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Bradford Southworth Perkins

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Lake Forest College

Bradford Perkins Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Nov. 2 to Nov. 3, 2008.

Bradford Southworth PERKINS 53, died on October 28th, 2008, after a valient 2 year fight against brain cancer. He was the beloved husband for 22 years of Sara, and adored father of Marit. He is also survived by his parents, Eleanor and John Perkins of New York, a brother, John M. Perkins, Jr., and a sister, Eleanor P. Robinson, both of Connecticut. He was the son-in-law of Millie and Jack Rotchford of Spokane, brother-in-law of Charlene Smith Conde of Seattle and Del Cary Smith of California. Brad was a writer, producer and voice talent for KIRO News Radio for 28 years. He also was an active hockey player, serious mountain climber, bicycle rider, coach, scuba diver, musician and enjoyed the study of languages. He graduated from Brooks School, North Andover, Mass., and Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Illinois. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15th at 11 am at Epiphany Episcopal Parish, 1805 38th Avenue, Seattle, 98112 (Madrona). Donations in his memory may be made to: SMC Foundation, FBO Brain Cancer Research, 747 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122-4307.

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Recent Activity

July 25, 2025

Mark Sposato posted to the memorial.

July 4, 2021

Cristopher Berns posted to the memorial.

October 27, 2020

Tom Crites posted to the memorial.

40 Entries

Mark Sposato

July 25, 2025

Dear Family: I just happened upon Brad's obituary today, which is more than 15 years after his passing. I knew Brad when we were dormitory/roommates at Boston University 1975-1978. He was everything everyone described in the tributes below and much more. His love of music (but not academics) was truly remarkable. I am heartened that he had a very good life before his untimely passing. I lost my brother to the same disease that took Brad, so I know the heartache of his passing. He was a good man, gone much too soon. I wish we could have reconnected . . .

Cristopher Berns

July 4, 2021

I recently came across a photo of Brad and Marit not long after Marit was born. This led me to search for him in hopes of reconnecting after all these years. My heart sank in seeing this and I send my love and late condolences to Sara and Marit. Brad was a good friend "back in the day." He turned me on to some great music and I will always remember his big smile and loving spirit. My only regret is not staying in touch with him and his lovely family...

Tom Crites

October 27, 2020

All the best to Sara and Marit and know that Brad’s memory lives on with me. He was a great friend and hockey buddy to me and I think of him often.
Tom Crites

October 28, 2019

Dear Family:

I have nothing but wonderful memories of Brad Perkins. One of the funniest is when he contacted my son Joseph, then a 3rd grader at McGilvra Elementary. Joseph was a classmate of Merit. In any case, it turns out that Brad & Joseph had very spirited conversations about Baseball.

Apparently, Joseph and Brads team were playing one evening. I checked the landline voice mail and Brad had left a message for Joseph, which when I told Joseph he had a message from Brad, he ran to the phone to listen to it. Young 8 year old Joseph immediately called Brad back and they talked about the game highlights like it was no big.

I loved that Joseph had a real friend in Brad. I will always remember Brad as a Man with no barriers to loving people.

When the kids got older, we joined a carpool while they attended St. Joseph & later Seattle Prep. The kids would talk and talk. The parents were like flies on the wall (invisible), well, until somebody said something they didnt want us parents to hear. We laughed and then went on with our day.

I love miss you all dearly: Marit, Sarah and Brad.

Best Always,

Eileen Solomon :-)

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Tom Crites

October 27, 2019

I miss my hockey buddy....

Jodie Davis

November 25, 2008

Sarah and Marit,

I was so sorry to hear of Brad's passing. What a big loss for all who knew him, but most of all for you both. I will always remember how kind and thoughtful he was as a parent at McGilvra. How proud he was of you, Marit, and the love he had for you both. I will forever cherish the wonderful soundtrack of our Somewhere Today poetry he produced after 9/11. Sending big hugs to you both. Much love, Jodie Harper Davis

Tivela Seeche

November 19, 2008

I knew Brad in the 80's in Seattle when we were in a band together called "Home is a Tricky Concept". If I recall correctly Brad came up with the name when we were discussing our philosophies of home, and feeling like misfits in that department, and he quoted James Brown with as saying that, and the name stuck.

