F/SGT - RCAF
(WWII Veteran)
Robert James Bradley – Passed away peacefully on Saturday August 19, 2023, at the age of 97. The last surviving child of Edward James and Doris Mae (nee Aldis) Bradley, he is predeceased by his wife, Marguerite Betty (nee Cuperus). He is survived by his 4 children and their spouses and will be remembered fondly by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Robert was a decorated veteran of WWII, serving with No. 576 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Following his return to Canada, he enjoyed a lengthy career in various aspects of the financial side of the automotive industry, not formally retiring until his 75th birthday. He had many friends across all sectors of life and will be missed by all. Cremation followed by interment at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces, 280 Beechwood Ave (Section 103) on Wednesday August 30th at 10:00a.m. Many thanks to the staff at Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice for their care of Robert (Bob) in his final days. Donations to the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice, Kanata through the Hospice Care Ottawa would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Dean Black
Desmond Peters
Being a close friend of Bob's for 20 years, it is a sad commentary that I make this day. We marched together on 17 annual Battle of Britain commemorations, as well as Netherlands national days at Beechwood. I thoroughly enjoyed our coffee Klatsches and your stories of events during your 30 operations over enemy territory. Now rest, Bob, you deserve it! RIP.
Dorothy Raposo
Dear Linda, Karen and family
I am sorry to hear about your father. May he Rest In Peace with ur Mother.
Matthew Carson
I met Bob through our association with 410 Wing and helped him (I think) with his dealings with Vets Affairs. We grew closer in the last years and spoke on the phone every few weeks. I will miss him.
May his memory be a blessing.
Linda Turner Proctor
Our hearts are broken with the news of Bobs passing. He and Marg have been family friends for about 80 yrs . Bob and my dad Joe met in the ‘40’ in St Mary’s Ontario. Coming from a small family, they became Uncle Bob & Aunt Marg . The numerous 401 trips , Ottawa / Kingston - Windsor , we have great memories. My heart is happy now, knowing that he and his beloved Marg are together.
The Turner , Deane and Proctor family will always keep them in our hearts .
Don Pitman, Past President, 410 WG Barker VC, Wing, RCAFA
Bob was a long time member of the RCAF Association (62 years) and 410 Wing. He was one who always showed for special occasions, the major two being the November 11th Remembrance Services and the second most importance, the mid-September Battle of Britain. One just knew he'd be there front and centre. Bob was a World War II vetern , an air gunner in the RCAF Bomber Command flying in either the famous Lancaster or a Haifalx heavy bomber. These were all night missions flying over darkened Europe avoiding bad weather, enemy fighters, ground anti-aircraft fire, long cold trips in a cramped aircraft. The expected number of flights by a bomber crew was 60, Bob completed 62 I believe. Brave work by very brave men!
Bob always semed to have a smile on his face and was well liked by current RCAF members, RCAFA collaegues and was always the gentleman. We shall miss him, he was always 'just there' when needed.
".....at the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we shall remember them." Per Ardua ad Astra!
It was an honour to have Robert join 42 other veterans of the strategic bombing campaign of the Second World War to travel to London, England and witness the unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in June 2012. Robert has been an ambassador for all his fellow aviators since the unveiling, often joining the Commander of the RCAF during annual Battle of Britain commemorations. We were always very grateful for his presence, and his calm, wisdom-filled support to help us understand his experiences, and his monumental contributions to our collective well-being these many decades after the cessation of hostilities in which he participated at such a very young age. Thank you Robert from the bottom of our hearts, for a life well lived.