In the early hours of Nov. 13, 2016, a bright light went out when Bradley William Earl Cross succumbed to a long and tiring battle with cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Born on Nov. 9, 1950, anybody who knew Brad knew that backing down from a challenge truly was not in his nature, and never did he back down or feel sorry for himself when presented with this debilitating threat.
Headstrong and blessed with an indomitable sense of humour, Brad always was known for his upbeat attitude, positive outlook, and the ability to create entertainment out of even the sorriest subjects. Any room he walked into instantly got brighter, and the charge a little stronger, just by his presence.
If life wasn’t moving at 100 m.p.h., he was going to do his stubborn best to make sure it was–and take you along for the ride! Ask him how he was doing and you were bound to get a “5 foot 9 and bulletproof!”
That was a bold statement for a man whose shadow may not have exceeded 5’8” but you had to believe he was telling you the truth—and he believed it, too!
Fast-talking, fast-thinking, and with an uncanny ability to read people and situations, sales was Brad’s calling from an early age. Opportunity and a fearless self-assurance led to Brad proudly starting Cross Canada Equipment in 1979.
Brad loved the art of the sale, especially “sellin’ iron.” Trucks, dozers, loaders, anything. If it could be sold, he was going to sell it—and he loved it. Anything that moved, operated, flew, or drove instantly had Brad’s attention—and also his desire to try his hand at it.
This love of all things mechanical caused him to chase his dreams into the skies, getting his pilot’s licence in 1987. Few things put Brad more at ease than being in the air, all the while letting him exercise his perfectionist’s attention to detail.
Brad’s nirvana, indeed.
To those who sincerely could call him one, none could name a better friend than Brad. Compassionate, loving, blessed with integrity, and loyal to the end, Brad was always available for support, help, or certainly a candid conversation over a “few” beers.
Brad wore his heart on his sleeve for all to see and if he loved you, you were loved with everything he had. There was no half-way with Brad.
Gone but never forgotten, Brad is off to buy the first round when he joins his parents, Bill and Joan Cross; sister, Nancy and her husband, Robert “Newt” Howden; and Janet and Peter Heywood.
Brad leaves behind his great friend and loving wife of 13 years, Pam Cross; his great pride, his children with Maureen Cross, Bradey (Brad) Lund and B.J. (Shaanen) Cross; his beloved grandchildren, Seth, Caleb, Jacob, and Benjamin Lund; siblings, Cheryl (Jay) Handberg, Lynne, Wendy (Don) Potter, Tom (Sandi) Cross, Karen (Mark) Hagen, Mike (Kayleen) Cross, and Pat (Dana) Cross; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family, all of whom he valued greatly.
A memorial service in Brad’s honour will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 429 2nd St. S., Kenora, Ont.
A celebration of Brad’s life will follow the service at Casey’s Grill Bar, 220 Lakeview Dr. in Kenora.
In lieu of flowers, Brad’s family kindly requests that consideration of a donation in his name be made to the Pinecrest Auxiliary or the Canadian Alzheimer Society.
Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com
BRADLEY WILLIAM EARL CROSS
