David Horn Bradford

Dave Bradford was born June 15, 1945, in Cleveland, OH to William and Martha Bradford. He spent his childhood in Shaker Heights and attended University School for one year before the family moved to Chicago in 1960. In 1963, he graduated from North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka, IL. He attended Kenyon College where he was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and graduated in 1967 with a degree in English Literature. Dave’s love of literature, philosophy, scripture, and great conversation provided much enjoyment throughout his lifetime.

From 1967 to 1969 he served in the United States Navy as an Officer of the Deck and Gunnery Officer. In the early seventies he worked for the First National Bank of Chicago and was stationed in London for a time. He graduated with an M.B.A in International Finance from the University of Chicago in 1973, and worked in financial consulting in Lexington, Kentucky before returning to the Cleveland area.

In the nineties he joined his father in developing and promoting PROTALK, a series of roundtable discussions focused on professional skills for experienced salespeople. During this time and throughout his life he worked as a professor for the United States Navy’s Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) where he taught active-duty service members onboard ship.

Dave spent his later years providing workshops and consulting services to the manufacturing industry with an emphasis on collaboration and appreciative inquiry.

He shined at parties and gatherings, charming everyone with his warm smile. An active member of the Christian faith, he contributed to the life of several area groups and congregations. He enjoyed playing tennis well into his seventies and had a lifelong respect and devotion to trees and the outdoors.

He is survived by his sister Barbara R. Bradford and Virginia “Ginny” Bradford Seyler (David Seyler) and Ginny’s adult children Heather Seyler, Dillon Seyler and Brian Seyler, the triplets. He is also survived by his cousin and close friend Jim Foster (Janet Foster).

A private family interment will be held in Lake View Cemetery

Donations can be made in his memory to Arbor Day Foundation at Arborday.org.