Alana would like this to be a space where you can share any memories you have had with Bradley. The good, the sad, the happy, the bad. Bradley was a part of a lot of people's stories, and she would love to hear how he was part of your story.
Obituary
Bradley Hyrum Buttars was born September 19, 1994 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Brock and Arlene (Hall) Buttars. In his early years, Bradley enjoyed college life with his parents. He loved going on bike rides around the university village, sitting on his dad‘s shoulders while walking to the Ute football games, and growing vegetables in the community garden. At five years old Bradley’s family, which now included his little sisters Hailey and Eliza, moved to Prosser, Washington. There, Bradley started kindergarten and later graduated from Prosser High School. Two more sisters, Jenna and Emma, were welcomed into the family during these years.
Much of Bradley's love for learning may have been initiated while his parents were both earning their degrees in Salt Lake City. It was preferred that one parent or the other would be home with him, so schedules for work and classes were arranged to give each parent time with him. During Brock’s time watching Bradley and studying, sports were often on the TV, particularly the Utah Jazz basketball games. At the age of two you could ask Bradley who played for the Jazz and he would give the first and last names of the entire starting lineup (John Stockton, Karl Malone, Bryan Russell, Jeff Hornacek, Greg Ostertag) and then you would say, “Who is the coach?” and he would say, “Jerry Sloan”. He spent time in the local museums and parks exploring and learning often with other little friends.
Bradley really enjoyed his role as big brother, and his sisters looked up to him as someone incredibly determined, intelligent, thoughtful, explorative, and passionate. He was a genuine listener and great at taking interest in what his sisters were interested in. As the oldest sibling, Bradley was deeply impactful in his sisters’ own journeys and was instrumental in breaking barriers when it came to understanding and talking about mental health. His sisters will cherish many memories of days spent riding bikes, imaginary wizarding world play in the backyard, bush-wacking along the Yakima river, catching tadpoles, weekend tackle football, blowgun hunting, the many long stories he would tell his sisters - including the entire plot (in great detail) of the Hobbit on a bike ride from Prosser to Grandview, and so much more. Before he left home, he took each sister on an ice cream date where each felt his individual love for them.
Bradley approached life with a remarkable intensity, always challenging himself intellectually, spiritually, and physically. Scouting provided Bradley with meaningful time alongside his father, from his early days in Cub Scouts through earning his Eagle Scout rank. With his dad, Brock, often serving as his scoutmaster, they shared many adventures together—camping, hiking, and canoeing throughout Washington. These experiences not only strengthened the bond between father and son but also created lasting friendships for Bradley with his fellow Scouts. History Club was another outlet for Bradley's creativity and love of learning. He participated in this with Alana from the origins of the club at Housel Middle School to the founding of it at Prosser High School.
He was always engaged in a new hobby or “phase” that he would dedicate himself wholeheartedly to, some of which included robotics, wilderness survival, a brief stint of dubstep music and dancing during his teenage years. He also excelled as a runner, competing at the state level multiple years in track and cross-country. He ran a 4:17 mile and was the fastest long distance runner in the school. His teammates remember him as a kind leader who made everyone feel welcome, with a sense of humor that lightened even the toughest of practices.
Bradley’s capacity for love was evident from an early age. In 5th grade, he fell for the love of his life Alana Peters, a kind and intelligent girl who would become his lifelong partner. Their love story began with anonymous notes left in her locker in 6th grade and grew throughout middle and high school as the two attended school, church, and activities together. Everyone knew they were best friends and displayed leadership together in their involvement in many extra curricular activities like student body leadership. Bradley graduated from Prosser High School in June of 2013 and decided to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in the Malaga, Spain mission from July 2013 to July 2015. He was a dedicated and passionate missionary, and his compassion for others grew as he served. This time was made sweeter when he was assigned to be companions with Zach Christiansen, who became a dear friend.
Upon returning from his mission, Bradley started school at Brigham Young University, where he and Alana were happily reunited. They were married in the temple on December 19th, 2015. This was both of their biggest dreams come true and the happiest day of their lives. Together they enjoyed being foodies, dancing, music, traveling the world, learning new things, and exploring nature.
During his time at BYU, Bradley built the university’s rocketry club from the ground up. His team built several composite rockets, and competed at the Spaceport America Cup, where they placed as high as second place in the nation. He interned with Orbital ATK/Northrupp Grumman. He also built a lightweight, high-mileage vehicle as part of his senior capstone project. Bradley always made time for hobbies including jujitsu and teaching himself to play the cello.
