 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Chad Wetsch
July,26,2006
I have so many memories and will write them down over the next few days. Please post your own and share them with everyone.
Cathi Wetsch
July,27,2006
I will always remember how Geoff could not understand why Chad and I would spend days Christmas shopping - Geoff 1 day and 1 store 1 day before Christmas - done deal! I also remember being 6 weeks pregnant and I had food poisoning (unknowingly), Chad and Geoff were playing video games and getting mad and me for being sick all night - they thought it was morning sickness and I was too loud! Chad finally took me to the hospital after they finished playing at 3am. These are a couple of my fonder memories, there have been many over the past 13 years. To me Geoff was just part of the family and a friend - I will miss him a lot. Thank you Geoff for always helping me to remember that its the simple things in life that matter the most.
Jamie Molloy
July,27,2006
One of my best memories of Geoff is recent. He came to Vancouver, no forewarning, and wanted to buy a car. I meet him for sushi and he told me his plan. I said to him “let me help, I will take you around and we will get you a car”. Once I told him this he was so excited that if you could harness the energy you would be able to power a small city. Geoff and went to one deal who talked our hear off and we were there for about 3 hours. I wanted to leave so badly but Geoff would not go until he heard all of the options this guy was going to give us. In the end we left but not before Geoff had giving the sales man my cell phone number. To this day I am still getting one to two phone calls a week from Joel at Main Street Ford, wondering if Geoff would be interested in car x,y,z… now, I am really looking forward to Joel’s call... Geoff I miss you more than you can imagine… I love you and always will…. Jamie
Matt MacDonald
July,27,2006
Geoff, I never had the opportunity to tell you how much I always admired you and considered you a role model in my life. I've never met anyone as accepting and kind hearted as you. You will always be in my memories and I will forever miss our friendship. Thank you for all the great times we shared.
Sarah (Wetsch) Lindsay
July,27,2006
One of my fondest memories of Geoff was Chrsitmas in Sechelt. Geoff had come over for probably his second dinner and ate as much ceasar salad as I have ever seen anyone eat. Geoff spent the night at and Chad, Cathi Hugh and myself crashed in the living room watching SNL. Geoff was laughing so hard at the choppin broccoli segment. I don't know if I was laughing harder at the skit or him laughing. The evening however took a tole for the worse as all that ceaser salad made it hard for everyone, but Geoff, to sleep. Geoff has always been a huge part of our family. He was always there! We will all miss you so very much!!
Kristian Braathen
July,27,2006
Although I didn't know Geoff as well as I know Mike Bradshaw, I will always remember him for his never ending positive energy. He was always so supportive and excited about all the endevours that we were going for with our band 'Little Coin' and always ready to lend a hand in whatever was needed to make a event happen. Geoff was obviously a brilliant mind but he never boasted his knowledge and he could always strike up a conversation with anyone. Life is such a mysterious thing, here one moment and gone the next, so powerful yet so fragile. I know Geoff had thousands of things that he wanted to pursue in his future. It's times like this that always make us remember how important family and friends are, it reminds us to say I love you, or just to make contact with an old friend. Geoff will be missed by us all , but it's important to celebrate his life as we all remember it. We will all miss you greatly Geoff, your friend, Kristian Braathen
Kevin Onclin
July,27,2006
I have many fond memories of Geoff as he spent a great deal of time at our home, at all hours of the day and nights, especially when he and Chad were into one of their marathon video games or of course listening to music or making music. One time Geoff and I were talking about bands and I started talking about my high school days and how the band Rush had played in the gymnasium. It was a pivotal moment for me as Chad's Dad because I did not realize what a fan of the band Geoff was at the time but as far as Geoff was concerned I had just acheived cool "Dad" status no matter what Chad said. Geoff, was so excited about it he wanted to know all about what songs they played and what it was like to be there. Another great memory was shortly after the birth of our youngest daughter Holly, I will never forget the look on Geoff's face when Chad insisted that Geoff should hold her. He as usual took it in stride and had that grin on his face once he realized she was not going to break. Geoff and I talked many times about the North, as I was a field biologist in the Yukon for a few years when I first graduated from University. He was always interested in the field work stories and I could see his quiet determination and enthusiasm for his studies and work. I was not surprised that Geoff started working in the Yukon or that he loved the North or that he was successful. Geoff was the type of young man who you always hope your son will be good friends with, and who felt like a second son in our home. Geoff, you made us all proud, your mom and dad could not have raised a finer individual, and my entire family is feeling a deep sense of loss. You will be greatly missed.