Brad's knowledge of music, his playing on that awesome collectible guitar along with his irreverent and entertaining playing, company, and YES, his dancing and searing guitar solos (that people who didn't know him took seriously, but he meant as a joke) I will never forget. The best word I can use to describe Brad was AUTHENTIC and that's a qualilty that's not easy to find in this world iMHO.

I was young, in my 20's a novice songwriter and composer and he always praised my talents, which I was so grateful for coming from a man of such musical talent and knowledge, and the fact that it was sincere. He even gave me a book on the history of rock and roll just because he wanted to it wasn't my birthday or a holiday or anything. He was like that, generous and his sense of humor was fabulous. It was impossible for me to be in a bad mood around him.

My thoughts are with his family at this time, whom I did not have the pleasure of meeting. I am very sorry for your loss.

The world has lost a sweetheart spirit.
Shalom,
Tivela Seeche

Karen Beaudry

November 18, 2008

Dear Sara and Marit - I've had you in my thougts and prayers daily over the past month.

During the St. Joseph School years, I enjoyed watching Brad coach the girls and occasionally having an opporunity to converse with him about ice hockey and cycling.

If you need anything, know that we are here to support you and Marit.

Karen Beaudry

Sheldon

November 18, 2008

My deepest sympathy to the family of a wonderful special man. I will always remember the love and passion that Brad posessed for his work at KIRO and for hockey. What a fantastic team mate and player. He will be missed in many hearts.

David Stone

November 17, 2008

Sara - Brad was a wonderful human being, a one-of-a-kind gentleman.

Jennifer Annable

November 17, 2008

Merit,
I want you to know you and your mom are in our thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss!
Love from Jennifer and your friends at the EEU.

Robin Johns

November 15, 2008

Amazing Sarah and sweet Merit... My heart is with you today as you celebrate your wonderful Brad. I always looked forward to spending time with your family when I would be @ Dick & Karen's. I treasure the memories of our camping trip! What a true blessing he was to all who knew him. I will always remember his smile and constant wit!

The Solomons

November 14, 2008

Dear Sara & Marit:

I just do not know if I can find the right words. We are truly saddened and heartbroken. Your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. I want to extend ourselves to you. Please feel free to call on us and we will be there. We will be in touch.

Love, Vic, Eileen & Joseph Solomon

John Dimitriou

November 14, 2008

Hi Sara, I'm sorry we never met but I'm the guy that gave Brad his first job in Seattle at the orignal Jazz Alley in the University District. He left us to go to work for KIRO and I told him then it would never last, I believe that was in 1980. His passing comes as a shock to all of us here at Jazz Alley and our thoughts and prayers are with you and Marit. Even though I have only spoke to Brad a couple of times over the years, I always remembered how special he was and how privileged I was to have known him.

Milo King

November 13, 2008

I have many fond memories of Brad, mostly from the time we worked together, practically shoulder-to-shoulder, in the tiny offices and production studios of KIRO radio in the '80s and '90s. With Brad I never would have learned to appreciate the jargon and arcane practices and traditions of professional sports...or biked the Chilly Hilly or the Tri-Island...good times indeed...and it's the good times we'll remember. I wish I had seen more of Brad in ensuing years...always thought there would be time...

Sarah & Marit, my heart goes out to you. Many people loved Brad, and many more will miss this wonderful man...but few will feel the loss as you do...for his love shined on you the most.

Sandra Carter (Cowie)

November 8, 2008

Sara. Vivia passed on the news to me and I am shocked, sad and so sorry. I have a huge place in my heart for Brad who made our early years in the USA in the 80's so wonderful and entertaining.

I have wonderful memories of Brad, his crazy dancing, his eloqent and totally unique way of expressing himself and his warmth and love.

My thoughts are with you and Marit.

Love Sandra

Kathy Marion

November 8, 2008

Another strong angel looks over all of us. In the short time that I had the privilege of being in the presence of the Perkins, I was always blessed. As I was sitting at my desk getting ready for another school day, I received a phone call from Brad as he was heading in for his first surgery. The love and concern he demonstrated for Marit was beyond description as he so eloquently asked me to watch over Marit while she was in my classroom. His love for Marit was palatable as it permeated through the phone line. At this point of the school year I had yet to meet Brad but knew that I would eventually meet a great person. My life has become stronger because God, Sara and Marit shared Brad with me. What a symbol of faith, courage, life and love. It was an honor.

