William G.M. Bratly

William George Martin Bratly, age 71, of Reseda in Los Angeles County, California died June 20, 2013 at Providence Holy Cross Hospital, in Mission Hills. “Bill” was a genuine, kindhearted person, and a patriotic citizen. Bill held each person with whom he associated in high regard, a friend to all. He was a loving father, proud grandfather, caring husband to Maria “MariLu,” an extraordinary man.

Bill was born in Detroit, Michigan June 7, 1942, the eldest son of William and Ethel Bratly. He was the great-grandson of Norwegian homesteaders. He attended schools in Romulus, Michigan, and was honored with an acceptance to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Bill was an Air Force Cadet from 1961 to 1963. A summer tour of Northern Europe allowed Bill to celebrate his 21st birthday at the Royal Air Force Academy in England; to speak French with Parisians; cruise the Rhine River in Germany; and to view Viking artifacts in museums in Oslo, Norway. This stage of life brought increased knowledge and very fulfilling experiences. Bill eagerly looked forward to each of the 23rd Air Squadron’s reunions that allowed him to reunite with former classmates. He was extremely disappointed that his illness stole his ability to attend the 2013 Asheville, North Carolina Reunion held on June 10-13, 2013.

On separating from the academy in 1963, Bill secured work with the Douglas Aircraft Company in California. His work contributed to testing of Atlas Rockets. Seeking to enhance his engineering skills, Bill moved back to Michigan for the 1964 fall term. While in Michigan, he met a gal named Maria, he persuaded her to marry, on November 30, 1965, and return with him to California.

Bill was self employed as the owner of Viking Sales Company in Los Angeles, California beginning in the 1970s. His principal contract has been in sales of relays, motors and electro-mechanical components for Picker Components Company. Bill developed close personal relationships with long time business associates. He managed a network of contacts in China, a team of U.S. Sales representatives, and applied his extensive knowledge of product design and application to steadily increase the company’s gross sales.

Through the course of his life, Bill devoted many years to community service. He supported the Optimist International Organization’s Youth programs. He served as Post advisor for the Kittyhawk Air Explorers Squadron 3, for over 20 years. His dedication to service allowed advancement as an Optimist club officer and in Zone leadership; he attained the honor of serving as Pacific Southwest District’s Governor in 1993-94. Bill continued membership in the Optimist organization until his death.

Bill enjoyed being a private pilot for many years; other hobbies included skiing, outdoor camping and fishing in the mountains of California. During recent business trips he made time for fishing. He always had photos of his most recent catch in his back pocket, along with photos of his granddaughter Aurora performing her newest gymnastic skill. Aurora’s most avid fan, he never missed her competitions and was always ready to provide sponsorship and encouragement.

William “Bill” Bratly is survived by Maria, his wife of 47 ½ years; beloved daughter Rebecca “Beckie”, her husband Jake Huxman and cherished granddaughter Aurora Huxman, residents of Big Bear Lake, California; he is also survived by beloved son William Martin “Bill” Bratly resident of Reseda, California. Bill is survived by his sister Susan Terry Engel of Farmington Hills, Michigan, and brother James Wesley “Jim” Bratly and his wife Christine, residents of Belleville, Michigan.

A Memorial Service will be held at 5:30 pm on July 12, 2013 at The LDS church, Dearborn Ward building at 20201 Rotunda Drive, Dearborn, Michigan 48124. Remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends, and memorial donations in lieu of flowers be sent to Optimist International’s Pacific South- west District Youth programs: Optimist Pacific Southwest Dist., P.O. Box 411028, Los Angeles, CA 90041.