We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Brad Maggy . Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. As we plan virtual and in person gatherings, we will share details here. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
We lost a beloved husband and father to cancer on Thursday, November 12, 2020. While his life was cut short, he made enough memories and shared enough love to last multiple life times. He had a deep love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He had an affinity for buying and selling baseball cards that spanned over 30 years. Even more than baseball cards, Brad had a sommelier like passion for wine. Even in to his last days he... see more
We lost a beloved husband and father to cancer on Thursday, November 12, 2020. While his life was cut short, he made enough memories and shared enough love to last multiple life times. He had a deep love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He had an affinity for buying and selling baseball cards that spanned over 30 years. Even more than baseball cards, Brad had a sommelier like passion for wine. Even in to his last days he could be caught having a glass of a Napa Valley Cabernet with dinner. From Athens to Tuscany and Ireland to Bordeaux, when Brad and his wife Martha retired in 2014, they spent months traveling the globe and tasting wines in world renowned regions. We love you and miss you and know you are with us every day.
I am so sorry for your loss - our loss. I worked with Brad in many negotiations at Alameda County and we had considerable time during breaks to shoot the breeze. I came to know him as a highly ethical, highly skilled negotiator and a very deep thinker.... moreI am so sorry for your loss - our loss. I worked with Brad in many negotiations at Alameda County and we had considerable time during breaks to shoot the breeze. I came to know him as a highly ethical, highly skilled negotiator and a very deep thinker. I enjoyed his sense of humor and envied the self control he had even in the face of sometimes highly provocative and offensive behavior from across the table. We enjoyed discussing baseball, wine, and politics. I had hoped he and I would be able to find time to connect in retirement. I am so sorry that is not to be. Only those who make a mark in life leave an indelible impression that lasts beyond their lifetimes. Brad was one of those people. He left his mark on me and all those around him. And having witnessed the beautiful memorial the other day, I see the unmistakable character he exemplified living on in his wonderful children, all of them. I will think of him for the remainder of my days. They will be happy ones. I hope yours will help you mend as well. My very best to you all. less
Just finished watching the Memorial for Brad. It was so endearing to hear how everyone else felt about Brad. I too always felt special when he greeted me, spoke to me, included me in conversation. He was quite unique in his ability to embrace and elevate... moreJust finished watching the Memorial for Brad. It was so endearing to hear how everyone else felt about Brad. I too always felt special when he greeted me, spoke to me, included me in conversation. He was quite unique in his ability to embrace and elevate your feelings when he was around. I really loved that about him. I think I appreciated it so much more because he shared that supportive, loving feeling with my dear friend Martha. They will always be a husband and wife that I admire because they challenged each other, loved each other, supported each other and lived a life many can only dream to have. I’m very proud of my friend Martha for the courage and strength she has shown in the face of our painful loss. Always the supportive one, I know Brad is proud of her too❤️ less
Brad, happy 70th birthday! Wished the circumstances were different but we have learned that you have moved on. We were and are still shocked when Martha shared with us the sad news regarding Brad’s passing. Brad was an amazing mentor, leader,... moreBrad, happy 70th birthday! Wished the circumstances were different but we have learned that you have moved on. We were and are still shocked when Martha shared with us the sad news regarding Brad’s passing. Brad was an amazing mentor, leader, colleague, and friend to hundreds if not thousands of Fresno County and other counties executives and staff. Brad was a strong advocate for public health. Brad was a gentleman with lots of talents. He published numerous op-ed articles for the Fresno Bee newspapers to advocate for social justice and public health issues. He was a servant leader, always listened and made others feel important and heard. He developed talents and supported his staff to get good work done. We will not have the nice opportunity to send him a message each year to wish him a Happy Thanksgiving as we had always done since 2009. We will miss you very much, Brad. Thank you for your leadership and friendship. We would like to express our most sincere and deepest sympathies to Martha and the rest of Brad’s family. We knew Brad was always proud and loved his family very much. less
To cousin Martha, her children & grandchildren, and to the extended Maggy/Ruiz family-
I am/we are deeply sorry for your loss. Our hearts & prayers go out to you all!
Although I didn’t see Brad very often, I can say he was always very kind to me.... moreTo cousin Martha, her children & grandchildren, and to the extended Maggy/Ruiz family-
I am/we are deeply sorry for your loss. Our hearts & prayers go out to you all!
Although I didn’t see Brad very often, I can say he was always very kind to me. Always a class act.
Unfortunately, at times having a large family and life circumstances changing, we tend to lose contact with extended family except for major events. However, my most recent memory of Brad was when me & my youngest daughter visited his & Martha’s home once for a tamale making get together. He was very welcoming, even though it had been some time, and before we left, he carefully packed up tamales to go for us! Very thoughtful man who will be missed by all. May he Rest In Peace.
