Michael William Bradbury

A Life of Love, Laughter, and Legacy

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved family patriarch, Michael W. Bradbury, who passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in Simi Valley, CA. He was 84 years old.

Born on May 19, 1941, in American Fork, Utah, Mike was the oldest son of George Whitney Bradbury and Naomi Crystal. He spent his formative years in Butte, Montana, where he enjoyed playing football, baseball, basketball, and track. After high school, he served a two-and-a-half-year church mission in Brazil. Mike then went on to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of Southern California, always remaining a loyal football fan to both schools.

Mike had a distinguished career as an Aerospace Engineer at Hughes Aircraft Company, where he worked for over 30 years. Outside of work, he loved fishing, backpacking, and spending time in the High Sierra mountains. He was deeply involved in Scouting and helped many young men achieve their Eagle Scout Awards. Mike also had a famous love for ice cream, believing a bowl of it could make anything better calling it the “staff of life.”

He always said his greatest achievement was convincing his wife, Darlene, to marry him. They were married for 62 years, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mike’s life was defined by his love for his Savior and his family. He considered his family his greatest joy and was a steady, unwavering presence for his children and grandchildren, always ready to serve others.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene, and their five children:

• Steven (whose late wife was Tiffany)

• Kristi (and her husband, Brett)

• Debra (and her husband, Victor)

• Jonathan (and his wife, Cynthia)

• Robert (and his wife, Jennifer)

He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Tyler (wife Ariel), Jenna (husband Talyon), Madelyn, Nicholas, Amanda, Emily, Austin, and Finnley, as well as three great-grandchildren: Peter, Ruby, and Arthur.

Mike had a remarkable way of finding humor in every situation. Whether it was his perfectly timed one-liners or his goofy impressions, Mike's presence filled a room with warmth and joy. His playful spirit and unending supply of dad jokes were a constant reminder to not take life too seriously, and those memories will continue to bring comfort to everyone who knew him. He will be dearly missed.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 3979 Township Avenue, Simi Valley, CA.