Brad Belden

Let there be songs to fill the air - Grateful Dead

Obituary

Bradley Thomas Belden, 08/02/1952—02/03/2026
These dates, though significant, are only end points. The real living took place in the dash -- and Brad filled his dash with love, loyalty and compassion.
Born in Fresno, CA, Brad spent most of his adult life teaching in Middletown, CA . Brad’s curiosity was insatiable and he was on a continuous quest for knowledge. Brad shared his curiosity with everyone he met. His ability to make a friend while waiting in any line was talent possessed by few. Brad generously shared his strength, intellect, and support, encouraging those qualities in others.
Brad cherished and was fiercely loyal to his family and friends. He shared two daughters, Chelsea and Cassie, with his wife Suzanne. 
He excelled in the roles of husband, father, coach, brother, son, and friend. Brad learned many things while supporting his daughters; to ski, to run raffles, tournaments and car washes, to hold horses, and to make himself available. His friendships were forever. The friends he made over 50 years ago at UC Davis continue to celebrate together. Soccer was the original glue, then marriages, families, and interest in new pursuits keep this three-generation group together.
Brad was a skilled woodworker and accepted only perfection in his finished pieces. He enjoyed giving his work as gifts. He was always looking for opportunities to help and to be of service. His accomplishments as an eagle scout prepared him to give.
Team Belden (Brad and Suzanne) taught science together for 26 years and were fortunate enough to see several students become MD’s or PhD’s. After retirement they launched Cobb Crafters Sew and Saw and Brad charmed many new friends.
Brad is survived by his wife, Suzanne, daughters Chelsea and Cassie, and brother Chris and sister Brenda.

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April 14, 2026

I counted Brad as an important friend in my life, and he is missed. Most of our contract was as colleagues at the high school, where we immediately gravitated toward one another upon my arrival there two years following his. Having both grown up in the Bay Area, we shared an understanding and appreciation for the unique place that it was and about the cultural influence it had on us, including a progressive outlook and love of the arts, especially the music that came from it. In the earlier years especially, we had many good times hanging out, enjoying a beer or two, and listing to tunes together.

As was the case for many who knew and worked with Brad, I learned a lot about carpentry and building, including the deck we built together one summer at our place in Calistoga. Closer to the truth I should say, I helped him build it. Throughout the years of our friendship, we thoroughly enjoyed spirited conversations about the conditions on the street in this country and around the world. Brad was informed, quick with an opinion and sharp as a tack. I will miss him and will always fondly remember those times, including our shared vision about doing everything we could to advance to cause of education for the students we served over our years together at the high school. I knew him as an excellent teacher and I can say with great pride that he was a valued colleague to me and to everyone who knew him at the school.

Brad Belden was good man, husband, father and friend, and I was honored to know him. Thank you for everything, Brad, and may you rest in peace.

Joe Mathews

Joe Mathews

April 12, 2026

I was very saddened to hear the news of Brad's passing, I knew he was sick, but when you get the final news he's gone it just made me depressed. There was a time in my early years at Middletown that we were very close. Brad was the Athletic Director who hired me at MHS and we coached football together for a few years. He really was a big help to me in those early years, We scouted games, went to Clinics, and partied quite a bit back in the late 80's. One thing I remember is what a great Science department we had with him and Suzanne running it.Their influence and respect made sure our Science department had everything it needed to be a first class program. My heart goes our to Suzanne and the girls, Rest in Peace Mr Belden

Bill Foltmer

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