Michael GÇ£IggyGÇ¥ Bradley

Michael "Iggy" Bradley, 63, of Mackinac Island, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 5, 2018, at McLaren Northern Michigan hospital in Petoskey, surrounded by his loved ones, following a long illness with cancer. He was born October 14, 1954, to Elmer and Joan (nee Tennyson) Bradley in Manistique. Mr. Bradley attended school at Mackinac Island Public School, where he was graduated in 1972. He worked for the City of Mackinac Island in the early 1970s, before going to work for Straits Construction as a painter until the mid-1980s, when he became the janitor at Mackinac Island Public School. As janitor, he befriended countless students, who talked with him daily to hear his wit, and his life advice. Mr. Bradley joined the Mackinac Island Fire Department in 1987, and he held every rank in the department, including chief from 2011 to 2017. He was a mainstay at the department, and was unrivaled in his efforts and responses, colleagues said, often staying at the scene of a fire long after the extinguishment to clean up and put gear back on the trucks. While he had a son he met later in life, and a girl he reared as his daughter, he didn't have the traditional nuclear family of his own, however, Mr. Bradley was rich with the families around him. He had a family at the fire department, a family at the school, a family at the Mustang Lounge, and a family among the folks he saw on his daily rounds. Many on Mackinac Island regarded him as a well-loved friend and brother. His straightforward and pragmatic approach to life, work, and play was rarely refuted and universally loved, friends said, and his colloquialisms, commonly known as "Iggy-isms," were known Island-wide. He was always one with a funny quip or remark to everyday situations, friends said, his Iggy-isms were on par with Yogi Berra for irony and wit. Mr. Bradley enjoyed cooking at fundraisers and community gatherings. He was always happy to do the behind-the-scenes work and avoided the limelight. His other interests included coin collecting, gardening, and firearms. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, family members said, and he wasn't afraid to let those around him know it. He is survived by a son and his family, Greg and Kara Myers; a daughter and her family, Kate and Steven Thompson; five grandchildren, Blake, Owen, Katherine, Sam, and Zach. He is also survived by two brothers and their families, Dennis and Jackie (nee Bodwin) Bradley of Mackinac Island and Jim and Laurie (nee Cowell) Bradley of Green Bay, Wisconsin; a sister and her family, Deborah Bradley and Mike Posten of Sault Ste. Marie; nephews and their families, Dennis Jr. and Carrie Bradley, David and Cassie Bradley, Jim Jr. and Heidi Bradley, Mike Bradley and special friend, Melissa Christensen; a niece and her family, Doris Willemsen; great-nephews and great-nieces, Hannah, Emma, Taylor, Reece, Thomas, Kayleen, Alyssa, Annette, Zoey, Brian, Bryce, Breanna, and Logan, and a great-great-nephew, Dakota. Mr. Bradley was preceded in death by his parents. In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held. His ashes were returned to Mackinac Island Saturday morning, May 12, where members of the Mackinac Island Fire Department escorted his ashes to his home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Mackinac Island Community Foundation Cancer Fund or the Mackinac Island Public School Scholarship Fund. Dodson Funeral Home of St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements.

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Michael GÇ£IggyGÇ¥ Bradley

May 5, 2018