Arnold Elwin Bradbury

December 8, 1929 – January 8, 2022

Arnold Elwin Bradbury, 92, of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on January 8, 2022. He was born December 8, 1929, in Rathdrum to Elwin and Grace (Howell) Bradbury. He was the second of five children, Orvil, Arnold, Florence, Irene, and Cleo. Arnold attended school in Rathdrum as a maroon and gray Panther. He was an accomplished athlete in football, basketball, and track and field.

Arnold met and fell in love with Marian June Mason, and they were married on November 21, 1947. They celebrated 71 years of marriage before Marian’s passing on February 18, 2019. They raised four children: Dennis (Denny), Neil, Lawrence, and Jody in Rathdrum where they resided their entire married life. He was very involved with coaching his boys in baseball from little league to Babe Ruth, having some very successful seasons.

Arnold worked a short while for the railroad laying ties and other odd jobs until he started working for Kaiser Aluminum where he worked as a welder in maintenance for 44 years. He was very handy with a welder and family and friends benefited with gifts of many kinds including fireplace poker and broom sets. He also liked to work with leather creating beautiful halters, reins, and decorating saddles.

Arnold’s passion was certainly his horses. He had a lifelong dream of raising the best quarter horses in the Northwest and beyond. He pondered bloodlines and sought out the best stallions to breed to his beautiful mares. We have many pictures and proof that he succeeded in producing top-of-the-line horses in his lifetime.

Arnold also had passion for watching his children and grandchildren in their high school athletic careers. He attended many games and was one of the best cheerers in the crowd of spectators, always beaming with pride! He loved it when his great and great-great grandchildren would visit and sit on his lap or play card games. He loved his family!

When not working with his horses or spending time with family, Arnold could be found manicuring his flower beds and making sure the place was beautiful to look at from all the passersby on highway 53. In later years when he could not get around as easily, he became an enthusiastic Gonzaga basketball fan. Go Zags! 😊

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents Elwin and Grace and siblings Orvil Bradbury, Florence Zahnow, Irene (Renie) Wachtel and grandson Jason Bradbury. He is survived by brother Cleo, his sons Denny (Becky), Neil, Lawrence (Penny) daughter Jody and many grandchildren great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Also leaving behind numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of Arnold’s life will be held on July 16 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm at the Rathdrum Cemetery with a gathering following at the Rathdrum City Park, 4:00 pm.

Donations in Arnold’s name can be made to Hospice of North Idaho or an organization of your choice.