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Note: [Van Jensen.FTW]
Brad was an adventure loving person. During his childhood he spent much time
exploring the areas around his hometown. Most of this time was spent in the
mountains where he gained a deep love for the outdoors.
He loved riding motorcycles. Most of his life he had at least one dirt bike
and sometimes more than one. He was a very good rider and entered many
motocross races. His favorite activity on motorcycles was just exploring the
mountains of northern Utah.
Brad met Patti Hawkes while he was in high school. They were first introduced
to each other by his younger brother Van. They dated through most of high
school and were later married. Patti had a very active role in his life. She
usually accompanied Brad in most everything he did. Whether it was riding
motorcycles or climbing mountains, Patti was always there supporting him.
Patti even made an ascent of the Grand Teton with Brad at one time.
Brad loved his family very much. He spent much of his time with his wife and
children. Many times when he would go riding on his motorcycle or Odyssey, he
would have Jake or Zane on with him. Most of his trips to the City of Rocks he
brought his family along.
Brad was a very hard working person. He started working when he was in his
early teens. Some of the places where he worked were: Maddox, Pardisco Gas
Station, & Parson's Gas Station. He started in the family milk hauling
business shortly after he graduated from high school. Everyone who associated
with him in that business knew him as a very hard worker. He started out
driving for his dad and later for his grandfather. He continued in this
business right up until his death.
Brads father Alan introduced him to mountain climbing at a young age. He
scaled many of the Peaks in the Teton range in his early teens. As he grew
older, he moved on to be an accomplished mountain climber on his own. He spent
much time climbing at the City of Rocks with his dad, brother Van and Fred
Witesman. Some of his most notable climbs were: Direct Exum on the Grand
Teton, East Ridge of the Grand Teton, Direct South Buttress on Mount Moran and
a daring Winter Ascent of the Grand Teton which resulted in an unplanned
bivouac high on the mountain during a storm. It was very tragic that his life
ended while pursuing his dream of climbing mountains. This happened 12 Sept
1986 on the Southeast ridge of the Middle Teton.
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