Melvin Brady passed away on December 31, 2008 in his daughter's home surrounded by many of his children and friends.

He was born April 15, 1927 to Hy and Hattie Brady in Union, Utah. He was one of 14 children and grew up on the same street where many of his aunts, uncles, and cousins lived.

He attended and graduated from Jordan High School in 1945 and four months later began his service in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Upon his return from Korea, he served a mission in Uruguay. When his tour was over, he returned to Utah, met and married Randolyn "Randy" Sharp from Midvale in June, 1951. They are parents to six children.

Mel and his family lived in the Salt Lake City area, then moved to Southern California where he taught school at Cerritos College and Cal State Fullerton. Following 30 years as a college professor, Mel retired, then he and Randy served some of the first humanitarian missionaries in Albania. On their mission, Mel taught business and economics at the University of Tirane, while Randy taught English and music.

Returning from their mission, Mel and Randy planned to move back to Utah, and for a short while lived in Provo. Sadly, Randy's life ended in 1996 as a result of an auto accident. One year later, with the help of his twin sister, Melba Graham, Mel met Yvonne Drake Robertson who he calls his "Sweet Vonnie". He and Yvonne were married September 20, 1997. They enjoyed many years together and with each others family. They moved to St. George, Utah in 1998.

After Mel's Lewy Body dementia progressed significantly, he lived his last few years in Yorba Linda, California where his daughters, Yvonne and his extended family were able to help care for his special needs. He was blessed with wonderful caretakers and was especially fond of Selai, So'o, Deane, and Henry.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents Hyrum and Harriet Brady of Union, nine of his brothers and sisters and his first wife, Randy Brady. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Brady of Draper and her children. His children include daughters Lorrie (Craig) Winter, Cindy (Judd) Rex, sons Jim (Laurel) Brady, Dave (Paula) Brady, Rob (Stephanie) Brady, Spencer (Andi) Brady, his foster child Leonard (Rose) Tsosie. Melvin currently has 29 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. During his life, Mel was a farmer, construction worker, soldier, missionary, teacher, speaker, consultant, spouse, father, and grandfather.

In every location where he lived he accepted callings to serve in his church and served in many different capacities. He owned or operated several successful businesses. He was a motivator of people who put honesty, industry, and love for family and God above all else He will be missed by many here as he gratefully reunites with other loved ones who went before him.

Funeral Services will be held at the Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway (10600 South) on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 11 a.m. A viewing will be held at the same location at 9:30, just before the Funeral Services.
Interment: Sandy City Cemetery.
Published in the Deseret News from 1/8/2009 - 1/9/2009.