Bradford Emery Smith

Bradford Emery Smith returned to his heavenly home on Friday, April 25, 2025 after battling cancer for 5-1/2 years. Brad was born in Berkeley, California to G. Gilbert Smith and Elaine Stoker, and, after losing his mother when Brad was very young, raised by Lorna Williams and his father G. Gilbert. Brad never married or had any children.

As a young boy, Brad often rode his bicycle from Walnut Creek to Martinez to watch the trains. As he grew older (and braver), he spent many hours (and many miles) hopping trains and riding them. In high school, he loved to mountain climb and spent many hours on Half Dome spending the night in a hammock.

Brad lived his life with a spirit of complete enthusiasm and adventure. He was a stranger to no one and a friend to all. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints in Louisville, Kentucky after attending one year at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Brad was never shy in defending his faith.

Brad took pride in the home that he built in Walnut Creek in which he lived for 29 years before passing. He worked at several jobs, including as a chef, a bartender, a dancergenics instructor, and as a pool plasterer until finally settling on a career with Waste Management as a member of the Teamsters union. Because of his infectious laugh and bright personality, and his love for people, in all of these endeavors Brad made many lifelong friends and connections.

Brad had a previous encounter with thyroid cancer that motivated him to reevaluate his life, leading to his decision to retire from Waste Management. He then opened his home as an Airbnb, which he marketed as a “Taste of Tuscany“ in the Walnut Creek Lakewood area. Brad took great pride in providing a comfortable, peaceful, and enjoyable experience for his guests. They often spent time with Brad because he was so entertaining and likable.

Brad’s daring and adventurous personality led him to obtain his pilot’s license. He owned his own airplane and spent many hours with many friends in the clouds. Not only did he like flying airplanes, but he also enjoyed jumping out of them, logging dozens of skydiving jumps. Brad also loved photography and was hired by numerous clients to take aerial photographs. He was a master snow skier and water skier and handcrafted his fireplace out of beautiful river rock from his many water ski trips to the Delta. On a special note, Brad was awarded a recognition for his courage and heroism from Contra Costa County for saving an auto accident victim from her burning car - just another example of his selflessness and consideration for others. 

Notwithstanding his adventurous and daring activities, his greatest love was playing golf. Brad made many wonderful friends on the Rossmoor golf course, some of whom were by his side in his last hours. He leaves behind his best friend and golf partner, Mae, and his close and loving Rossmoor family. He is survived by his four sisters and two brothers. 

In the words of his friends, “Brad loved a good time and never ran out of energy. He never did anything halfway. The glass was always full, never empty. He did what he loved and he loved what he did.” He was kind and generous and had a good, big, loving heart. Brad lived big, laughed loud and loved deeply.

Brad loved music, jamming with & playing for his friends on his bongos and harmonicas (following after his pop G. Gilbert). Brad loved entertaining people. Whether it was through his cooking, telling stories & jokes, his music or just sitting around, Brad was engaged & present with you. Brad played golf to the very end of his life, competing in a tournament only two weeks prior to his passing, and again golfing only nine days prior to his passing.

Brad is now in the loving arms of his mother who crossed the veil when he was a little boy of four years, and his father G Gilbert, who loved him dearly. Brad will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held at Rossmoor Event center, Donner room, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 4 PM to 7 PM. Because this event is in a gated community, please let Brad’s family know if you plan to attend Brad’s celebration so we can put you on the invitation list (you will need to show ID). Interment to follow at the Salt Lake City Cemetery at a later date.