Bradley M. Gilman

Bradley M. Gilman MT. PLEASANT - Bradley M. Gilman of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and Troy, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on 24 December 2024, having lived a full, joyful life. He was 72. A husband to one. A father to two. A brother to three. A grandfather to four. Brad is survived by his wife, Roberta; his son, Douglas and daughter-in-law, Emily, and their two daughters, Arya (9) and Cosette (5); and his daughter, Caitlin Godfrey and son-in-law, Clay, and their two daughters, Quinn (5), and Parker (2). He is deeply mourned by his sister, Marsha; brothers, Brian and Tucker; his brothers- and sisters-in-law; as well as many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by many friends and former colleagues. Brad, more often called Mr. Gilman, was a career educator who started his journey of influence, support, and guidance in 1974 at Detroit Country Day School. During his 32 years at DCDS, Brad impacted the lives of thousands of students, parents, and colleagues. Last serving as the Upper School Director, Brad was a leader, a mentor, a confidante, an adviser, and a difference maker. When he left DCDS, the teaching staff recognized Brad's leadership by creating the Bradley M. Gilman Faculty Award in his honor. This distinguished award is presented annually to a DCDS educator who exemplifies Brad's many attributes, acknowledging him as one of the most beloved and respected members of the DCDS community. For Brad, the highlight of his tenure at DCDS was meeting his wife, Roberta in 1974. Brad was born in Waterville, Maine, to Richard and Lucille Gilman, with a final move with his family to Los Angeles. While in high school, he excelled in swimming, becoming nationally ranked. His many accomplishments earned him induction into the Eagle Rock High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Brad returned to his East Coast roots, attending Dartmouth College and graduating in 1974. He was swim team captain, set four school records, was named MVP, and earned All-Ivy honor. He also earned a Master's degree in English at Occidental College. Brad transferred his athletic passion from player to coach, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to future generations. Beginning with tennis, Brad's teams won five state titles with the men's and women's programs. After succeeding on the court, Brad shifted to the course where he led the men's golf team to state finals and founded the school's first women's golf team in 2002. His coaching accolades include multiple Michigan High School State and Regional Coach of the Year awards for tennis and golf. Brad's illustrious career in education concluded with 10 years as Assistant Head of School at Porter-Gaud in Charleston, South Carolina. Following 50 years in education, in retirement Brad could pursue his love of sports, particularly golf. You could find him walking the course or on the driving range nearly every day. He also treasured his freedom to travel back and forth between South Carolina and Michigan to spend special time with his family. Throughout his life, Brad embodied strong values of fairness, kindness, unwavering loyalty, a calm demeanor, and an immense love for his family. He went from being known as Brad to Dad to Mr. Gilman to his most cherished designation, Pop-Pop-names that will stay in the hearts of his dearest loved ones, names that will forever be tied to the everlasting memories he gave them. A celebration of life will be held at St. James Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Michigan, on Friday, January 3rd at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family has selected two organizations that have a special meaning to Brad. In recognition of his love of golf, the TGR Foundation or in recognition of the Alma Mater of Brad's two children, Denison University. A.J. Desmond & Sons, (248) 362-2500, Sign tribute wall at AJDesmond.com.