Bradley and Alana welcomed their first son, Brody Hyrum, on May 23rd, 2017. Bradley embraced fatherhood with the same enthusiasm he brought to all aspects of his life, finding immense joy in watching his son’s moments of discovery- from marveling at the moon to picking up ants on the sidewalk. Bradley and Alana fostered a spirit of hospitality and togetherness, organizing weekly sibling dinners with those siblings attending BYU, often with a fun international theme. Their home was always filled with generosity and laughter, even in their tiny basement apartment. In the spring of 2019, Bradley earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from BYU.
After graduation, Bradley began an internship at Blue Origin as a Materials and Process Engineer and moved his young family in order to work in the Cape Canaveral area. His internship opportunity turned into a dream job offer, prompting his family to settle down in Florida. He was the first engineer in the test lab and one of the first employees at the OLS facility. He built the lab and test procedures from the ground up. What was originally just Bradley as the only engineer with 2 technicians expanded into a team of 40 in the lab that serviced all of New Glenn. His colleagues remember him as an especially competent and bright engineer, always willing to work his way through any problem to see that it was done right and with engineering integrity. On December 9th, 2019 Bradley and Alana welcomed their second son, Gabriel Troy (“Gabers”). Bradley continued to work as a materials test lab engineer for the New Glenn rocket, and he was looking forward to the upcoming launch.
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In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bradley found time to enjoy Florida life—he learned to surf, explored local cuisine, and spent many happy days at the beach with his family. Bradley and Alana worked hard and in 2020, bought their first home in Titusville. Having their own home brought them joy, and they enjoyed filling it with travel souvenirs, games, themed get-togethers, dance parties, and so much more. Bradley was a deeply loving and engaged father, always eager to connect with his boys. He showcased that love by learning about each of his son’s interests including learning how to play Pokémon, DnD, and chess with Brody, and imaginary legos with Gabe. The three of them would play the “stick game” outside together, LARPing for hours at a time. He loved Alana passionately, leaving her for work every day with a quick kiss, returning from work with a long kiss, never going anywhere together without holding her hand, and often doting on her like a princess at the end of a long day. He encouraged her to follow her heart in teaching dance, preschool, school, and supported and helped with her hobbies- directing children's productions, traveling to see family, and doing home improvement projects. He enabled her biggest dream, which was to be a stay-at-home Mom while her boys were toddlers and hadn't gone to school yet. He supported her passions and aspirations and loved to make her feel loved.
Bradley made many cherished friends in Florida who will deeply miss him. He especially enjoyed trivia nights, pool parties, and outdoor adventures (hiking, fish tank scaping, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing, surfing). He built many personal engineering projects at home. He was often the life of the party, doing backflips, dancing, always bringing party laser lights, glow sticks, and his beloved portable speaker, just in case. He was often the only adult chasing on the playground, the first in the pool and the last to leave, and the one cracking the best jokes. Others often told him they appreciated his energy or would smile when they noticed him. His crazy, energy-packed, no skill dance moves were something else.
Bradley had a deep passion for science, learning, and advancing exploration for the human race. Reading Wikipedia for hours on end turned him into a walking encyclopedia. He could remember it all, bursting with knowledge of so many engineering, science, history, and political topics. Rockets and space as the final frontier held his fascination like nothing else from a young age. He was privileged to be a small but important part of getting humans to the moon, Mars, and beyond into the deep unknown.
Bradley’s later years saw him diving into personal growth, intellectual honesty, and spiritual healing. He found solace and joy in listening to EDM music and attending music festivals, where he connected with a community that embodied acceptance and love. Music became a creative outlet for him, and he spent countless hours composing with his synthesizers.
Bradley’s journey was not without challenges. He fought severe depression and managed ADD. He faced each one with courage, humility, and determination to be his very best to take care of his wife and his boys. He had a growth mindset and humility- he was always willing to try one more medication, one more counseling or therapy appointment, one more difficult conversation, one more personal challenge or lifestyle change. He was committed to never abandoning Alana or the boys. His commitment prolonged and improved his life and led him to live his final years in deep peace, contentment, and lasting satisfaction.
On October 14, 2024 Bradley unexpectedly passed away at thirty years old. His last day was lived happily, healthily and perfectly- working at his dream job, tenderly kissing and hugging his wife before and after work, wrestling his boys, silly dancing to music in the living room with the family, snuggling with his boys on the couch to watch the Lego movie, laughing and chatting in the kitchen with a friend. Bradley’s friends, family, and community will deeply miss his unobstructed passion, relentless pursuit of knowledge, generous spirit, and loving heart.
