On May 1st we received the tragic news that Brad and a student pilot were killed in a training exercise while performing a touch and go in their T-38C at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX. Both had tried to eject but did not have full deployment of their parachutes. We have not heard yet what might have caused the crash. There has been an enourmous amount of love and support from family, friends, and the people at Sheppard AFB.
There was a memorial service at the base on May 5th. A viewing was held on May 9th in Roy, UT, with the funeral services held the next day. It was great to reflect back on Brad's life and all that he had accomplished in his 35 years. It was evident that family was his biggest priority.
I've included some images from the funeral here.
Brad will be deeply missed, but we know that he is still anxiously engaged in the work on the other side.
Links to news stories and obituaries:
http://www.kauz.com/news/local/18460384.html
http://www.kauz.com/news/local/18448394.html
http://www.kauz.com/news/local/18501049.html
http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2008/May/04/major-brad-gyro-thornhill-funk/
http://www.legacy.com/HJNEWS/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=109233506
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700224969,00.html
Amber,
ReplyDeleteI don't even know what to say. I am so sorry to see that about your brother. You are the strongest person I know. Congratulations on the beautiful new addition to your family. I am so happy for you!
Our hearts go out to you and your family. We wish you the best!
ReplyDeleteBrad and I graduated from Del Rio High School and I recall seeing him at our 10 year reunion.... his smile and friendship will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteAmber,
ReplyDeleteBrad and I were friends in High School. I googled his name a couple of days ago after getting a facebook invite from a friend who reminded me of him. I was so upset to hear about Brad. He is such a wonderful person, always kind and always a gentleman. I'm very sorry for your loss. I have a picture of Brad from the summer of 1990 when we went water skiing with Coach Ray at Rough Canyon. I would love to send it to his family. You can contact me at salowsha@yahoo.com if you are interested in receiving it.
Regards,
Sharon Sayer Salowski
Hi, my name is Yosh Komiya. Brad and I lived in BYU dorms in 1991-1992. He was such a great guy. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI have facebook account (under Yosh Komiya - network is Japan), and posted some video clips of our friends at dorms. You can see a lot of him on my FB. Please send me a friend's request and watch the footage. If you like, I can send the DVD to you. He was one of the popular guy at John Hall, and everybody loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.