Bradley Keith Milner

I don't even know where to start. So let's start 35 years ago when Steph and I were dubbed Salt and Pepper from Brad.

Through the years he was a constant. At our farm all the time helping when my dad was hurt. Letting us help feed the ducks.

But also. Traumatized for life by Brad. Chickens. He raised them from eggs to the dinner plate. I still struggle to eat eggs or chicken.

I recently told Steph a memory of him that is permanent. Steph found a nest of some sort. When I came over, we used her little container used for teeth for the tooth fairy. We put the babies (assuming mice) in the little container and put them under the heat lamp with the eggs and chick's so they would be safe. Our little minds didn't realize we fried whatever these little creatures were. Brad wasn't mad. I just remember hearing him telling someone about them while we were supposed to be upstairs playing.

Sorry Brad and Deb!!! Haha ❤️❤️

December 7,2024

I met Brad more than 45 years ago at East Lambton Secondary School. He was popular, cute and athletic. I was none of these things but somehow we started to date in our senior year. While most of our first dates were going to Brad’s junior hockey games and having fun with the team and their girlfriends, we often visited Brad’s grandpa Ross in the hospital or at the farm. Barely 18 years old, watching Brad love and care for his grandpa and take on the responsibilities of the farm-I could see he was much more than just a cute boy.
We married young, started to fix up our little home and did some travelling. One of my favourite memories — in the late 80’s (I believe) was when I won tickets from the Sarnia radio station to see Garth Brooks in concert in Hamilton. Long before cellphones and GPS, two country kids with a paper map —heading to Hamilton and trying to find the stadium. That was a great day!
We soon welcomed our beautiful baby girl Stephanie. Instantly, she had her daddy wrapped around her little finger (I think we can all agree little changed over the years). Before long, she was following her dad to the barn in her little pink splash suit and matching rubber boots.
A couple of years later, our family was complete with Greg’s arrival. Brad was building ice rinks, playing mini sticks, coaching Greg’s hockey teams and teaching him all about farming. Greg came to love both hockey and farming as much as his dad.
We had many lovely memories —- Sunday afternoon pool parties (a way to ensure Brad would take some time off to relax), family vacations to Florida, Jamaica and annual trips to Restoule to name a few.
Although as a couple, we were not each other’s forever loves— he was my dear friend and together we cheered on our kids— supporting and loving them till his last day.
It warmed my heart to see Brad so incredibly happy and in love with Corrine these past years ❤️. He would smile and gush when he spoke of her. Brad was living his lifelong dream of being a farmer full-time living at “The Ranch”.
I felt very blessed to be included in his small circle of trust sharing with me his diagnosis and health journey. Usually a quiet man, Brad became quite the “chatty Cathy” and we had many heartfelt conversations which I will cherish always. Brad was so incredibly proud of Stephanie and Greg. We would high-five and say— wow, we didn’t screw them up —they both turned out to be great adults.
Brad fought so hard- and met and spent 3 months making beautiful memories with our dear granddaughter Brynlee. As Brynlee grows up and future grandchildren arrive, we all promise to share stories of Grandad Brad.
As the holidays near, Neil and I wish with all of our hearts we could help Stephanie and Greg more with their pain and loss. But, I know they will be okay because their dad is watching over them like he always has.

Since Brad’s passing, I find myself listening to this old Garth Brooks song. I shed a few tears, but mostly I smile reflecting on some good old memories.

Looking back
On the memories of
The dance we shared
‘Neath the stars above
For a moment,
All the world was ours
But how could I have known
That you’d ever say goodbye

And now, I’m glad I didn’t know
The way it all would end
The way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
But I’d have had to miss the dance.

Rest In Peace my friend

I am blessed enough to have met Brad and his family years ago through his sister (my dear friend) Maureen. I admire the closeness and community that came together to support Brad through his illness. My heart goes out to everyone who loved him and prayers for strength going forward.

Nellie and I were lucky enough to have Brad as part of our family for so many years. He was such a hard worker and helped us with so many projects around our house. Brad never said no when we asked for help and he remodeled our kitchen and bathroom, basement windows and patio door, built our deck and many times helped Nellie in the fields carrying full wheelbarrow loads of cauliflower. We were lucky enough to remain friends with the Milner families and cherish our time with Brad as our son-in-law. He will be greatly missed❤️