Obituary of Riley Matthew Bradford

Riley Matthew Bradford passed away suddenly in a tragic snowmobiling accident on Sunday January 21, 2024 only 24 years old, doing what he loved, living his life to the fullest.

Riley was born Oct. 20, 1999 in Cranbrook B.C., to parents Cory and Shari, along with his twin sister Jillian. A special brother to both, Dylan was born a few years later. Riley completed his education in Cranbrook, worked at Canadian Tire, spent some time in silviculture, became a fire-fighter for a short while, then took a job with CP Rail. He loved working as a CP maintenance worker taking on different and challenging duties, where his co-workers often said he was mature beyond his years. He was respected and dearly loved by all who worked with him.

Riley loved being outdoors. He continually found outdoor activities, from thrilling things like snowboarding, snowmobiling and motor biking to others like golfing, hunting and gaming. Mostly we remember his most loved past time, FISHING. But above all, anybody that knew Riley knows that whatever he took on, Riley DID IT RIGHT.

Riley was a dear friend to many due to his great big heart to go along with his long hair and extreme height.  He would do anything or everything for anyone. Selfish was not in his DNA. He was always visiting someone or planning to see them. Riley had the most contagious laugh, and others were forced to laugh with him, like it or not.

Riley is survived by his parents, Shari and Cory, sister Jillian (Ben Kozak), brother Dylan, niece Mia,  grandparents Bernice, Evan, Karen, Terry, and many uncles, aunts, cousins and many special friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday Jan. 31, 2024 at the Cranbrook Alliance Church at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow immediately after the service. People are asked to join the family in person or during the on-line live-streaming of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the charity of your choice.

The list of people that Riley impacted was never-ending. He made lasting memories and friendships with ease with whomever he met. He truly was one of a kind. He will be missed everyday and forever remembered.