Sara and Marit you are in my prayers. A candle burns daily in the classroom prayer corner. I will proudly wear Brad’s name on my Jersey’s as I cross those finish lines whether I am walking, cycling or do a tri. One more angel will be there to assist me in crossing the line.

Annie Annab

November 8, 2008

Dear Sara & Marit,

We are so very sorry to hear of your huge and very personal loss. Our prayers are with you. It is good to read all these warm tributes and memories by your friends. Most of my best memories of Brad are from childhood. However more recently- I got such a huge kick of my cousin Brad's emails to me and his enthusiasm for my teenaged son's "basement band". Brad's knowledge of music and equipment and even the right words to call things was amazing. Thanks in a large part to Brad's input we decided to upgrade our son's sound system... and one thing leads to another- this Saturday I'll be in Seattle, but my song writing son will be here on the East Coast loudly and proudly playing his electric "ax" in front of a crowd.

Love
Bobcat & family

Ken Heller

November 7, 2008

I have been passionate about radio as a medium for many years. Back in the sixties when I was a teenager and other kids wanted to be football players, US presidents or rock stars, I wanted to be a disk jockey. No kidding!

So when I met Brad at my daughter's school eight or so years ago and learned about his career, I was very interested in keeping up with him.

Some years later, Brad found out that my daughter had become editor of her high school newspaper. He took it upon himself to encourage her to intern at KIRO. He'd define the terms and conditions, make it really convenient around school hours and all. He kept after her to consider it.

He invited us down to KIRO Radio to check out this possibility and he showed us around. I was like a kid in a candy store as Brad let us watch him produce a commerical and we checked out the newsroom.

Well in this particular case, the acorn did indeed fall far from the tree. She had no interest in electronic journalism. Couldn't wait to go home.

I on the other hand was ready to quit my job and intern!!

Brad and I had to laugh about it. We had overlooked this possibility completely.

I am very sad that this wonderful man has left us.

Jon Osterberg

November 6, 2008

Sara and Marit --

I'm so sorry to hear my old friend Brad has passed on. What a fun, witty, talented guy. The entries in this guest book are from relatives, friends, and co-workers, but let me share a client's perspective. When I oversaw advertising for PEMCO Insurance, before we went "big time" with an agency in 2001, we did everything at PEMCO in-house. I was the creative copywriter and producer, and I was lucky to have Brad as my production guy and voice talent.

We spent many, many hours together over the years in his KIRO studio, and Brad represented KIRO superbly as a consummate professional. He was extremely patient and accommodating to my whims, he worked magic with the board, and he often went beyond the call of duty nearly every time we cut spots together.

Brad and I shared a love for rock music and guitarists who, to many people, were obscure. (Paul Kossoff of Free being one, Leslie West of Mountain another.) I'm still in shock. Brad and I will never talk music or sports again, and I won't hear his familiar voice on countless radio ads. What a sad loss. I'm praying for your comfort.

Larry Rice

November 6, 2008

My sincere condolences to The Perkins Family. Brad was one of the great guys at KIRO.

Nate Jones

November 4, 2008

Brad left us too soon.

I spent many a Seahawks Sunday with Brad back at flagship station KIRO during the 1994-1996 seasons. When you're spending eight or more hours cooped up with a guy each week, you really get to know someone quite well.

This I know for certain: he absolutely adored his wife and daughter and would give them the world.

My best memory of Brad was of a time he and I went with another board op to a Ballard bar (the "Tractor") to see a group of '60's-style surf rock bands. About halfway into the evening, Brad stood on a table and did a series of dance moves, rythmic twists and jerks, that left some of the 20-something Gen X crowd perplexed.

In a world concerned with image and looks, Brad didn't care what anyone thought.

I'll miss you, Brad.

Vivia Boe

November 4, 2008

Oh, Sara and Marit, I just now got the news and am so saddened and shocked. At the same time I'm being flooded with memories - I met Brad (through Greg and Sandra) just before he met you, so got a unique, actually a double first impression of him -- first, the blithe, brilliant, wise-guy member of the band with the greatest name ever* -- then a total personality change seemed to occur as he fell madly and permanently in love with a gorgeous blonde in a scarlet jumpsuit who came to see the band...

I feel blessed that I also got to meet Marit at a very special point in her life -- as a newborn out for her first visit to a restaurant (Cannon Beach, remember?) I was so impressed with her table manners - I don't think she even made a peep.

And I remember your wonderful dogs and how much you and Brad loved them, even when one of them literally ate a newly-reupholstered antique sofa.....

