Edward Brado

Edward H. Brado, 74, left this world on December 6, 2025, surrounded by his family at home after a valiant fight against cancer.

Born in Vanderbilt, Michigan, he was the oldest child of Harold and Beverley Brado. Adventuresome from a young age, Ed dreamed of Alaska, even exploring homestead opportunities as a teenager while wearing out his mother’s North to Alaska album. In 1970 he married Eileen Hilliker, and in 1973 they followed those dreams north with their young daughter, settling in Fairbanks. Ed immediately went to work on the North Slope surveying for the pipeline road before construction began—thrilling work he had hoped to be able to do.

When winter shut the project down, Ed began what would become  a 31-year Civil Service career in Interior Alaska’s coal-fired power plants at Fort Wainwright, Eielson AFB, and Clear AFS. He rose quickly to supervisor and was highly respected for his knowledge, leadership, and strong work ethic. Curious and endlessly creative, Ed mastered countless hobbies over the years—woodworking, painting, jewelry making, cigar-box guitars, muzzleloaders—and even built both a remote cabin and the family’s longtime home in North Pole.

The outdoors were Ed’s true home away from home. He lived for hunting and fishing, especially time spent with his brothers and nephews in Michigan. A tradition they carried on that their dad instilled in them at a young age. He often dreamed of fat trout on the Sturgeon River and loved being at the water’s edge tossing a line into the current—wherever he found the chance over the years. Those simple moments brought him deep peace and tranquility. Ed had a knack for calling in moose and an uncanny sense of being in the right place at the right time, as if he knew exactly when “his” moose would be ready. His best dog ever, Buddy was along on most every adventure. Especially out looking for those special rocks, spelled gold. 

Ed’s quick wit, warm humor, and unmistakable twinkle in his eye endeared him to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Eileen; his daughter Amy (Rob) Breazeale; his son Thomas Brado; grandchildren Katelyn (Ryan) Bowen, Shelby (Elwood) Mintken, Dakota (Kennedy) Lincoln, Jacob (Abby) Breazeale, and Hannah Breazeale; great-grandchildren Ava, Isla, Theodosia, and Ezra; brothers Kevin Brado and Doug (Ruth) Brado; brother-in-law Robert Hilliker; sister-in-law Janet Davis; and many nieces and nephews. He will be profoundly missed, especially by those who loved him most—his family.

A celebration of life is planned for a later date. 

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