In only 20 short years, Gradie filled this world with more love, laughter, and light than many people do in a lifetime. He had a heart bigger than words could ever describe, a contagious smile that could brighten any room, and a loving soul that made people feel special simply by being around him. Though his time here was far too short, the lives he touched, the memories he created, and the love he gave will live on far beyond his years.

Small but mighty from the very beginning, Gradie was born on September 12, 2006, the firstborn son who introduced his mom, Desirae, and dad, Joshua, to the deepest, most profound love they had ever known. Holding him in their arms for the first time was the best day of their lives, and from that moment forward, he held a place in their hearts that nothing could ever replace. Shortly after his birth, unknown medical issues required Gradie to spend his first week in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where his parents remained faithfully by his side. Even then, Gradie showed the strength that would become such a familiar part of who he was. After a difficult first week, he was finally able to go home, where he quickly made himself the center of everyone’s world. He was a smiley, happy baby who loved to be held, loved to eat, and somehow managed to have an enormous personality packed into his tiny little body.

Just 20 months later, Gradie became a big brother when Trevon joined the family. The two boys were best friends from the very beginning, sharing a bond that only grew stronger as the years passed. Trevon quickly outgrew his little brother and naturally became his protector, but Gradie was never far behind him. He loved when Trevon would push him around in his truck, taking baths together, and dancing to music, bouncing and wiggling their tiny legs as they laughed and played. Gradie was always giving Trevon hugs and wanting to be by his side. That closeness never faded as they grew older. Their brotherhood became a lifetime of shared adventures, unforgettable memories, and a connection that will always remain.

As the years went by, Gradie welcomed two little sisters, River and Meadow, who were immediately infatuated with their big brother. He could make them smile just by walking into a room. Gradie shared a special bond with River, always knowing the perfect gifts to give her and making sure she knew how much he treasured every homemade present and picture she made for him. He loved telling her to jump in the truck for a fishing trip, a drive to the gas station for a treat, or simply a movie and cuddles. In these little moments, Gradie made his sisters feel deeply loved, creating precious memories River will always carry in her heart.

Although Gradie’s time with his youngest sister, Meadow, was far too short, the love between them was already unmistakable. She would light up with the sweetest smile whenever he was near and loved being held in his arms as he told her cute little stories. Even in their brief time together, it was clear that Gradie had a special place in her little heart. The bond they shared was precious, and the love he gave her will always be part of her story, too. Both girls will forever have something beautiful to hold on to: a big brother whose love for them will never be forgotten.

Family was at the heart of Gradie’s world. Some of his happiest memories were made outdoors, hunting and fishing with his mom and dad, riding the four-wheeler, and spending time with the people he loved most. In fact, a ride on the four-wheeler was sometimes the only thing that could settle him down enough to fall asleep. His love of the outdoors was more than a pastime; it was part of who he was, a love that would follow him throughout his life and become the backdrop for some of his most treasured memories.

Music was another of Gradie’s great loves, and he shared a particularly special connection through it with his grandpa Shance. He would often reminisce about their long drives together, singing at the top of their lungs and dancing for unsuspecting passersby. Those moments captured Gradie perfectly: carefree, full of joy, unafraid to be silly, and always ready to turn an ordinary day into a memory worth keeping. Whether he was dancing, singing, or making everyone around him laugh, Gradie had a way of making life feel lighter and more fun.

Gradie also had a deep appreciation for good food and the people who made it with love. His Grandma JoAnn’s delicious cakes and cinnamon rolls were among his favorites, and as he grew older, he enjoyed making her recipes for his own family, carrying those traditions forward in his own way. He was never much of a picky eater and enjoyed trying new cuisines when visiting the city, often pairing a good meal with another favorite pastime: going to the movie theater. Still, pasta seemed to hold a special place in his heart, and he was always happy to offer to make it for dinner. It was one of the many simple ways he showed his love for his family, finding joy not only in what he did but in sharing it with others.

When he wasn’t watching a movie, there was a good chance you could find Gradie outdoors, fishing or hunting geese and ducks alongside Trevon and his close cousins, Hunter, Parker, Kanyon, and Carson. He loved the excitement of a hunt, the quiet patience of fishing, and the camaraderie that came with being in the outdoors together. He often talked about getting a hunting dog specifically for bird hunting someday, always dreaming up the next adventure.

In the meantime, he already had his very best friend: Sage. From the day he picked her up in Evanston, Wyoming, the two shared a special bond. Gradie never missed an opportunity to tell people that he had the best dog in the world, and anyone who saw them together knew just how much she meant to him. Sage was more than a dog; she was his companion, his sidekick, and a constant source of love. And if Sage could tell her own story, she would surely say she had the best boy in the world, too.

Gradie had a remarkable range of talents and interests. He loved dance class and was exceptionally talented, bringing his own enthusiasm and personality to everything he did. He also participated in the 4-H shooting club, where he quickly proved that his small stature was no indication of his abilities. At one trap shoot, Gradie took first place, astonishing those around him as the youngest and smallest in the group. Seeing such a little guy handle a gun that looked so big in his hands made his skill all the more impressive. He had a determination and natural ability that surprised people, and he took pride in learning, practicing, and doing what he loved.

