Rev. R.M. Bradburn; Fulfilled His Mission

The war that caused so much death gave Robert M. Bradburn new life.

He felt he'd been spared death in World War II for a reason and decided his life's work should be giving back to others. He became a minister and a missionary, working with the children of lepers in Thailand.

More than 20 years later, those who knew him were convinced the Rev. Bradburn had made the right career choice. Those who attended his church could sense his enthusiasm for the ministry and they'd tell him, "You really do enjoy what you do!"

The Rev. Bradburn died of cancer last Thursday, Feb. 15, at a hospice in Bellevue. He was 71.

He was a husband, father of three and the founder of a school that gave richer, fuller lives to children.

He was acquainted with the church from an early age, having grown up at Foster-Tukwila Presbyterian Church, which his family attended regularly. His father, a meat cutter, sang in the choir. His mother, a homemaker, served in the women's group.

After graduating from Foster High School, he joined the Navy during World War II. While stationed at Pearl Harbor he first began considering his ministry and put in for chaplain training.

He attended the University of Washington and, after the war, he enrolled and graduated from Whitworth College in Spokane. By that time, he had married his childhood friend, and she became Dorce Bradburn.

He was ordained in 1951 and served as pastor of a small church in Pennsylvania.

Three years later, the church commissioned him to Thailand, initially for five years. Five years turned into 13, by his choice.

In Lampang, missionaries before him had set up two schools, a hospital and a church. Outside Lampang, many people suffered from leprosy and there were few services for them.

The Rev. Bradburn launched the Lampang Leprosy Foundation, which encouraged people to work together and volunteer for those who were outcast and in need.

"He was a great facilitator. His talents were people. It was just a gift he was born with," his wife of 50 years said.

The foundation started a boarding school for children whose parents were infected with leprosy. It started with 28 children. The number quickly grew to 200. It is still open today.

After returning to the U.S., he headed Overlake Park Presbyterian Church in Bellevue for five years, then worked for the American Leprosy Missions in New York for 15.

He retired in 1988 after being diagnosed with cancer. He lived on Vashon Island with his wife.

The Rev. Bradburn is also survived by his children, Pamela Bradburn Ochs of West Seattle; Paul Bradburn of Fort Worth, Texas; and Robbin Bradburn of Lake Forest Park; their spouses; and two grandchildren.

Services have been held. Remembrances may go to Vashon Presbyterian Church, 17708 Vashon Highway S.W., Vashon, WA, 98070 or to the American Leprosy Foundation, 1 ALM International Way, Greenville, SC, 29601.