Bradley N. Currey

Was born September 17, 1926 in Brewster, FL and died at 88 peacefully at home December 11,2014 in Goleta, CA. Brad was the last survivor, of six children born to Washington Currey and Mildred Littlefield Currey. He spent his youth in Pittsburg, PA and his teen years in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. In 1944, at 17 he enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the Military Police in Leyte, Philippine Islands. He transferred to the Army Air Corp and served in Biak, New Guinea and Rome, N.Y., where he became a chaplain's assistant. From Hamilton AFB in San Rafael he was sent to Okinawa where he edited the base news paper and recorded the transformation of the Air Corp to the Air Force by Constitutional amendment. After a transfer to Hamilton AFNB he was Honorably Discharged in 1949.

Using the GI Bill, he graduated from Springfield College with a degree in Social Youth Work becoming employed at the YMCA in El Paso, TX where he directed Y camps. This led to a move to Santa Barbara to work at the old YMCA here. Brad helped plan the Y on Hitchcock Way in Santa Barbara. He was employed at Devereaux School while taking classes to become an elementary school teacher. A 33 year career at the Hope School District followed, 32 years of which were at Vieja Valley School teaching 6th grade. He enthusiastically led his students into preparing for achieving their higher education goals, especially focusing on his favorite areas; history, government and geography with emphasis on the cultures of peoples around the world.

His second marriage in 1969 joined together six children ages 12-16, W. Lee Currey, Robert Frey, Jefferson Currey, Diane Frey (now deceased), Elaine Currey and Mitchell Frey. The couple later adopted two of Diane's children, Shelah "Sunny" Currey and Elisha "Eli" Currey.

Brad is survived by his wife of 45 years, Louise A. Currey, his beloved children, and 25 grandchildren, 26 great grand children and their respective spouses, in many cases. All were special to him and a joy to his heart.

Throughout his life social justice concerns were paramount. He was instrumental in starting the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) which recently had its 50th Anniversary.

A Celebration of his Life is planned at the Unitarian Society, 1535 Santa Barbara St.,. on Saturday, January 24 at 4 p.m., followed by a pot luck. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the ACLU, the Friendship Day Care Center, The Parkinson's Ass?n, of SB, the Hearts Riding Academy or a charity of your choice in his memory.

A life well lived.