Elbert Kieth Bratton

Elbert “Red” Kieth Bratton

6/15/1939 – 3/13-2022

 It is with deep sadness that on March 13th, 2022, Dad passed away while holding his daughter Michelle’s hand.

Elbert Kieth Bratton, affectionately known as “Red”, “Grandpa Candy”, or “Grandpa Candyman” was born in Tisdale, Saskatchewan on June 15th, 1939, to Francis “Frank” and Florence (Japp) Bratton.

The second of seven children on the family farm, Red’s hardworking and quiet demeanor was noticeable from the beginning. Much like his older brother, he left school at a young age to support the family with the attitude that he could “work just as hard, if not harder, than any grown man” and, from that point, he never stopped giving to others while never expecting anything in return. Some of his favorite activities include helping with the family garden, Crokinole, spending time on Grandpa Bratton’s farm, and horseback riding.

In 1956, the Bratton Family moved to Prince George. After buying his own piece of land as a young man, Red took on all the responsibility of building his own house. Red lived in his garage that has a wood burning stove while pouring a basement and then adding living quarters onto it. This same house would later become home to the love of his life, Brenda, whom he would meet in 1975, and their two daughters, Michelle and Kelly.

During the period between the 70’s and 80’s, Red found himself working for Viking Construction in Prince George, B.C. Proving himself unmatched in construction, he then taught his own daughters the same value of hard work while sharing many stories and lessons from his life on the farm. In 1984, Red and Brenda moved to Langley, where he lovingly cared for her until she passed away in 2005.

Always quick to smile, joke, and share a piece of Werther’s candy or even a Lemon-flavored Halls like the grand children liked, red brightened everyone’s day with his presence. Throughout his life he enjoyed his trucks, country music (Shania Twain and Kenny Rogers), and a good John Wayne film, playing Rummy, making Sunday breakfast, and acts of craftsmanship such as carpentry and woodworking. Red was a strong yet gentle family man who was private, protective and gave everything to his family. His family will miss him and his huge heart.

Red was receded in death by his wife, Brenda in 2005; parents, sister Lorraine LeBlanc; brothers Walter, Glenn, Ivan and a nephew Leland LeBlanc. Red us survived by his daughters; Michelle (Jeff) Hann of Prince George, B.C, and Kelly (Bill) Delaney of Webster City, Iowa, his sister; Fay (Larry) ward, brother-in-law; Richard LeBlanc, seven grandchildren; Kristle, Megan, Hayley, Kole, Quinton, Alyssa and Ryan, and great-grandchildren; Erika, Amelia, Elijah, Gabriel and fifteen nieces and nephews.

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