Bradley Ryan Cress

Accidentally on Sunday, June 22, 2003 at Delta, Manitoba, Bradley Ryan Cress, of Portage la Prairie passed away at the age of 25 years.

Brad was born on September 28, 1977, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. He attended La Verendrye School and Arthur Meighen High School. In his younger years Brad participated in long distance running, hockey and soccer, regularly placing at the top of his age category in events such as the Manitoba Marathon. Later, into his teen years, Brad took up trap shooting and archery. He was an avid and enthusiastic outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing snow mobiling, ATVing or just sitting around the campfire with friends.

Brad’s interest in mechanics and farming were always prevalent. He enjoyed working in fields surrounding Portage with friends, seeding, harvesting, or just lending a helping hand. In 1996, he became a professional driver, later starting his own business in 1998, purchasing a Kenworth highway tractor and running as an owner operator. Over the past few years, Brad operated under the Day & Ross banner, receiving Safe Driver Awards in each year of association with them. During the time he has spent in the transport industry, he has made many friends, near and far who will miss his straight forwardness and sense of humor. Brad has left a lasting impression with all the people who have known him in life, work, and play. His friendship was unselfish and unconditional. He set his own course, successfully overcoming any obstacles on his way to reaching his dreams and goals, through hard work, perseverance and dedication.

Brad will be greatly missed by his parents, Harold and Dianne Cress, brother, Brett, grandparents Norman and Carrie Cress and Hazel Bowler, aunts Linda and Carol Cress, cousins and friends. His grandfather Gordon Bowler and uncle Garry Bowler predeceased him.

Funeral Service was held at Trinity United Church on Friday June 27, 2003 at 1:30 PM with the Reverend Margaret Scott officiating. Duanne Taylor and Nathan Gerrard gave the eulogy. Jake Peters read a Tribute reading. Recorded pieces played were some of Bradley’s favorites, “Rocket Girl, “God Speed (Sweet Dream)”, “Pilgrim” and “You Light Up My Life”. The hymn selection was “In the Bulb there is A Flower” with Audrey MacFarlane presiding at the organ.

Pallbearers were Mesrss: Rod Walker, Doug McAuley, Doug Williams, Kyle Smith, Arnold Bachalo, Jack Wright, Sid Johnson, Dallas Yacucha, Jamie Johnson, Sam Gerrard, Rob Dumas, Mike Lewadniuk, Ed Hebert, Dean Capp, Jake Peters and Rick Yaskiw.

Attending in their respective groups were fellow semi-truck drivers of whom gave a salute to Brad in the form of a convoy of trucks down Saskatchewan Ave. prior to the service, Bradley’s co-workers from Day & Ross Inc., staff from the Provincial Court Office, staff from the Portage Mutual Insurance Co. and members from the Portage la Prairie R.C.M.P. detachment.

Interment followed in Hillside Cemetery surrounded by a protective wall of semi-trucks.

Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Delta Waterfowl Research Station or to Ducks Unlimited.