Bradley Alex Svetich, 55, of Carlsbad, NM passed away Monday, September 17, 2018, surrounded by his family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Brad was born in Lewistown, MT on December 6, 1962 to Leonard and Barbara (Estes) Svetich. He graduated from Hot Springs High School in Truth or Consequences, NM in 1981.
After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army and later the Navy as a Seabee in the Construction Battalion. He served in Afghanistan and Iraq. While on deployment, Brad injured his back and neck.
Doctors told him that we would never walk again. Brad demonstrated his strength and spirit, and was walking within a year, able to continue serving his country. In 2007 he was medically discharged and returned to civilian life in the oil field, working on natural gas compressors as Lead Mechanic, a career he enjoyed for 35 years.
Brad was a proud American. He found a love and deep sense of pride in serving his country. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.
When Christine and her children joined his family, he accepted her kids and took care of them as if they were his own. He especially loved his grandchildren, as they always put such a big smile on his face. When Brad was well, he enjoyed playing games on the Wii, like bowling, with his family and friends in his shop.
It was such a fun time for him. Brad also loved playing pool in tournaments with his best friend rusty at the American Legion. Fishing was another activity that Brad found joy in; it was in the silent moments fishing at the lake where he pondered ideas to fulfill his favorite hobby, building and fabricating.
Brad especially loved his mechanical work, building trailers, tools, and equipment. Since Brad was a young boy, he had a love for motorcycles, he would ride them rain or shine. He loved to ride with his motorcycle buddies and go to rallies.
One of Brad’s most precious pastimes was to sit with his friends and socialize. Brad was an Intermediate EMT and volunteer firefighter in Hebbronville, Texas for 21 years where he was Captain. He was a member of the Freedom Riders, VFW, American Legion and DAV life member.
He was a good mentor, he loved to teach and train people and see them succeed in life. Brad had the biggest heart. It was full of so much love and compassion.
He would give his last dollar and not expect anything in return. He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Svetich. Survivors include his wife, Christine, of Carlsbad, NM: 5 children: Brandy Svetich, El Reno, OK; Bradley Alex Svetich II (Amanda), of Cincinnati, OH; Blake Thomas (Britney) of Carlsbad, NM; Crystal Carter (Christopher) of Carlsbad, NM; Suellen Svetich (Nick) of Yamika, WA; 8 grandchildren: Breanna, Leo III, Jordan, Bradley III, Maylea, Grayson, Elizabeth and Odyn Bradley; mother, Barbara Svetich of Boise, ID; brother, Donald Svetich (Thias) of Quileene, WA; sisters: Rose Grisosett (Tom) of Tampa, FL; Lila Richard (Tim) of Caldwell, ID; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Please join Brad’s family in a celebration that Brad helped plan; a way that he wanted to be remembered. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Brad and Christine’s residence. A 21-gun salute will begin the celebration and a procession line will follow Brad on his motorcycle to the American Legion, 2311 Legion Street, Carlsbad, NM.
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