Julia Daly
August,04,2006
I worked with Geoff at Wolverine for many years. We were there together from the beginning. I have so many fond memories of those times. Geoff was always so kind and warm to me. Always so grateful he had someone to cook for him. He had the most beautiful eyes I remember. I have been out of the Mining biz for a few years now and when I got word of Geoff's death it really hit me hard. Our community is so small and the friendships you make can feel like it was just yesterday we were together. I was truly broken hearted. Geoff was admired by so many people. His work ethic and just the way he was around people was something to be proud of. He treated everyone with respect and dignity. I remember he had such a great sense of humour. A great laugh. It's so sad to lose someone like Geoff. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Know that Geoff was loved by many people. A truly great man. He will be truly missed. Julia Daly
Blane Despres
August,05,2006
I just heard the news thru friends today (Saturday afternoon) and wanted to attend the memorial as a support to his parents and to show honour for a lad I respected. Alas, too late to arrive there from Kelowna. Words never suffice to touch the vacuum left by the lives of the people who are taken from us. Nevertheless, I hope for some comforting, some slight easing of the pain. I knew him as a student in a small but fabulous group of students. Quiet, unassuming yet strongly present. He never goofed around in class...unlike those other characters like Chad and Jamie and ... (ahhh, weren't those fun days!!!)!!! But he was always with them in the laughter. Peace Geoff. (Thank you, Chad, for creating this opportunity to express)
Nancy Joyce
August,10,2006
I have been off the radar lately since I just had a baby, and just found out today about Geoff's passing. I am absolutely shocked that he is no longer with us and offer my most sincere condolences to Geoff's family at this sad time. I saw something in my work email about a Geoff Bradshaw Scholarship program and my first thought was 'gee....Geoff must have discovered some huge VMS deposit in the Yukon, become rich, and then donated a bunch of money to the geology program at UBC for the scholarship' ......because that's the sort of thing he WOULD do....but then I read the horrific details of what actually took place and I broke down into tears. Geoff was such an amazing guy - a fellow grad student at UBC while I was there 1999-2002. He was fun-loving, intelligent, hilarious, and ambitious. I always admired his drive to be the best person he could be. I remember him learning to skate at our hockey practices - he became quite a fine hockey player in the end! I took him to a Senators/Habs hockey game at the Corel Centre a couple years ago when he was in town to do work at the GSC. We had seats 4 rows from the ice in the visitors corner and I'll never forget how fun that evening was. We TA'd together on several occasions - he was a wonderful and inspiring teacher and it's a real shame that he will no longer be able to share his wisdom with the world. The memory of Geoff will last forever - he has touched so many lives. We miss ya, G-Man.
Naomi Hunter
August,16,2006
Geoff and I attended high school together in Sechelt and though it's been many years since those days, I am profoundly saddened to hear of his passing. Although I didn't know Geoff well, I have always thought of him as a person of great quality and integrity. From what I've read here tonight, he was all that and so much more. My thanks to you too, Chad, for creating this website for Geoff and for us to share our grief. It goes to show how truly special Geoff was and how many lives, from long ago to present, he has touched. Deep peace to Geoff's family and friends. Naomi Hunter
Jo Dowell
August,16,2006
Goffrey, as I called him, was such a laid back person, his wacky sense of humour still makes me smile, particularly the time when we were in Whistler (I think it was my birthday) and I had woken with a hangover (no surprises there eh!) and while I was madly searching for orange juice and saying in my kiwi drone "O.J. for J.O., J.O. for O.J.", Geoff just thought this was the funniest thing ever. Even more amazing was a couple of years later when we caught up out at UBC and he was still having a wee chuckle to himself "O.J. for J.O.", "Hmmm, thats so funny" he would say! I'm not sure how I feel about the time when him and Chad told me that I was standing on a cow carcass in Trout lake and that when I got out, I'd probably be covered in blood sucking Leeches......having recently come from Gods Own (New Zealand) and having little of knowledge of what was real, Geoff really helped me to experience the Canadian way. And for that and so much more, I will always remember you, you're the kind of star that will shine no matter where you are..........Love and Peace Jo
Rob Mouldey
August,21,2006
I just heard this sad news today as I am sitting in my office in Auckland New Zealand. Although I did not know Geoff well, I did know him to be one of those special people who were just all round bloody nice guys! I was on an exchange to Chatelech High School from NZ in 1991/92 and met Geoff through Jimmy & Andrea McLeod. When I think of Geoff I think of a good humoured, keen for an adventure, hyped up fella, who was easy to like! For his family and friends who Geoff has left behind, I just want to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, and Geoff is being remembered in NZ.
