Joshua Brady

Twenty-six years ago, a vibrant fireball exploded into the world, in the form of a child barely contained by his tiny form. Joshua Lee Brady entered the world as he would leave it, with the energy of a meteor. The tremor of his impact was felt across communities of Kittitas County and well beyond. He died in his home in Cle Elum, Washington on January 9, 2019.

Josh owned and operated Brady Armory of Ellensburg but had recently moved his gunsmithing operation to Cle Elum. His coworker defined him as a savant of firearms, both in his encyclopedic knowledge and his dexterity to repair and restore. A little child called Josh the doctor of guns. Born in McMinnville, Oregon on March 23, 1992, he attended schools in Dundee/Newberg and in Sisters, Oregon. He graduated Newberg High School in 2010. He was self-taught, training himself to design, build and repair firearms. A passion he acquired from his grandfather.

Josh is survived by his big brother Ryan Brady, and littles Grace, Eva and Nathan Brady; step siblings Chelsea and Casey Varnum and a population of loved ones as diverse as one can imagine. His heart knew few limits, and strangers became friends, friends became brothers/sisters. Eva Whiting filled his heart with joy and laughter. Many will mourn Josh, but those who honor Josh will do so with a commitment to be a good human, to do something you love and do it as best you can, and when given the option, laugh, don't cry. Joshua defied general order, and as such, his memory will be celebrated by many and in many forms. However, Josh's family hosted a Celebration of Life in his honor from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at the site of the former Brady Armory, 313 N Pearl Street in Ellensburg. Steward & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Josh's family. Online condolences may be left at www.steward-williams.com