Bradford B. Groves

Bradford Byron Groves was born May 29, 1962, in Wray, Colorado to William and Mary Jane (Bullard) Groves. Bradford was the youngest child of Bill and Mary Jane, with an older brother Paul. Bradford passed away at the age of 60 years old in Wray, Colorado on October 4, 2022.

Brad grew up in Wray, Colorado helping his father at the TB Groves John Deere Implement dealership and Groves Ranch. He attended school in Wray, CO graduating from Wray High School in 1980. Brad was involved in many activities in school including football, wrestling, track, student council, International Thespian Society, W Club, F.C.A., foreign language club and drama club. Upon graduation, Brad attended the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Brad was on the wrestling and rugby teams at USCGA and graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Government, receiving a commission as an Ensign in the United States Coast Guard.

Brad served in the US Coast Guard aboard the US Coast Guard Cutter Dallas from 1984 to 1987. Brad was assigned to US Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington DC from 1987 to 1989. Brad’s last assignment in the USCG was a staff position in Long Beach, CA.

Brad met his wife Janine Yoakam at Murphy’s Pub in Old Town Alexandria while out entertaining the family of his roommate in July 1987. While enjoying the Irish songs and beer, Brad announced to the pub he was going to marry Janine and her response was “not in your wildest dreams”. A few short months later they were engaged. Brad and Janine married on September 3, 1988, in Englewood, Colorado.

After Brad and Janine relocated to Long Beach, CA, Janine’s hometown, they enjoyed seeing friends and family located in the area and always loved time at the beach.

Brad left the US Coast Guard and transitioned to graduate school at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO in 1991. Brad earned his Master’s in Occupational and Educational Studies in 1993.

While in graduate school Brad and Janine welcomed their first child, Laura Louise. Three children were born to this union, Laura Louise in 1992, Thomas Bryon in 1995 and Chelsea Lee in 2002.

Upon graduation Brad and Janine relocated to Worcester, Massachusetts and Brad began his career as the Asst. Director of Career Services at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Brad and Janine enjoyed exploring New England on the weekends and welcomed their second child, Thomas Bryon in 1995.

Being so far from family and feeling the pull of his hometown, Brad and Janine returned to Wray, CO to raise their family. Being near his mother and grandmother, Mary Jane Groves and Nellie Bullard and closer to Janine’s parents, Rod and Ellie Yoakam in Parker, CO provided many special family moments together. Brad worked as the school counselor at Idalia and Wray Elementary School from 1996 to 2000.

Brad transitioned to a position as a Licensed Professional Counselor from 2000-2008 serving others as a mental health and addiction support specialist. Brad and Janine welcomed their third child, Chelsea Lee, in 2002.

After earning his series 6 license in 2008, Brad began working for John Hancock as a Financial Services Representative traveling all over Colorado and the surrounding states assisting clients near and far. He met many interesting and diverse individuals during this time.

Brad’s defining qualities were kindness, faithfulness, patriotism, and his passion for history. Brad enjoyed everyone and especially meeting new people. Brad never met a stranger and no matter where he traveled within the US or outside, always ran into a friend. To his legacy, many of his friends remember how he continued to keep in touch over the years no matter where they were or how long it had been since they saw each other.

Brad loved his family and was so proud of his three children. Brad served others with a passion and was an active member of the Wray United Methodist Church, Wray Masonic Lodge #71, and men’s card club. Brad loved cooking just like his mother, Mary Jane, and was known community wide to always want to learn a new recipe or bring someone a meal.

Bradford is preceded in death by his father and mother, William (Bill) and Mary Jane Groves. He is survived by his wife, Janine, and his brother, Paul, and his legacy of strong family values continues with daughters Laura and Chelsea and son Thomas and wife Jessica.

A Memorial Service was held at the Wray United Methodist Church in Wray, Colorado on Tuesday October 11, 2022, at 10:00am with Pastor Lisa Nordan officiating. A Masonic Memorial Service followed the service. Services concluded at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Wray United Methodist Church, 500 Blake Street, Wray, Colorado 80758; CSU Foundation William B. Groves Scholarship Fund, 1101 Campus Delivery, Ft. Collins, Colorado 80523 or the Wray Masonic Lodge #71 Benevolent Fund, 416 ½ Adams Street/P.O. Box 194, Wray, Colorado 80758.

Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.