Russell Eyestone
September,21,2006
It's taken me a long time to come around to being able to write something about this. Geoff is the kind of man that you trusted implicitly, because he carried an aura of honesty and integrity about him. Geoff had a good, pure heart and the energy to make it do things that mattered to people in this world. Geoff inspired. Who else could have made an obstacle course for six drunk guys turn into the most intense, and intensely fun, bushwhacking that I've ever participated in? Geoff, the world needed you for much longer yet, and it hurts to see you go. Thank you for all you gave.
Chris McKee (Chris@McKee.net)
February,07,2007
There are many ideals that I believe in, but often struggle to live by ...to be giving, respectful and kind, no matter where you are or whom you’re with …to approach every situation with a great attitude …to value friendships, and make time no matter how busy your life is ...to appreciate, deeply, the places and people and experiences around you, to go after those experiences with enthusiasm, and to pack the day with them. Geoff lived these ideals. He has always been and will continue to be a great inspiration. Whenever I think of Geoff I feel encouraged to live better and fuller. I always assumed that someday soon we would have more epic adventures together, but people get busy and sometimes fail to make the time. My deepest regret. For me, part of Geoff’s legacy will be a stronger bond between his friends. ‘Til our next adventure, Chris
Zoe Morrison
February,21,2007
I wanted to thank you for sharing your stories about Geoff. There are lots of people who cared about Geoff who I never got to meet, or who I only met after his death. Hearing from you has meant a lot to me over the last six months. Geoff and I spent just a year and a half together and, although I know that I was lucky to have him for the time that I did, it was so much shorter than the number of years I wanted to spend with him. Keep in touch - Zoë
Amber
March,11,2007
I came across this website by accident. i was actually looking up my brother who shares the same name. I was trying to bring up his photo to show a friend from his work website. Anyways all of that aside I read some of the postings and saw Geoffs photos. I did not know him and I almost felt as though i was somehow trespassing on your site. I am so sorry for your loss. Geoff appears to be a very missed and amazing guy. Again my deepest and sincerest sympathies and thank you for sharing Geoff with the world who did not know him
Jana
May,31,2007
I really miss you Geoffrey.
Kirsten
June,07,2007
Geoff : I had been thinking a lot about you lately and was unaware of your passing. I ran into an old friend and asked what you were up to and was looking forward to hearing of your adventures. When I heard about the accident, I was shocked, saddened, and angry that an amazingly funny, generous, and caring person was gone. Life is so unfair. The last time I saw you was a few years ago and it was great to see how accomplished you had become in such a short period of time. I always new that you would be successful in anything you chose to do. I have wonderful memories of you in the many classes we shared. The one that strikes me as funny to this day is the whole RAINMAN thing. You were so smart and charmingly shy at times. Although we didn't see eachother that often over the last few years, you were someone that affected my life and I wanted to share that with you. You have joined the heavens too soon and on the next starry night I will choose a star for you and make peace with your passing. You have made an impact on so many lives that your spirit is untouchable and will remain strong with all that new you forever. May your soul be at peace my friend...
Leyla Weston
July,01,2007
It has been almost one year and still I struggle to put down words. Geoff, Bradshaw as I call him, came into my life a short time ago when he started working for the Yukon Geological Survey. My husband Jeff wanted to invite the new collleague over for dinner "You'll really like him" my husbans said. With an infant and a toddler, I agreed to cook up something simple. Geoff was so polite and with one bite of my chicken provencale he said: "Ah man, this is the best chicken I have ever had!" and with such sincerity and enthusiasm. I knew we would be friends forever. Then I went back to work with the Yukon Geological Survey part-time in the fall of 2005. I had the chance to work with Geoff as well as build a close friendship. He became part of my daily work routine. The first person I would visit upon arriving at work was Bradshaw to plan our morning coffee break. So simple, so simple, he cherished the simple things in life, he had a zest. We had coffees, we shared stories, we disagreed, we laughed, I made him laugh, it made laugh. It was a year ago now that I said "see ya, have a great summer and I'll see you in September". I never saw him again, my heart aches because I never had the chance to say "I love you Bradshaw". I miss him so much.