I'm so happy that in all this big world you found each other and had that fine thing commonly called "true love," which the world-wise know is a rare, rare precious gift that no one can ever take from those lucky enough to find it.

Like you and Brad. That was clear to everyone around you.

Love and tears of joy and sorrow from Vivia *the Brad-like name of his band was, of course, "Home is a Tricky Concept"

Michael Schafbuch

November 4, 2008

Brad and I shared the loves of radio, hockey, and punk rock. His voice will forever be in my head and his dry wit will continue to make me smile. May your pond be smooth and your blades sharp.

Tom Crites

November 4, 2008

I met Brad back around "92 in a store in Madison Park. He saw my Red Wing cap and asked if I played. I told him I did ,right here in Seattle,and, if he was interested, to come out and play in our beer league. He did and the rest was history. A great teammate, a great friend and a great loss. Heart-felt condolences to you, Sara and Marit, and many thanks to you for letting us borrow him to go play hockey.

Gary Anderson

November 3, 2008

I have always considered Sara a little sister. Brad lived with a spirit for life that will carry on with all who knew him. He loved life. Sara, my love to your family. You will always be close to me

robin freedman

November 3, 2008

Sara, my husband played hockey with Brad and liked him so much. He used to tell me how over-the-top witty and clever Brad was. Brad also helped me/staff when I served on the PAWS board and we truly appreciated his time and committment. When Brad was sick I read his emails and was so moved. He was such a gifted writer, he could be funny and poignant all in the same sentence. My thoughts are with you and your family. Robin Freedman (Howie's wife)

Val Stouffer

November 3, 2008

I know Brad from KIRO radio, where he spent an amazing tenure of something like 25 years. He was a prodution genius and great voice talent. We climbed Mt. Rainier together and rode our bikes to Vancouver BC. We share a deep love for seminal late 70s punk rockers. We also share a Lake Forest connection, where I grew up. Brad, you showed us how to face extreme adversity with dignity and your wonderful sense of humor. Sara and Marit, my thoughts are with you.

Oscar Conde

November 3, 2008

Sara,
We are very sorry.

Brad always made us feel welcome, he was a GREAT person.

November 3, 2008

Marie Marta-Faillace

November 2, 2008

My thoughts are with you, Sara and Marit. We will light a candle for Brad here in California. Please take care...

Camie Smith Wereley

November 2, 2008

I met Brad over 20 years ago when he became engaged to my cousin Sara. My memories of Brad are of a man with a funny and quirky sense of humor, extremely smart and quick witted, down to earth, very devoted to his wife and child, and a good sport. He left this earth too soon.

Molly Crocker

November 2, 2008

Dear Marit and Sara,
My Prayers are with you
during this very difficult time
I hold you both close to my heart
and ask God to keep you close
and bless you through this journey.
Love Molly Crocker

Dressed to Party

November 2, 2008

Bikers Extraordinaire

November 2, 2008

Fun Times at Sally Ann Ranch

Karen Lehman

November 2, 2008

Dick and I will remember Brad for being a truly gracious and giving neighbor. He made everyone feel special and we will miss him.

Kurt Smith

November 2, 2008

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in your time of great sorrow. Only those who have lost a husband and father can know the depths of your feelings. I am sending you my love to give you strength to bear your sorrow.

Brad is a long time hockey friend and will be greatly missed. I will never forget the long conversations about his great love for his family and how proud he is of Marit. During his cancer treatment he would still come to hockey and said there is nothing he would change with his life; he only wished that it would continue for as long as possible.

Ed Hallett

November 2, 2008

Sara, I'm so very sorry.

Brad was truly one of the good guys.

Cordelia mccuaig

November 2, 2008

Dear Ellie and John
How terribly sad we are for you all!It was such a shock to read of Brad's death.The only peace I can offer you, is that my son Michael Robb had his funeral at Epiphany in 2005, and it was beautiful. They are kind, loving people there. Michael was 47. I guess we can say Seattle sure got the good ones. Much love to you all, Cordy

Sarah & Eric Owens

November 1, 2008

I knew Brad at Lake Forest College. He was a groomsman at out wedding and Eric was one of Brad's two months later.

We remember Brad as the biggest-hearted, smartest and funniest guy we ever knew. His attitude toward his illness inspired us enormously.

Brad was something very special. We'll always remember him with great fondless.

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