Brad was a warm presence with a jolt of energy. He was always “on,” and in the best way possible. Our cousin Chris mentioned those annual drives down to California, which were the highlight of every summer. As we grew up and moved out, we’d see each other at weddings or family reunions… so when the Conners moved up to Oregon, I was thrilled.
Brad was a constant source of levity and wit. I don’t have a single memory of him without a smile on his face. Before the Conners moved up here, there was hardly a family gathering where I could geek out about Metallica or one-up each other trying to get a laugh out of the room.
Brad and I also shared some deep conversations on occasion. I called on him more than once to try and help me make sense of the world around me. We didn’t see things exactly the same, but it was the type of conversation that strengthened a bond and deepened our understanding of those views.
I’ll forever admire my cousin Brad for the way he lived his life, in a way that is more selfless and loving than many of us are truly capable. He set the bar for us all to aspire.