Jana B
July,19,2007
Dear Geoffrey… It has been nearly a year, and only now do I find myself being able to imagine using words to describe how you have touched my life. How can you put words to a human spirit and how can you articulate the absence felt by those it’s left behind? I find it difficult to acknowledge what I can not change, but so desperately wish I could turn back time….My heart aches that you will not meet your niece Edelle (you would have been an exceptional role model) and that there will be no cousins, no more family dinners, no more of so much. Only memories. Do you remember the time that I (and baby Claya) awoke you from your quiet slumber down in the basement at your parents place. I had mistaken you for your younger brother, as I sat at your bedside, whispering sweet nothings that startled you into an alert state. Yet, you were still so congenial (although a little dazed and confused). Do you remember when it was my first year at UBC and I had submitted some crappy geography assignment encased in what appeared to be a grade 3 art project gone-bad…yet, you were full of such praise. You always made people feel good about themselves, regardless of the circumstance. Often you would simply laugh. I miss that laugh – it was so contagious, you made everyone in your midst crack a smile (and then some). I wish I would have told you how much I looked up to you, perhaps I did not realize it at the time...I wish I would have told you that I loved your simple, unassuming, always generous spirit. I wish we would have had more time. You were as real as a person can be, you were and always will be a teacher. You inspire me to become a better person, to show my children how to live life with a zest, an intensity that can not be matched. We will always carry you in our thoughts and our hearts…I hope that one day they will no longer feel weighted by your absence, but rather aloft with sweet memories. Is that possible? Loving you and missing you, Jana
cathi
July,24,2007
Geoff you'll always be a part of us - miss having you around....
Darcy
December,02,2007
I just stumbled upon this now, today... Geoff, you arise in my heart and mind even more often then before your untimely death. Now, as your birthday approaches you are strongly there. So I Googled your name. Imagine. Not sure what I would find. I find my friends from home sharing about their sweetest memories of you. So, now it is my turn. But where do I start? I was so abundantly blessed by spending such sweet time with you. So one of the memories that brings a smile and giggle every time I think of it is one night when we'd been 'hanging out,' 'seeing each other' for SO long but you hadn't made a move on me at all!! I was so annoyed but chicken. Anyways, finally, you invited me back to your place for an 'instant cappuccino' (add hot water to a package of powder - such class! but you didn't need class... your sweetness spoke way deeper than class). After we drank our cappuccino, you walked me back to my car, I opened the door to get in and you kind of grabbed me and kissed me but you also closed the car door on my arm at the same time. Ouch! I laughed, you laughed, and we did kiss... so precious! and unforgettable. I loved the game you would play with me... we'd be walking along the sidewalk and out of the blue you would shoulder check me off the sidewalk into a bush or onto the grass and declare your self victorious. I could never get you as good but this game made me laugh so so much. Thank you!! How about the precious things you taught me... you showed me to play constantly, enjoy every moment, savour every taste, every view, every conversation, every second of every song. You showed me that Rush truly is great. You believed that I too could throw and catch a frisbee. You cooked me baked spaghetti and served peanut m&ms for dessert and this was perfection. You even encouraged me to play drums sometimes (even though it was so uncomfortable). It's like you were fearless. You just went for it and then gave every one else the space to go for it. You loved so much, so simply. You showed me what a good friend is. Oh, I loved the letters you would send from wherever you were. I remember the vivid accounts of mosquito conspiracies and bear attacks but also poetry. Geoff... I could go on and on... you are a star, a shining star... I have missed you for a long time already and so it goes on. You truly do live on in all of our beings as an inspiration and an impeccable guide.
cathi
March,17,2008
Always in our thoughts and often in our dreams - we miss you.
Rob Donovan
April,20,2008
I have to say, I'm sorry that a night of surfing turned into this..... I am having a hard time believing that Geoff is gone, yet the pictures telll a different story. Chad, my thanks go out to you for keeping this site alive. I was good friend's with Geoff many years ago, and regrettably, I never kept it up. He was a brilliant man, well deserving of friendship and acknowledgment like all of us are. Geoff, if I could speak to you directly, I would apologize for allowing our friendship to go untended. I remember the invitation you gave me to watch Short Circuit at your house for your birthday... seems like so many years ago. Looking at the photos on this site, though, I see that you were loved by many close friends in addition to your family. It is as I would expect. Geoff, I want to apologize for allowing our friendship to drift away. In spite of my own faults, I see now that you were well looked after, with a large compliment of friends and loved ones to help you. It is one of my own failings that I cannot claim myself as one of them. Speaking for my family, this many years later, I remember you Geoff, and I will instill in my daughter the values that you held close to your heart. That is the greatest honour I could bring with me. Your friendship was very valuable to me and will live on in the ideals that I will instill in her. In that way, and in my heart, you will never be forgotten. From my family to yours, I would like to wish my most sincere condolences. Geoff was one of a kind.
April,20,2008
 |
 |
 |