Brad's Lasting Legacy
 

Hello everyone, this is Parker Bachelder

I am incredibly grateful for the kind words posted in the threads below and the out pouring of support from this community. This site was one of the few corners of the internet that Brad ever visited. The world of side by side shotguns, Parker's especially, was his greatest passion. I can easily say it is what he lived for.

Brad worked all day as usual on Tuesday, the day before he passed. He worked endlessly to meet the many commitments he made with all of you. Often over the quoted time frame but with tireless resolve. I always knew that he would never leave that place, that he would end his long career only when god called him off.

Brad covered every imaginable niche of the firearms world. Going with the many changes in this industry that our company has operated in for nearly 30 years. The seemingly endless amount of information that he possessed was remarkable. It is astounding the variety of things I am exposed to on a daily basis. Brad was recognized as a master among every type of enthusiast he catered to.

I am privileged to have been able to share in his vast knowledge, to have trained under who I considered the best. His love for the craft instilled the same passion in myself, and a drive to maintain the legacy he built.

My intentions for the company are to continue forward as we did before. My father has left me the means to continue his work, maintaining the level of quality that he would strive for. I would joke with Brad that I have become pickier than him. I will personally be reviewing all jobs in our facility, as a means of re-assurance that our commitments will be met.

The donated Parker Trojan shotgun was the very last piece he completed, and with predictably satisfactory results. He was delighted to have been able to contribute to this wonderful group of people and their efforts to maintain the legacy of the brand he held most dear.

My family will do all they can to remember the moments that we had, and the many things he was to me as a father. A mentor, and a admirable master in his field.

Thank you all, I look forward to chatting soon.

-J. Parker Bachelder

Well said. Very well said. Prayers and best of luck. Jeff

Thanks for the message, Parker.

Looking forward to many years of doing business with you Parker.

He would be very proud I am sure.......

Good Luck Parker

parker you are one of the few to have had such a mentor in your life....hope for good things ahead for you....charlie

May you continue his legacy in a manner that would make him proud.

Brad's family have been in my prayers.
It's good news that the master has not left the stage without passing the torch.
You have my heart felt wishes for Gods comfort in your loss, but also in having great success in picking up where your father left off.

Thanks so much for this post! Elaine and I were so saddened to learn of your father’s passing. We’ll miss him. Our condolences to you and your family. I’m glad to learn you’ll be carrying on his legacy.

Parker,

Thank you so much for your post about your dad. He was truly a one of a kind person!I'm very pleased to hear you will be following in his footsteps, but you do have some big shoes to fill. I'm sure you're up for the task!!

I'll miss your father greatly and at the same time I'm looking forward to doing business with you on future projects.

Thank you very much for your post Parker, I look forward to future projects with you.

Parker, I’m very sad for your loss and extend my condolences to your Mom and to you and the entire Bachelder group. I wil surely miss Dad and our talks. Carry on the Bachelder tradition in great fashion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Brad is in God's loving hands now. Condolences to you and your family Parker. Brad was exceptional.

After conversations with Parker It would have been Brads wish for the broken stock of the 16 gauge trojan donated for the youth shoot to be repaired by the same hands that did the initial work, so I am sending the stock back to Batchelders for repair as Parker said Brad would have wanted it this way, I appreciate Brian Dudleys offer to do the repair on short notice, and have talked with Brian and he understands the situation. Thank you Brian for your generous offer, but again since this was the last gun he worked on, it would be his wish to do the repair, thanks to both parties professionals all, RIP Brad, Gary

I didnt offer. I was asked and i was willing.

Thanks for the consideration Gary.

Parker'
My condolence's to you and your Mother.I will miss my visits with your Father. Regards,
Bill Grill