Brad Batchelder

[Wild Skies]

The first time I met Brad was at an early Yooper shoot at Sagola. I was parked next to his big rig and I had inadvertently turned on my dome light, unknown to me it was on all day and drained the battery down to the point that it wouldn't start my Explorer. Fortunately for me, Brad had a set of jumper cables and cheerfully gave me a jump. It was then, that I learned of his easy going good nature. He was a gentleman, in the truest sense of the term.

This now is very sad news to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family.

[Brush Buster]

Very Sorry to hear of Brad's passing ,it is a Sad Day Indeed ! Just spoke to Brad a couple of weeks ago before the purchase of an LC Smith Shotgun and his opinion of what was needed and about reblueing the barrels once the purchase was finalized ! He was always so generous with his time even to Folks which he had never met in person ! My Condolences to Brad's Family ,You will all be in our Prayers !

[Mark Beasland]

Condolences to Brads family. Rest in peace Brad.

[GH-16]

I'm very sorry to hear of Brad's passing. We have had many dealings over the years and I always loved talking with him. Though we never had the chance to meet personally, I feel like I've lost a good friend!!


My heart reaches out to his family!!

God Speed Brad-You will be missed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jerry VanHorn]

So sorry to hear the news about Brad. Just a couple weeks ago I got my 16 O frame back from him..Condolences to Lori and family..He will be missed....

[mobirdhunter]

It's very hard to know what to say when someone is taken from us like this. For the past 6-7 years we've made a summer pilgrimage to visit with Brad and Lori (and their labs) bringing him projects and picking up the previous year's work. He always lingered to talk, show me something unique, and commiserate with me about the state of things gun related. My safe is filled with guns he worked on for me, from full restorations to minor tweaks -- all a testament to how fine a craftsman he was. But all that pales to the kind of man I came to know him to be.

If the PGCA does something in tribute to Brad, and we should (although I'm too stunned and saddened right now to think clearly about it), count me in.

[Jerry VanHorn]

How about a .."Brad Bachelder Award"...to commemorate something that all of us in the Parker world could relate to. Maybe given yearly ???...

[Mills]

Stay tuned on the PGCA itself doing something. . .

If individual members wish to do something as well, Brad's obituary suggests a contribution to Hunt of a Lifetime which arranges hunts for ill youths. If you go on the links section of our website, you can find Hunt of a Lifetime there. There is a link for online donations and an address for a check.

The obituary also has a place to leave an online note which I have done as have several other members

[Jay Oliver]

When I saw this last night, I was shocked like everyone else. I first talked to Brad around a year and a half ago about working on a Parker for me. After that positive experience, I sent him 4 more Parkers over that time. For someone like me relatively new to Parkers he always took time to explain things to me on the phone.

On one lifter, I had messed up the lock plate screw and he said he would fix it(which he did) and offered to send me the right screwdriver tip so I didn’t do it again. Instead, I ordered a nice set per his recommendation. I think that speaks to his character and his willingness to teach people who were new to hobby. I felt I was always learning something from him every time we talked about a project.

I will miss him and my heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.

[Mike of the Mountain]

Brad was a true craftsman. I am fortunate to have a Fox that he worked on. Prayers for Lori and the family. Brad will be missed.