Birth date: Oct 14, 1984 Death date: Jan 5, 2013
Brad Small, 28, of Annapolis, passed away on January 5, 2013 after a battle with cancer. The human spirit moved Brad and he touched so many lives that, in turn, touched others. Brad had a love for music, hiking, reading and was a Read Obituary
I did not know Brad except as a customer at Starbucks where he always greated me with a smile and I just want his family and wife to know that he probably touched many lives like mine and I will really miss him handing me a hot cup of coffee! Marty Russell
I'm so very sorry for you. He was much too young and a wonderful addition to our family. I'm sorry I can't be there but my heart is breaking for you. I love you and Dave and I can't express our sorrow for you in such difficult time. I love you Kimberly
I can remember hanging out with Brad at family Christmas parties and crab feasts since we were VERY young. It did not take us too long to get past the "yuck, I will NOT play with a GIRL" or vice versa. For whatever reason, Brad always "got" me, and I always appreciated it, still do now. We were especially fond of each other in middle school / early high school, I think maybe because those can be very awkward times for any kid. I can remember us sitting in a corner of Uncle Brian & Aunt Anne's basement one year (I think it was a going away party because they were moving), in our own little world. It did not matter that our 30 some cousins were racing around, throwing toys at each other, etc. Brad and I were DEEP in conversation making plans for our futures! It was cool. Maybe a year later (neither of us could drive yet,) but we did sneak out to some family member's van just to sit out there and talk without all the noise. Yep, we sat in the freezing cold in a mini-van outside Aunt Carole and Uncle Chris' house at Christmas for hours. Of course what we had to discuss was INCREDIBLY private, meaning I was talking about boys I liked, & Brad was wondering how he was ever going to talk to a girl if he REALLY liked her. I eventually had a "boyfriend" when high school started (meaning we went on chaperoned dates) and Brad just HAD to know how I got this boyfriend, and how he could do the same, only with a girl. We got into a huge discussion about how schools have directories of the other kids' phone numbers. Me: "You don't even have to ask a girl you like for her phone number AT school, in case she says no.” Brad: "yeah, that'd be SO embarrassing; you know especially if people were watching!" We strategized like crazy! "Just call a girl you like and tell her you like her. Then just ask her if she likes you back!" Looking back, it was some of the silliest, trying to figure out how to be teenager stuff ever, but it really meant a lot to me, still does. I did not feel comfortable talking to my brothers about those kinds of things. God forbid they tell Mom or Dad that I have a crush on Danny! Brad, he was safe. I could always trust him. Even when we did things, things that we knew we were NOT supposed to do, like having a "play date" at Uncle John & Aunt Krissy's, and going for a walk. Of course, we walked through the woods until we found a set of train tracks to walk on, and even crossed a bridge with an awesome plan! If a train came, simply stand on the OPPOSITE track. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE LOGICAL REASONING ABILITIES OF KIDS? What if two trains had come? What would have happened then? Could easily have been a terrifying real life replay of "Stand By Me" while we ran for our lives, but kids do not think like that. We were INVINCIBLE that day. I promise, I will NEVER forget Brad or how incredibly supportive he was. At the first family event AFTER Danny and I "broke up" - a "break up" then meant that we stopped seeing movies together (while my mom sat somewhere else in the theater, and drove us around since neither of us could drive yet, and we stopped talking on the phone constantly. We already went to different schools. It was not a big deal, but Brad was all "Oh sh*t man! Boy does that s*ck! Are you doing alright?" He cared about me, and he cared a lot. I do not choose favorites when it comes to family, I love all of my cousins just as much as I love Brad, but each for different reasons. These few memories might seem silly or trivial, but at the time, they were a big deal. Brad was the only BOY I could talk to, and actually get advice about boys. I am certain he felt at least kind of the same way about me, although I know he has ALWAYS been close with his sister. I am almost certain he could always tell her anything as well. Of course, Brad did not require much coaching, Brad met Julie, and that was IT. He was smitten. Planned on trying to play "cool" for a while, be friends, not try to scare her away with too much too soon, but I DID hear just about every reason that she was darn near
No more struggles or pain, Brad. Our hope is for your comfort & peace. Love & hugs for your family from ours.
Aunt Lisa & Uncle Jon
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:19
thank you Brad for being a part of my daughter's life and our family......love you always
