Not a fan of big government, he was a champion of the small businessman. Monte was devoted to his sweet wife. He was a kind and attentive husband. He always opened the car door for her, brought her a drink for the day and kissed her goodbye when he went anywhere.
Monte was a great father to Matthew, Rob and Randy, as well as a generous grandpa to Ashley, Talan, Parker and Dalton.
Monte is survived by his wife, Marie Bradford; sons Matthew Bradford, Rob Richman and Randy Richman; grandchildren Ashley Baker (Everett), Talan, Parker and Dalton; brother, David Bradford; and his beloved cousins Steve, Mike and Elaine.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carolyn Olson Bradford and Lionel James Bradford.
His family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.
Marie,
I met you briefly about ten years ago. Monte was perming your hair in the driveway when I crossed the road to get your telephone number for our family and specifically my mom, Monte’s aunt, Dawna Bradford.
I have not been able to attend your visits up here with the planned cousins dinners. I truly missed out!
I wanted to share my condolences about the passing of Monte. It was so horribly sudden although it may have been a blessing towards the long-suffering end of cancer.
I hope you are finding help to ease the difficult adjustment to your life, and if you return to Salt Lake for another visit, I would love to spend some time with you. My siblings, Steve, Mike and Elaine are all eager to see you and lend any kind of helping hand you might need, there or wherever it might arise. You are in our continued thoughts and prayers.
Merrillyn Bradford Butterfield