Obituary of Bradley Lewis Colby

Bradley Lewis Colby, 81, passed into God's loving arms Dec. 10, 2016 at home surrounded by family. As in life, Brad continues to serve his fellow man by willing his body to science. He was born Aug. 31, 1935, to Walter W. and Rebecca Hansen Colby in Hennepin, IL. He graduated from Hennepin Township High School in 1953 and attended Bradley University. He worked at Illinois Power, ran the family Standard Oil station and was superintendent of the Hennepin Public Water District. In 1958, he married his one and only, Margaret Walker, in Carthage, Illinois. They had 58 great years of marriage together and were then blessed with two sons, Christopher John and Craig Steven. In 1970, due to Margaret's health, they moved to Lake Havasu City where he became superintendent of the Lake Havasu Department of Public Works Water Division, retiring in 1996. An avid runner, he helped organize the Havasu Runner Club and ran two marathons. After retirement, the Colbys traveled in their RV and also enjoyed trips to Hawaii and Alaska. Brad's five grandchildren were his pride and joy. Grandpa could "fix anything." Woodworking became his passion --rocking horses, ducks and kids' toys. In the past year, he and granddaughter Morgan made pallet projects, enjoying their time together. Bradley never met a stranger, was known for his jokes, but was a man of great character. He was a charter member of St. Michael's United Methodist Church. Brad was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors are his wife, Margaret, sons Christopher John, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and Craig Steven, Lake Havasu City; five grandchildren, Morgan Nichole (Micah) Figley, Madison Paige and Connor Bradley Colby of Lake Havasu City, Brandon Scott Colby of Hollywood, Calif., and Lucas Tyler Colby of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; brother Ronald Colby (Dorothy) of Spring Valley, Ill.; sister Ila Weddell, of Hennepin, Ill.; aunt Ruth of Hennepin, Ill.; nieces and nephews. A memorial service is Friday, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael's United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to St. Michael's or Hospice of Havasu. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com