Bradley is survived by wife Alana (Peters) Buttars, sons Brody and Gabe Buttars, mother Arlene (Hall) Buttars, father Brock Buttars, sisters Hailey Nordwald, Eliza Buttars, Jenna Hale, and Emma Buttars.
Celebration of life services will be held in Titusville, FL (Oct 24), Prosser, WA (Nov 30), and Burley, ID (date).
Gallery
Memory wall
https://youtube.com/shorts/ObhZlG-sB-U
I remember the first time Alana told me she had a crush on Bradley, I was so excited for her and not just because it meant we didn't like the same boy anymore. But because he was a little bit country, a little bit city just like she was becoming. They were both kind and caring to those around them. And she was my sister so totally excited, spending many hours talking about it.
I remember the day she told me she was sure she was going to marry him when we were still teenagers. And then the day the ward split. We were in one ward and he was in the other. It was devastating, she was so sad she wouldn't get to see him as much, I mean other than everyday at school, every morning at seminary, every Wednesday at mutual, and all the other times we hung out. But no more on Sundays would she be able to be in class with him.
Bradley's were the first and only wrestling matches I ever went to. Cheering him on with Alana was a lot of fun, and he did pretty good. (For as much as I knew about wrestling).
We went on a double date to our junior prom and the look in Bradley's eyes watching Alana come down the stairs at her house was so full of love it was amazing to see.
Our senior year we did AutoCAD together and for our robotics competition Bradley, Dan and Bailey turned out sumo plate for the robot into a totally decked out heavy duty plate, and we destroyed everyone in the round.
I didn't get to spend much time with Bradley in later years living so far apart, but through childhood, teenager, and young adult memories those will always be good times.
One thing imprinted in my memory about Bradley is that he was always cool calm and collected under pressure. In both academic and athletic competition, he never seemed too worried about the results and I think he performed better because of that mentality. While myself and others (Sara Durant comes to mind) were anxiously pacing in the hallway or reciting some lines, Bradley’s job was to crack jokes and help us keep our sanity. Bradley always found little moments to have fun and that’s where most of my memories of him are. On the bus, coming from somewhere, going to somewhere, waiting in some classroom or lobby, killing time outside Mr. Yetters portable, etc.
Which brings me to the one specific memory I want to share. I can’t remember who the other culprits were, but Bradley was definitely one. It was a warm sunny afternoon in late September, and we were waiting for cross country practice to start outside of Mr. Yetters portable. Bradley and some others had constructed a giant slingshot out of surgical tubing. I have no doubt it was designed for launching water balloons, but the walnuts were falling from the trees in the Prosser park, and Buttars had other ideas. Big heavy walnuts, with the green fruit still on the outside. About the size of a baseball, but maybe a tad heavier. I walk around the corner and the slingshot is set. They had it mounted on the gate posts that led to the football practice field between the portables. I’m sure the goal was to launch this walnut back into the park from whence it came. But that’s not what happened. Like a green flash of light, the walnut cleared the roof of the museum, then the tallest trees of the park, and then it was gone. Still gaining elevation. Our best guess was that it either landed up on hospital hill, or perhaps down past food depot. But I have a feeling that walnut entered low orbit and is still circling the earth to this day. By reading this thread, I have pieced together that Bradley became a rocket scientist after school? I hope that in his free time, perhaps during lunch breaks, he was allowed to use company resources to try to track down that walnut and discover its fate.
I also remember thinking about Bradley: “Wow, for such a skinny guy, he sure has a firm handshake, just like his dad.” I know that sounds silly, but it was memorable to me.
For the rest of you reading and posting on this thread, including Alana and Hanna and Hailey. I have not seen most of you since high school, but I think of you all often. And I cherish the memories we made and our extracurricular achievements we shared together over the years. Let’s be honest, we were the nerds and I am very proud of that. I wish you all well, and you have my condolences.
Although the years have separated us, I will always appreciate his friendship.
Bradley and I lived and served together as church mission companions in Spain for about 3 months. Of all the people I had the privilege to serve with, Bradley was one of the most impactful.
On day one arriving in San Fernando with Bradley, he had me running (quite literally *running*) from place to place, even when there wasn’t a set appointment to be at. It was immediately apparent to me that he was a purpose driven individual and had a strong drive to do what’s right. He taught me how great it feels to work hard for something you believe in.
