On May 6, 2025, on the morning of his 82nd birthday, we said goodbye to Stefan (Steven) John Bradley after a short fight with lung disease.
Steven is survived by Alicia (nee Nelms), his beloved wife and soul mate of 38 years, and his children Dayna (Andrea), Aaron (Julia) and Mark (Alina). He deeply loved his mother-in-law Ina, and he was a beloved brother-in-law to David (Maggie), Leanne (Richard) and Margaret. Adoring grandfather to Nathan and the most proud uncle to Aiden (Hayley), Maria, Brenden, Jessica, Allyson (Gavin), Matthew, Drew and Dylan (Belan). Steven had a deep loving connection to the Nelms and Simpson families and with his family in Yorkshire, England. Steven was predeceased by 2 of his favourite people: his nephew Matthew Nelms and his brother Peter, who we imagine are already sharing a scotch and a round of golf together.
For those of you who knew Steven, no description is necessary, and for those of you who didn’t, none will properly suffice. Steven was a family man who was devoted to all of his kids—it was not uncommon for him to call every child and niece and nephew in quick succession, making calls around the group until someone answered. He loved his dog D’Arcy, playing golf, a good gin martini and a shiny sports car, having owned more than 58 cars in his lifetime, 12 of those being Corvettes. Steven could often be found tending to the lawn, his true pride and joy, or in the driveway cleaning the car which was his happy place.
Steven was a one-of-a-kind human: his kindness to others showed no bounds, his love language of ‘gift giving’ being bestowed on others freely; he made friends wherever he went and was remembered by anyone who met him; he connected with people on a deep level and made people feel as if they were the most important person in the world. He was a charming, elegant and magnetic man and you were the lucky one if you existed in his orbit. Steven’s spirit will live on in those of us who choose to live by his example: treating everyone with respect and being generous with the love given to others.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to London Health Sciences Foundation – Palliative Care University Hospital.
A family Graveside Service will be held on Monday, May 12th at 1:00 p.m. at the Oakland Cemetery, Glencoe.
