Bradford David Vaage

Bradford Vaage ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Macy & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Mar. 17, 2026.Bradford David Vaage, 72, passed away on March 4, 2026, in McMinnville, Oregon.Brad was born on August 25, 1953, in Portland, Oregon, to Dean and June Vaage. After the passing of his mother at a young age, he was lovingly raised by his father, Dean, and Zolene.As a young man, Brad spent several years living in California, where he attended Moorpark College and UCLA. During that time, he worked for United States Lines before eventually returning to Oregon in the early 1980s.In 1974, Brad married Jennifer, and together they welcomed two children, Joshua and Amelia. After returning to Oregon and later divorcing, Brad met Patty. The two were married on August 17, 1986. They had two children, Braden and Dena, and built a life together centered on faith, family, laughter, and unwavering commitment to one another.Brad spent much of his career as a Regional Sales Manager and later pursued several other ventures, including running his own business, driving school bus, and working as a real estate broker. No matter the role, he took his work seriously and believed in doing it well.Brad was a man of deep Christian faith. In 2006 he became a member of The Gideons International and found great purpose in participating in Bible distributions. His faith was a steady guide throughout his life and shaped the way he cared for others.Brad loved reading, music, movies, and quiet moments to sit and think. But he also loved to laugh, joke, and enjoy life with the people around him. He had a way of bringing humor into everyday moments and was never shy about sharing a story, a laugh, or a little well-intended advice.More than anything, Brad was an incredibly caring husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family deeply and showed that love through constant encouragement, guidance, and support. He believed strongly in doing the right thing and often challenged those he loved to be better, work harder, and live with integrity. His expectations came from a place of deep care, and his family always knew how much he believed in them.To his children, he was both a steady guide and a persistent voice in the background reminding them to do their best, do what was right, and never stop striving to become better people.Brad was the kind of man who gave of himself freely, often putting the needs of others ahead of his own. His life was marked by loyalty, devotion, and a genuine desire to see the people he loved succeed and flourish.He is survived by his beloved wife, Patty; his children, Braden, Dena, Amelia, and Joshua; his grandchildren, Elowen, Kason, and Emerson; and his sister, Della. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and June; Zolene; and his siblings, Joyce, Charma, and Craig.Brad will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. They will remember his kindness, his humor, his strong faith, and the way he continually encouraged those around him to live well, love deeply, and do what was right.Though their hearts are heavy, they find comfort in the faith that meant so much to him. They take peace in believing that he is now restored, renewed, and welcomed into the presence of the Lord he trusted throughout his life. His family will carry his memory forward with gratitude for the love he gave and the example he set.A private family service will be held to honor Brad's life. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor his memory through contributions to Gideons International.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.