I remember having so much fun with Bradley. It seemed like a day didn’t go by that we didn’t end up laughing hard about something, even on long hot days of hard work and rejection.
He was truly a joy to be with. I remember feeling emotional dropping him off at the train station when he was transferred to a new area. I see that as a sign of the brotherly love I couldn’t help but have for him after spending nearly every minute of every day with him for 3 months. Bradley is a good soul, through and through.
If I had to sum up Bradley as I knew him in a few words, they would be: genuine, kind, funny, and strong-willed. I am a better person for having known him.
‘Til we meet again, brother. Love you.
Many memories were made at History Day competitions. I remember thinking Bradley was so cool that he had the skills to make a documentary (and very last minute too).
One state competition a group of us were running around exploring the campus during down time. We came across a spiral bike rack. Lance and Bradley, with arms out, tried to twist themselves through. As they lacked the ability to float midair, it didn’t work.
During that same competition’s award ceremony Lance and Bradley were taking turns holding their breath, but they had to keep pausing their “game” to cheer when first Alana’s group placed and qualified for Nationals, and then my own project placed and qualified.
When I went to my first stake dance, my mom asked Bradley and Kaleb to look out for me. I remember they flanked me and walked me into that dance like I was the president and would periodically appear at my side during the dance to resume their role.
My first week in seminary, Bradley and Kaleb performed one of many skits that were inspired by Monty Python. That particular skit (galloping into the room with coconut shells) stands out to me as a moment I decided anything could be made fun with the right attitude and willingness to be yourself. I think it was also this skit (and not totally understanding it) that led to my first viewing of The Holy Grail.
I remember many times Bradley trying to finish homework during lunch.
I remember Bradley being curious and focused during physics.
I remember when our ward boundaries were adjusted and our youth group was suddenly a lot smaller. Bradley was one that remained constant during that time and we continued to have fun activities and insightful Sunday discussions.
One activity I remember in particular was what the boys called “Meat Fest.” It was a well established tradition by the time the girls were invited. I remember trying bear, deer, llama, and frog legs. My contribution was a pumpkin pie. Undeterred by my lack of sticking to the theme, Bradley topped his pumpkin pie with bacon and whipped cream which we all discovered was a delicious combination.
As I’ve been reflecting on these memories and reading through old journals, it is apparent how important that group of friends was to me and how it affected so much of who I am today. Bradley was a main player in that group and I will forever remember his infectious joy and spirit.
One is how nice he was to underclassmen, including myself, during Cross Country. He was wicked fast but that didn't stop him from cheering us slower people on!
Another is one time at a stake dance, when he was showing me and a few others a fun dance that he made to the song "This is Africa" by Shakira. I thought it was fun how much he sold it and enjoyed living up the moment.
A third is when there was a service project we were doing for our church one Saturday morning. He was saying that he had gotten up that morning and started to play a video game ("medal of honor" was the game, if that tells you anything about how random this memory is!) when he remembered there was a service project, so he changed gears and came to help.
The last memory I'll share is of a seminary read-a-thon we had. I remember seeing Alana and Bradley sitting against a wall and just enjoying being together. I remember thinking something along the lines of "I hope to have something like that someday." I think Alana and Bradley are wonderful, wonderful people. I'm blessed to know them and count them as friends.
When we were in Boy Scouts in middle school, we went on a week long camping trip. Bradley, Ricks Munn and I were in the same group for our wilderness survival merit badge. We made a shelter together and slept in it overnight. But probably the most memorable event of that trip was when Ricks, Bradley, and I were goofing off playing with fire. Ricks would grab a handful of dry pine needles, light them on fire, spray the homemade torch with bug spray, then throw it on the dry forest floor and kick or stomp it out. After doing this a few times, Ricks kicked the small fire to try and put it out but only spread it. It wouldn’t go out. Frantically, Ricks yelled to us, “Pee on it!” and began to undo his pants. I was about to follow suit, but Bradley kept his head and said, “No, let’s tell the leaders!” And began running back to camp to tell his dad and our other leaders, me close behind. By the time they got the fire put out, it had burned probably about a 15x15 foot patch of dry forest floor and was only a couple feet from catching a dry pine tree with moss all over it. It was Bradley’s quick thinking that stopped us from starting a real forest fire that day.
Spanish II in high school was a class me and Bradley really bonded. We goofed off and had lots of fun.
