William Bradford Bond

William Bradford Bond, Ph.D., known as Brad by all except telemarketers, died on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at the age of 94. He was born in Ithaca, New York, on October 11, 1929. He is predeceased by his wife of 51 years, BarDee (Stirland) Bond.

Brad is survived by his four children: Janet Bond, Geoffrey (Maria) Bond, Ellen Bond and Barbara Bond Lardner (David). He has four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by his partner Becky Wright.

Brad learned early on the value of money. Born on Black Friday, his first job was earning fifty cents a Sunday to sing in the church choir. Music played a big part in Brad’s life, as he found its harmony in all things especially in the natural world.

In retirement, after a 30-year career at DuPont as a research chemist, Brad devoted his time learning more about the natural world. Out for a morning run, he looked up on a hillside and saw the telltale sign of a grindstone quarry. This led him to publish a book on the grindstone industry in Washington County, Ohio, which fueled his curiosity for insects, plants and birds. He helped establish and promote Kroger Wetlands in Marietta, educated children and adults on all aspects of nature, edited and published Towpaths for the Canal Society of Ohio, all to share his love for Washington County. In recognition of his efforts, in 2015 he received a lifetime achievement award from President Obama for his volunteer hours. He was a faithful volunteer at the recycle center in Marietta up until the day before he walked into the emergency room saying that he didn’t feel well.

Services will be held at the Unitarian Church, 232 Third St., Marietta, Ohio at 5:00 pm on April 19.

In lieu of flowers, Brad encourages all to give back by volunteering at your local recycling center.