Eldon "Kent" Bradfield
"Eldon Kent Bradfield passed away peacefully Saturday, June 25, 2022 in the loving care of the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles Oregon. Kent was born September 22, 1940 in Yreka California to Eldon Mont Bradfield and Sarah Darley Bradfield.
Kent's family resided in Hilt California, later moving to Scotia California, then moving to Wellsville Utah to farm. As a young boy Kent was always a hard working individual, whether he was milking cows for his dad or working on one of the many farms in the community. Kent attended South Cache High School and in 1958 left Utah to enlist in the Navy. While in the Navy he attained the rank of Petty Officer. While his ship was in Portland for extended repairs, he met his future wife of 60 years. He and his wife Lorraine had 3 children, Jeffrey Wayne, James Franklin and Jessica Lynn. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Jeremy Bradfield and Taylor Ruth Bradfield.
After Kent and Lorraine married, they resided in Portland for several years. When a job opportunity arose, they moved to Payette Idaho and stayed there for just over four years. At that time another job opportunity returning to Oregon, this time residing in HIllsboro Oregon, where they maintained a home for 45 years.
Kent spent most of his working years in the meat industry. He first worked for Western States Rendering, which led him to his job at Silver Falls Meat Packing. Silver Falls had purchased a plant in Payette Idaho and asked Kent to move there to run and manage the rendering plant for them and do the plant maintenance. When the plant closed he was recruited to work for Kummer Meat in HIllsboro. When they closed he worked briefly for the City of Milwaukie and Dayton Meat Company before going to work for Willamette Valley Meat until he retired in 2014.
Kent was active in the LDS church having been ordained a High Priest. Kent was actively involved in the Scouting program for several years. He went on many 50 mile hikes in the summer both in Idaho and later in Oregon. One year for their 50 miler the troop spent all winter building their own kayaks and then floating down the Willamette River in the summer. Kent also had a great love of cars. Helping his son restore a 1935 Chevrolet and a Mach I Mustang or working on his beloved Bronco, or one of his Mustangs. He also owned a 1940 Ford, a 1940 Buick and a beautiful 1937 Chevrolet 2 door slant back. He enjoyed attending Hot August Nights for many years and participating in shows and shines with each of his cars. One highlight was the year he won Best Interior with his 1940 Buick at Hot August NIghts, being selected as one of five cars to be recognized out of the many cars showing in downtown Reno.
Kent is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lorraine and his three adult children. His sons, Jeff Bradfield, James Bradfield (spouse Kierstin) and his daughter, Jessica Lynn (spouse Bill King). He is also survived by his grandson, Jeremy Bradfield(spouse Brittany) and granddaughter Taylor Bradfield. His parents and grandparents all preceded him in death. He is survived by his two brothers, Norris Lyle Bradfield of Logan Utah and Dale Bradfield who resides in Lakewood, California. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces in California and Utah.
Kent will be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at 11:00 am. There will be a celebration of life for him at a future date for all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to CurePSP.org in his name, the horrible disease that took him away too soon. The mailing address for Cure PSP is, 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York NY 10001. Or you may donate to Oregon Dog Rescue located at 6700 SW Nyberg St, Tualatin OR 97062.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements."