Ralph Bradshaw

Ralph Morris Bradshaw of Lyman, WY passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones at the age of 80 on February 13, 2019. He was born Sept. 17, 1938 to Blanche Field Bradshaw (1920-2017) and George Haldane Bradshaw (1918-1999) in Lyman, WY where he spent most of his childhood.

After graduating from Lyman High School in 1956, Ralph studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Utah. From 1958-1961 he served as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Finland. He later graduated from the U in 1964 and was immediately hired by Bell Laboratories in Holmdel, New Jersey. Bell Labs sent him to grad school for his first year of employment and he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 1965. He worked for Bell Labs until 1969 and then at Johnson & Johnson from 1969-1994 both in NJ.

Ralph’s move to NJ for employment was fortuitous since it was there he met his lovely wife, Linda Claire (Schubert), of Jersey City, NJ. They married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on August 22, 1967.

Ralph travelled extensively for work and was always amused that not only could a boy from a tiny town in Wyoming travel the world, but that he always managed to run into people who had connections back to Bridger Valley. He loved to tell stories and anecdotes of his life and everyone loved to hear them (sometimes again and again and again). He was an avid reader, and also enjoyed photography, astronomy, plays on words, movies, and camping with his family, especially at the Cache.

In 1994 he took early retirement from Johnson & Johnson and moved his family back to Lyman. He was a Partner/Owner of Valley Hardware from 1989-2004 and was a software development contractor from 2003-2018. He thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of being back in the world of computers after working in the hardware business. He was happiest when he had a good mental puzzle to work on.

Ralph was an active member of the LDS church and served in many positions throughout his life, including Bishop, member of the Stake Presidency, High Councilor, early morning seminary teacher and many other callings. He also felt strongly about community involvement and served as Mayor of Lyman from 2007-2011 during which time he oversaw the restoration of the Heritage Barn. He also served on several boards and committees within the valley.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Bradshaw of Lyman, his children; Emilia (Todd) Smith of Worthington, OH, Rachel (Andy) Hale of Lyman, WY, Elysa Bradshaw (Brock Christensen) of South Jordan, UT, and Haldane Bradshaw of Duchesne, UT. He has been a wonderful and loving grandfather to his 8 grandchildren.

Ralph is also survived by his brothers; Michael (Sally Joyce) Bradshaw of Herriman, UT, Garth (Rhonda) Bradshaw of Weiser, ID, and his sister, Julianne (Barry) Bluemel of Lyman, WY, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends and loved ones, and his faithful and steadfast canine companions Veli, Pippin, and Charlie.

Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lyman, WY at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 16, 2019.