Brady Russell Pohjola

Brady was a spirited, dedicated, talented, and motivated human being. He lived life with his whole heart. He loved people. He loved his family and his friends, and he had a heart of gold. If someone needed help, Brady was there. He was a giver in every sense of the word.

Brady had a contagious laugh that everyone loved. He could walk into a room and light it up. He had a presence that drew people to him. He was the leader of the pack—the one who kept everybody together. He was the glue that held so many friendships and family relationships together.

Brady grew up in Upland, California, and attended Upland High School, where he really fell in love with auto shop and woodshop. He was baptized here at San Antonio Heights Community Church, the very place where we are gathered today to celebrate his life. It is difficult to put into words how meaningful it is to bring him home to a place that was part of his life from the very beginning.

Brady loved animals. When he was a baby, he had his dog Dexter. When he was five years old, he had a pet rat named Scarlet. Then came more dogs—Hershey, Willow, Hexey, Pawley, and finally his own pup, Josie, a German Shorthaired Pointer who was with him in the accident.

Brady also loved cats. He begged me for one for his 16th birthday. He had already bought his car—a 1977 Blazer—when he was only 14, and he was rebuilding the engine. So when he decided that a cat was the perfect gift for his 16th birthday, we finally caved. And in came Blaze, who became the beginning of the cat kingdom at the Pohjola farm.

Brady loved building engines, building houses, welding, and wrenching. He made a forge when he was just 14 years old. He loved to shoot, and he loved figuring out how things worked.

He was a diesel mechanic, but that was only one of the many things he could do. Brady could build, repair, and fix just about anything—construction, electrical, plumbing, mechanics—you name it.

When Brady decided to try something, he didn't do it halfway. He gave it everything he had. He wanted to do it right, and he took pride in what he accomplished.

But perhaps the greatest thing Brady built wasn't something you could see or touch.

He built relationships.

He built friendships. He built trust. He built connections with people. And he built a reputation for being someone who would always help.

Over these past few days, we have heard stories about Brady that we never even knew. Stories of him loaning people money when they needed it, picking people up, fixing things, helping friends, and taking care of people simply because they needed someone.

He didn't help people because he wanted recognition. He didn't do it because he expected anything in return. He saw someone who needed help, and he helped them.

And now we are learning just how many people Brady touched, often in ways we never knew about.

Twenty-four years is not nearly long enough.

There were so many more things Brady should have had the chance to do. So many more people he should have had the chance to help. So many more laughs we should have had the chance to hear.

But in those 24 years, Brady made an impact.

He loved fiercely.

He gave generously.

He worked hard.

He brought people together.

He made people laugh.

He showed up for people.

And he left pieces of his heart in more lives than we will ever know.

Brady, you were our son, our family, our friend, and the glue that held so many people together.

Your laugh, your spirit, your kindness, your determination, and your enormous heart will stay with us.

There are no words big enough to express how much I love you or how deeply I will miss you. I would give anything for one more laugh, one more hug, one more conversation, one more chance to tell you how proud I am of you.

You may have only had 24 years, but you filled those years with more love, laughter, friendship, and kindness than many people give in a lifetime.

Until we meet again, our beautiful son, keep shining your light. We will carry your love in our hearts, your laughter in our memories, and your spirit with us every day for the rest of our lives.

We are so blessed that God chose you for us, and especially that He chose me to be your MUM.

We love you, Brady. Forever and always.

Funeral Service - 10am August 20, 2026 at San Antonio Community Church 2520 N. Euclid Ave., Upland, Ca with Burial following at 12noon at Oak Park Cemetery 410 Sycamore Ave., Claremont, Ca