George Henry Bradach was born July 13, 1936, in Aurora, Minn. He was the fourth of five children born to Frank R. and Dora Janet (Campbell) Bradach including Francis, Betty (Ballard), JoAnne (Hofman), and Robert. 

George’s love of the outdoors was lifelong. As a child in Minnesota, he enjoyed ice skating on frozen creeks near his house or the ice rink about two blocks from his house. He also enjoyed skiing and tobogganing in the winter. 

In 1946 the family moved to Hines. One thing George liked to do was hunt and he and his friends would hunt in the field behind Edward Hines Lumber Company. It was while he was hunting in that field one day in 1947 that he lost his eye to a gunshot wound. His love of hunting wasn’t ended and he continued to be an avid hunter until his vision loss was too great. He also enjoyed drawing and painting. His love of nature showed through his art also as his subject matter was most often deer and elk. 

George and Francis bought land on Red Barn Lane east of Burns. Francis started a dairy (and a family) there. George spent quite a bit of time at the dairy and enjoyed his time with his nieces and nephews. George had a humorous side to him and had convinced his nephews  John and Mike that the best part of an orange was the white layer between the fruit and the peel leaving nothing for George to eat except for the fruit segments.  

As a teenager, George would work in the hayfields in the Lawen area for the Sitz family. After graduating High School, George went to college in the Portland area although this did not last long. George returned to Burns and started working at Edward Hines Lumber Company 

George and Belva Kimble were married on Oct. 6, 1962 and started their family with the birth of Rosemary on June 24, 1963. The newlyweds lived across the lane for a short time before moving back across the lane to the south of the dairy property and building the family house between the birth of Rosemary and Chad who came along on July 6, 1966. Joseph was born to George and Belva on Jan. 15, 1970. 

George continued to work for Edward Hines Lumber Company for most of his working career. George held various positions including operating the lathe and, towards the end of his career, the un-stacker. George also raised sheep for many years while his children were in school. Between working in the mill and running his sheep, George stayed very busy. He did carve out time for hunting and fishing. George enjoyed his hunting, especially the years when he was joined by his nephews Mike, James, and Matt in elk and deer camp. His dear friend and hunting partner, Leo Raymond, tagged along on every hunt and George held Leo’s friendship in high regard. 

George officially retired from Snow Mountain Pine in the early 90’s due to his failing vision. 

After retirement, George went straight into grandfather mode and spent many hours keeping the grandchildren occupied by playing POGs, making rubber band guns, and telling stories while their parents were at work. George was a very caring grandfather and was extremely proud of each of his grandchildren’s unique talents. 

Although his vision continued to decline, George stayed busy on the family farm. He would do carpentry work and maintain his livestock. 

In June of 2016, George suffered the unexpected loss of his youngest son, Joseph followed by the loss of his wife, Belva in 2018. George used his faith in God to overcome these extreme losses. George was a dedicated Catholic for his entire life and understood that this life we live was the beginning of something much bigger than we could imagine. 

After the death of Belva, George moved to town and lived with his niece, Megan prior to moving in with his daughter, Rosemary and son-in-law, Tad. Megan, Rosemary, and Tad were devoted caretakers and put their lives on hold to see that Georges’ every need was met.

George is survived by his daughter, Rosemary (Tad) Dunten; son, Chad (Charmarie) Bradach; daughter-in-law, Michelle Brown Bradach; grandchildren, Kaylyn (Victor) McClintock, Megan (Tygh) McKelvey, Jacob McKelvey, Josh McKelvey, Isobel Bradach, Zane Bradach, Josie Bradach, Jack Bradach; and great-grandson, Rogan McClintock along with many life-long friends. 

George was proceeded in death by his parents, Dora and Frank Bradach; brothers, Sonny and Robert Bradach; sister, Bette Ballard; wife, Belva; and son, Joseph. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Lions Club in George’s memory.