I remember stake dances hanging out with friends and dancing with girls.
I remember having airsoft wars in the hills behind my house.
I remember one time hanging out in the creek at the Peters house. Bradley caught a frog, and we decided to roast it on the fire behind their house. It got a little overdone, but still tasted good.
One time, we decided to get a bunch of pumpkins and blow them up with our rifles and shotguns. We loaded up the back seat of my old Honda Civic with pumpkins and guns. Unfortunately, my license plate was expired and a cop pulled us over. I was sure we were going to get into some kind of trouble since we were under 18 and had an armory of weapons in the back seat, but I only got a ticket for expired car insurance.
I remember hours spent in fields on the Horse heaven weeding, pulling sugar beet seeders, and talking. It was hard work but I loved having Bradley there working alongside me. We even called in to a radio show one day and won a giveaway.
I remember young men encampments and firesides, church classes together on Sundays and seminary weekday mornings. I remember talking and recounting mission stories on the front porch of his house right after getting back home from our missions.
I knew Bradley as a fun, hardworking, loyal friend. The kind of guy you want to be around. I’ll miss you man. ‘Til we meet again!
Bradley had a whole bucket of LEGOs that he and my older sister would dump all over the floor and make up stories and games with. I, being the uncool little sister, would attempt to join in before being given a portion of LEGOs and "encouraged" to play by myself. Such is the way of little kids.
My older sister and I have birthdates near each other, so we often shared birthday parties - since he was in her age group, he was naturally at those birthday parties, and then there was the ward parties like the many Fourth of July celebrations where we would all race from the big, brown, metal pavilion to the trees that separated our church building from the Catholic church right next door.
There are not many memories of activities, events, parties, temple trips, service projects, dances and barn dances, and bon fires where Bradley was not part of - there was one time that he and Kaleb caught a frog in the Peters' canal/creek and some of us tried frog meat for the first time.
While we were never close friends (different age group), he was a regular and friendly presence in my life, and I had the privilege of watching him grow up. I am grateful to have known him - he will be remembered.
I hope that Alana and their children are able to take the time and space to grieve and I hope that they will find and be given strength, love, and support.
After having too many concussions in football, Bradley joined the XC team and he was an AMAZING runner and so fun to cheer for during the boys’ races! When he qualified for State XC, I remember sprinting along the last 200m stretch yelling with all my might. In the spring, he ran an amazing 800m and 1600m race & was an inspiration to many on the track team.
My fondest memory of Bradley is from our senior year. I had a vision for our senior skit & Bradley was one of few boys to volunteer to dance in front of the whole school. He was silly & animated & exactly what we needed in this HOCO winning skit. He was an amazing swing dancer and Alana made the best dancing partner for him.
I was honored to have taken so many classes at HMS & PHS alongside Bradley and Alana. The two of them were lovebirds from an early age & I will always remember the light that glistened in both their eyes when they would dance together <3. At our school reunion this past summer, it was incredible to see how much their love for one another had continued & grew into a wonderful family with two incredible boys.
You will be missed Bradley!
As time has gone on and I've continued to hear stories about Bradley (in the way small towns and social media are best at) I've grown to admire him for who he was; kind, vulnerable, compassionate, and smart. Just the other day I heard him on a podcast and was struck by the honesty, curiosity, and empathy he led his life with. I hope to live mine like that too.
Then it was giving him advice about high school sweethearts and encouraging him and Alana when he was on his mission. The kids loved to write letters to Elder Buttars and draw him pictures. It was sharing corny jokes and laughing at Studio C sketches. He had the best sense of humor. It was catching frogs at Grandma and Grandpa’s house and naming him “Toad-ally Awesome”.
Then seeing him marry Alana and be such a great Dad. I loved when he would talk for hours with Grandpa about rockets and science stuff. You’ve left us way too soon, Bradley. We love you so much! 💙
I thought of a few more specific memories:
- I remember as a teenager attending a performance of Swan Lake where Alana had the lead role, and Bradley was there, front row if I'm remembering right, watching the ballet as a teenage boy because he loved Alana. I remember being so impressed by that. He had brought flowers too.
- He sat next to me in AP Calculus. We had it right before lunch, and I remember he was always starving by 11 so he would start sneaking PBJs out of his lunchbox to eat during class.
- We also took AP Physics together and I remember he sat behind Alana and would sometimes play with her long hair during class. It was obvious he cared for her very much.
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