Longtime Alaskan Carl F. Brady Jr. passed away on April 6, 2020, with family by his side. He was born on Dec. 11, 1943, in Wyandotte, Mich., to Carl Franklin Brady and Carol Elizabeth Sprague Brady. He grew up in Yakima, Wash., and in 1957 began spending summers in Alaska until his family moved permanently to Anchorage in 1961. He graduated from West Anchorage High School, and then attended Yakima Valley College and the University of Oregon. He received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from APU and beamed proudly as he stood on the stage next to his son Benjamin, who was receiving his bachelor's degree.
Through hard work and perseverance, Carl achieved personal and financial success while aspiring to improve the community and state he loved. In 1967, Carl joined the Alaska National Guard, married Pamela Porter and started Brady & Associates Insurance using an overturned orange crate as a desk in the back of a friend's office.
As Alaska evolved, so did Carl's business in and out of Alaska. He grew Brady & Associates until it became the largest commercial insurance brokerage firm in Alaska. Carl always credited his success to his employees. His favorite expression was, "My most important assets go down the elevator each night after work."
Carl loved buying and selling businesses, including his insurance companies, a travel agency, an office supply store, Alaska Sales and Service and Alaska Restaurant Supply. Over the years, he gained respect locally and beyond for his business acuity, ethics, sharp mind, sound ideas and the courage of his convictions.
Carl's business success was matched by his passion for community. He was on multiple boards including The National Bank of Alaska, the Alaska Civilian Command, American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society and the Board of Trustees for Alaska Pacific University. Carl was honored as an Alaskan of the Year, as a Laureate by the Alaska Business Junior Achievement Hall of Fame. In 2018, he and Pam were honored for their "outstanding leadership in shaping the Last Frontier" at the Jewish Cultural Gala.
Carl was the longest serving trustee of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation. He was appointed by five different governors six different times to serve on this prestigious board.
In the late 1970s when some Anchorage schools were closing, Carl proposed to Mayor George Sullivan the idea of renting Woodland Park School for $1 a year for 20 years to provide a permanent home for Boys Club. They shook hands, Carl handed him $20 and the club had a paid permanent facility for the next 20 years and where it remains to this day. Shortly after that, Carl noticed the girls entered through the back door of the building. He suggested they be allowed to come in the same door as the boys. The Alaska Boys Club soon became The Boys & Girls Club Alaska. Carl's participation continued on the local level until he was asked to serve as a Trustee of the National Boy's and Girl's Club.
Carl's Yakima roots never left him. During the past decade, he turned his attention to Orchard Park where he had 42 apple trees - seven varieties - cherries trees, pear trees and a vegetable garden. Recently he added honeybees to his orchard and would proudly share his honey with family and friends. He won several Grand Champion Purple Ribbons at the State Fair along with over 40 other ribbons. Every fall, he invited family and friends to help harvest the apples and press them into cider.
As significant as his professional and community accomplishments were, Carl was proudest of his family. Carl and Pam were married 52 years and were blessed with four children and 10 grandchildren. While his children were growing, he spent almost every weekend with them on the slopes of Alyeska, on the water of Cheri Lake and the steps of the duck shack.
Carl found purpose in each day making life more meaningful for family and friends. He had a great sense of humor and a quirky smile. Carl's favorite song was "I Did It My Way," and he certainly did! Carl was known for his culinary skills. Pam often laughed that the kids called him for ideas on how to cook, not her. Several years ago, Carl started giving himself a "themed" birthday party, grandkids only. He bought everything including a costume to wear. A true patriot, Carl began each party with the Pledge of Allegiance. He sent each grandchild home with 12 new socks, because "what kid doesn't need new socks." His family feels blessed to have had him in their lives and his passing leaves a deep hole in their hearts.
Carl is survived by his wife, Pam; children, Shannon Garman (Bob), CB Brady and Jenny Carlson (Jeff); former daughters-in-law, Laurel Brady and Kirstin Brady Trujillo; grandchildren, Jacob and Hannah Garman, Caiden and Deven Brady, Toby, Lyla and Brooks Carlson, and Porter, Irelynn and Preston Brady; sister, Linda Brady Farr (Frank); brother, Jim Brady (Lyndel); and many nieces and nephews. His parents, Carl and Carol Brady; and his son, Benjamin, preceded him in death.
A service and celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 3903 Taft Road, Anchorage, AK 99517.