Love from, Raquel Leon-Silva & family. (Mario & Alba’s daughter). less
What a joy it was for Steve and I to spend a few days in Rome and Athens with Martha and Brad in September 2019. We had the best time! It was very endearing how Brad would call perfect strangers, like waiters “my friend”. Brad was very friendly,... moreWhat a joy it was for Steve and I to spend a few days in Rome and Athens with Martha and Brad in September 2019. We had the best time! It was very endearing how Brad would call perfect strangers, like waiters “my friend”. Brad was very friendly, caring, polite, easy going and fun to be with. He was always making sure everyone was taken care of, especially Martha. The four of us got along so well, we looked forward to more vacations together. Even though I didn’t know him very long he quickly became a good friend and someone I trusted. It was an honor and privilege to spend time with him and Martha. When we visited him at home during his illness he would welcome us with his cheerful, brave smile and offer us Pellegrino. We talked about so many things in life. As he told me the day he passed away “I wish we had more time together”, I felt the same way. I miss Brad’s gentle, kind soul. less
Brad was an expert at listening and concise insightful statements. He could clarify any situation with a few succinct words.
His relaxed demeanor and easy smile was infectious and projected calm onto his surroundings.
Although I only knew him a short... moreBrad was an expert at listening and concise insightful statements. He could clarify any situation with a few succinct words.
His relaxed demeanor and easy smile was infectious and projected calm onto his surroundings.
Although I only knew him a short time we quickly became close companions sharing our lives and wacky humor. We enjoyed deep conversations about our lives and how we became who we were. Like any discussion with Brad our serious talks were peppered with just the right balance of silly humor. It was a joy being with a man who was open enough to allow each of us to just be ourselves.
One of my favorite memories with Brad was during a long bus ride back to Athens, Greece. It had been a long day and we were seated next to each other behind our wives Arlene and Martha. We could hear the happy chatter coming from the seats in front of us as we both drifted off into contented slumber. It’s not every guy you can share a nap with on a tour bus. I hope we both snored in the same key. less
My heartfelt thoughts and condolences to my sister Martha, their children, grand-children, daughter in laws and extended family.
As I look back, I'll always remember Brad as one of the first friends I met while working for San Mateo County back in 1981. ... moreMy heartfelt thoughts and condolences to my sister Martha, their children, grand-children, daughter in laws and extended family.
As I look back, I'll always remember Brad as one of the first friends I met while working for San Mateo County back in 1981. I didn't know then, we would someday also become family. What I learned about Brad, working with him, was that he was always caring, compassionate, and always willing to listen and offer advice whenever asked or necessary. Perhaps this is why he was so good at his job as an Employee Relations Officer. Some relied on him for counseling while others just felt safe going to him for advice. What I also learned was that he was a very private person. He never liked talking about himself. When asked how he was doing he would always find a way to deflect his attention by saying something funny. It was as if time was only well spent if it pertained to helping someone else. His character remained consistent throughout the years. Everyone that met him could be certain they had his attention and respect. Besides his compassion for others, he was an amazing husband to Martha for 34+ years. Anyone who saw them together could see his endless love for her, especially after her battle with Cancer. They were undoubtedly each other's soulmate and best friend. I was blessed to have met and spent time with Brad through the years. Buddy, I'm sorry you're missing your big "70". While we may no longer be able to see you, you will remain forever in our hearts. less
Brad’s passing is a loss way too soon. He was an integral figure in the Maggy/Ruiz family, completing every occasion with his steady presence, quick deprecating wit, and keen observation, always looking out for the comfort and experience of others. ... moreBrad’s passing is a loss way too soon. He was an integral figure in the Maggy/Ruiz family, completing every occasion with his steady presence, quick deprecating wit, and keen observation, always looking out for the comfort and experience of others. My heart goes out to all in his immediate family, particularly my sister-in-law, Martha, in your sorrow at his passing. Martha and Brad's love and connection with each other has always been a powerful example of a healthy, close marriage. And Brad’s pride for his children, Aaron, Jennifer, Paul and Brian has always been on display in my interactions with Brad. And he definitely got a light in his eyes over his grandchildren, Milena, CJ, Will and most recently, Sophie. Over the years, Brad would always authentically celebrate and take interest in my personal successes, making me feel like I was truly important to him. And he also shared concern and counsel with any struggles I may have been facing. Brad will be missed by all of us for his kind spirit and thoughtfulness. He was a special man. Sending my love to you all. less