Frank Brady

Frank Brady

1919-2015

Frank Brady sailed off into his last sunset September 30, 2015. He was born May 16, 1919 to Canadian émigrés, Dr. Joseph E. Brady, DDS and his wife Pearl in Detroit, Michigan. The fifth of six children, he was the first in his family to be born in a hospital. He is survived by his younger brother Joseph. Frank graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School in 1938 and attended the University of Detroit for one year.

On August 17, 1942 he wed the love of his life Barbara H. McGill, a union that celebrated its 73rd anniversary this year. Barbara survives him; a daughter Karen preceded him to heaven in 1955. He is also survived by his children; Michael Brady (Connie), Patrick Brady (Mary Anne), Christine Laney (William) and David Brady (Cathy). Combined they presented him with 10 grandchildren; Lisa, Peter, Shane, Daniel, Joseph, Brian, Matt, Eric, Sarah, Sean and six great-grandchildren.

He served his country during World War ll as a trainee in the Army Air Force. Upon his discharge he found the other love of his life, the retail hardware business. After an apprenticeship he opened his own store and the best days of his life were spent helping others solve those thorny little problems only a good hardware man can. He loved his job so, he was proud to say it “never felt like work”. In between his stores in Livonia, MI and Pontiac, MI he sharpened his skills in the hardware supply chain.

He was by his own words, a “wood butcher”, words that belied his skill as a builder of sailboats and ice boats. The joy he experienced building them was only exceeded when he sailed them as he did on Lake St. Clair, Watkins Lake, and Lake Huron. His claim to sailing fame occurred on Watkins Lake in a Sunday sailing regatta. In his Sunfish that morning, he beat the one-time Sunfish world champion to the finish line. When asked how he did it, he modestly said “I don’t know the wind just got in my way.”

About that the time he discovered his perfect companion water dog, the Labrador Retriever. He enjoyed the company of several, but only one earned his self proclaimed title “the perfect dog”. A black lab named Magic would walk beside him stride for stride as he mowed the lawn and was his constant companion as he drew near retirement.

In retirement Frank, Barbara and Magic moved to Lexington, MI to be near the water. There the lure of the hardware business enticed him out of retirement. He took an interest in a fledgling hardware man with a new store. He coached, counseled and inducted that young man into the business he loved. Of course he made sure to take time for sailing with his brother Joe.

In later years they would move to Hudsonville and then on to Freedom Village in Holland to wind down nearer to family.

After 96 good years and a brief period of infirmity brought on by a cerebral hemorrhage, he has joined his daughter Karen and his perfect dog Magic in heaven where he can sail endlessly and in due time the rest of his family can join him. Sail on!

Cremation has occurred. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday

October 10, 2015 at the Dykstra Funeral Home, Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave, Holland, MI 49424. (616.392.2348). Inurnment will be at Pilgrim Home Cemetery in Holland.

In lieu of flowers, Frank would appreciate your donation to:

Wounded Warriors Family Support

920 South 107th Avenue

Suite 250

Omaha, NE 68114

tel: (402) 502-7557

fax: (402) 502-4872

EIN: 20-1407520