Obituary for Bradley Allen Eldridge

Bradley Allen Eldridge passed away peacefully in St Ann’s Palliative Care Unit, age 42, on September 9, 2014. He spent his childhood years at Central College Presbyterian Church and choose to worship at the Vineyard his adult life. He enjoyed being very active in Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout. Brad attended Westerville South High School, graduating with honors; lettering in academics, cross country, swimming, track, all four years. He was in the choral singing group and the play Grease. He was also a class officer. He graduated from Otterbein with honors and a proud member of Pi Kappa Phi. At 19 years of age, he became a quadriplegic. That didn’t stop him from embracing life to the fullest. He was a speaker for Think First, and assistant RA for two years while in OSU’s graduate school. He lived at Creative Living, where he could be very independent; was the Resident Manager. His apartment showed his love of nature and the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Brad annually vacationed in the up north all of his young life and returned twice in his adult life, much to his family’s joy. He flew to Connecticut to be interviewed on the Gale King Show. He loved all his UDC friends and the fun times they shared. He loved his Steelers. Brad was a Lay Councilor for the Vineyard. Brad had a thrust knowledge and enjoyed seeking out other’s viewpoints and also loved helping others with life’s problems. His positive influence will continue to live in our hearts and minds. Brad is preceded in death by his beloved Granddaddy and Grandmamma Miller, Grandpa Eldridge, and nephew Jeremy Burns. He will be lovingly missed by his family: parents Becky and Denny, brothers Steve (Marijane), Byan (Missy), their children, Liberty and Hope; Jeff (Shelly), Brad dearly loved being an uncle to Brandon (Veronica), Allyson, and Madison. He will also be missed by Aunt Marsha and Uncle Dan Molloy and cousins Donny, Elizabeth (Steve), and little Christian. We wish to thank all of the health care people that have touched Brad’s life…Dr. Michael Waluzak, Ty Ward, and staff; staff of St. Ann’s Hospital, special thanks to the Palliative Care Unit; his home health care staff; and many others who have given him so much loving care. Family will receive friends 4 to 7 PM Thursday at HILL FUNERAL HOME, 220 S. State St., Westerville where a Celebration of His Life will take place at 10:30 AM Friday. Interment following at Trenton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers his family has suggested gifts to Creative Living, 150 W. 10th Ave. Columbus OH 43201.Brad’s life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by him understand the quality of life far exceeds the quantity of time in which he lived.