Our condolences go out to Matt's family and friends. He was an inspiring figure in the cycling community and to students and aspiring students at the University of Utah. He died Monday from an accidental drowning at his home in Sandy. You will be missed, Matt. After the break is his obituary, courtesy of Larkin Mortuary.
One of the first times that I met Matt was late last year when we took a group ride up City Creek Canyon to the water treatment plant. Just before we got to the top, we saw him descending (I won't say how fast). I thought, "Whoa, did he only have one leg?" I was amazed further when, after sitting and talking next to the plant for about 20 minutes, Matt came back up, turned around in front of us, and headed down the canyon again. He smiled (beard and all) and brightened my day for sure. What amazing things Matt has done, even with challenges that few of us will ever face. We echo the sentiment of a quote from Matt himself.
"So long. It's been a good ride."
8/19/1970 ~ 3/20/2012
Dr. Matthew Wade Bradley, age 41, passed away March 20, 2012 in Sandy, Utah after an accidental drowning.
He
was born August 19, 1970 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Craig S. and
Kathleen Linebaugh Bradley. He graduated from Alta High School in 1988
where he was a sterling scholar in visual arts and was a Student Body
Officer. He was an eagle scout and worked as a counselor at several boys
ranches including Bennion Teton Boys Ranch. He served a mission for the
LDS church in Italy. Matt graduated from Brigham Young University and
received his Masters degree and PhD from Indiana University in Folklore.
Matt also received the M.Ed from the University of Utah.
Matt had a
distinguished teaching career as an Assistant Professor (lecturer) for
the Honors College at the University of Utah where he led the Honors
Social Justice Scholars, the Honors Think Tank on Social Change, and the
Mestizo Arts and Activism program. Matt also taught honors classes at
AMES High School. He has inspired hundreds of students to be advocates
and has modeled for them the life of an activist, the power of
commitment, vision and compassion. Matt fought for social justice with
his heart, his mind and his soul. His students will always remember the
strength of his character, his commitment and values, and the powerful
example he made of a life devoted to others.
The respect the
University of Utah, his colleagues and students had for Matt's work as a
teacher was demonstrated through the Equity and Diversity Award, the
Distinguished Honors Professor Award, the Community Engaged Faculty
Fellowship and Community Scholar in Residence awards from the University
Neighborhood Partners. In 2010, Matt received a special recognition
from ACLU of Utah, "For Fostering Freedom."
Matt demonstrated
immense courage in his fight with cancer, returning to the classroom
just ten days after surgery to amputate his lower leg. Through humor and
optimism, Matt inspired those around him to embrace life and honor each
day.
Longtime cycling enthusiast, with his new prosthetic limb, Matt
faced the challenge of redefining himself as an athlete with incredible
drive, determination, and courage. In 2011, he placed 3rd place at the
U. S. Nationals in Para-Cycling in both the Criterium and the Time
Trial. He earned a spot to compete for the U.S. national team in 2011 in
the Para-Cycling World Championships held in Denmark. Because of his
passion for cycling Matt "Bronco" Bradley was named Cycling Utah - 2011
Rider of the Year. Matt's voice was a mainstay every fall at the Utah
Cyclocross series. He also helped in organizing the Cross Out Cancer
event.
Uncle "Mattman's" 19 nieces and nephews will always remember his playful spirit.
Matt
is survived by: his father Craig S. Bradley and his siblings Nicole
(Joseph) Sepulveda, Seth R. (Megan), Luke H., Jeremiah S. (Erin),
Zachary J. (Brenda), Adam C. (Angi), 19 nieces and nephews and
Grandfather Ralph O. Bradley.
Preceded in death by his mother
Kathleen Linebaugh Bradley, Grandparents Glade C. and Thora Hawkins
Linebaugh, Grandmother Mildred Harris Bradley, sister-in-law Elizabeth
"Bunny" Bradley and "Righty" (his right leg).
Funeral services will
be held at Pepperwood Chapel, 2195 East Pepperwood Drive (10900 South)
on Monday, March 26th at 12 Noon. Friends may call Sunday, March 25th in
the evening from 6-8 at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. 10600
South in Sandy and Monday from 10:30-11:30 at the Pepperwood Chapel.
Interment at Larkin Sunset Garden. Online condolences: www.larkincares.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Huntsman Cancer Foundation, huntsmancancer.org/mattbradley or Mestizo Arts and Activism, www.mestizoarts.org
Such a solid, evolved fellow. Matt taught me about film and sound engineering at Spyhop in the early 2000's, and was again my professor in the U's Honors courses.
ReplyDeleteEven after all this history, the first time I saw him with his prosthetic I was certain it'd been there all along, he carried himself with such confidence and ease.
A role model through and through.