Another passion Gradie shared was trapping, a hobby that brought him even closer to his bonus dad, Preston. The two shared a close bond and spent many days together pursuing this interest. Gradie earned his furbearer license and became skilled at setting and checking traps, catching beavers, raccoons, and even skunks. These shared experiences created meaningful memories and strengthened a relationship built on time spent together, common interests, and the kind of companionship that comes from learning and doing something side by side.

As Gradie grew older and earned his driver’s license, his adventurous spirit found a new outlet: a need for speed. He collected his fair share of speeding tickets, and apparently, a few reminders to slow down weren’t enough to take away his desire to get where he was going quickly. He was incredibly proud of his truck, which he worked hard to purchase himself. It was more than just a vehicle; it was something he had earned and loved. He was also talented at photography and video-making, often capturing his own truck, other trucks, and his hunting adventures for TikTok. He had an eye for the things he loved and a knack for turning ordinary moments into something worth sharing.

One of Gradie’s most recent and treasured adventures was an elk hunt with his brother, friends, cousins, uncle Chris, and cousin Keith. During that hunt, Gradie harvested a beautiful, unique elk, creating a memory that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of everyone who was there. It took two full days to pack the elk out of the backcountry, making for an unforgettable experience that tested their determination and brought them together in a way only an adventure like that can. It was a hunt none of them will ever forget and one they will always cherish.

Travel was another source of happiness for Gradie. He loved taking trips and had a special ability to find fun and enjoyment wherever he went. Whether traveling with cousins, aunts, uncles, or other family members, he embraced each adventure with curiosity and eagerness. The games, sleepovers, exploring new places, and countless hours spent laughing together helped him build deep, lasting bonds with his extended family. He understood that the best parts of a trip were not necessarily the destination but the people beside him and the memories made along the way.

For all his love of hunting, fishing, music, food, trucks, dogs, and adventure, Gradie’s greatest gift was the way he loved people.

His smile was unforgettable. It could light up an entire room, and even someone who had met him only once could remember it long afterward. His laugh was just as memorable: big, genuine, and contagious, the kind that made others laugh right along with him. He had an incredible sense of humor and a natural ability to bring happiness into a room, often finding a way to make people smile when they needed it most.

But beneath that humor and easygoing personality was a heart of extraordinary depth. Gradie was compassionate, empathetic, and accepting. He did not look for reasons to judge people; he looked for reasons to understand them. He had a rare ability to see the good in others, even when they struggled to see it in themselves. He made people feel welcome, valued, and worthy of love, no matter what they were going through or what mistakes they had made.

Gradie was often the person others reached out to when they needed someone to talk to, someone who would listen without judgment, offer advice without making them feel small, or simply remind them that they mattered. He was quick to reassure people that they were important, loved, and beautiful just as they were. He had a way of recognizing when someone was hurting and offering the kind of comfort that did not require perfect words, only a genuine heart and a willingness to be there.

He was often the first to love and the first to forgive. Even when someone hurt his feelings or wronged him, Gradie was willing to talk things through, offer understanding, and make room for forgiveness. He preferred peace over conflict, laughter over anger, and connection over resentment. He wanted people to get along, to feel comfortable, and to enjoy life together. He reminded those around him, simply by the way he lived, that kindness is not weakness, forgiveness is a gift, and a little compassion can make a tremendous difference in someone’s life.

That was the beautiful thing about Gradie: he did not have to do something extraordinary to leave a lasting impression. He did it by being himself. By giving hugs freely. By making people laugh. By listening when someone needed to be heard. By forgiving when it would have been easier to walk away. By seeing beauty in others and reminding them of their worth. He left people feeling a little more loved than they had before they met him, and that is a legacy few can claim and none who knew him will ever forget.

On October 10, 2026, at just 20 years old, Gradie left this world far too soon, leaving behind broken hearts, countless cherished memories, and a space in the lives of those who love him that can never truly be filled. Though we cannot understand why his time here was so short, we can be grateful beyond words that we were given the privilege of knowing him, loving him, and being loved by him.

His family and friends will forever carry pieces of him in the places where he was happiest: on mountain trails and hunting trips, beside a river with a fishing pole in hand, in the rumble of a favorite truck, in a song sung too loudly on a long drive, in the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls, in the excitement of a new adventure, and in the laughter shared around a table with the people he loved. We will see him in the unconditional love of his dog Sage, in the bond he shared with his brother and sisters, and in the stories that will be told again and again as family and friends gather to remember him.

Most importantly, we will carry Gradie in the way we treat one another. If we can learn to be a little more forgiving, a little less judgmental, a little more compassionate, and a little quicker to remind others that they are loved, then his light will continue to shine through us. His life was not measured by the number of years he was given, but by the depth of the love he shared and the countless lives he touched.

Though our hearts are broken and we will miss him in more ways than words can express, we find comfort in knowing that the love Gradie gave us will never leave. Twenty years was not nearly enough time, but it was enough for him to change us forever. He was, and always will be, a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, and the kind of soul this world needs more of.

Go rest high on that mountain, Gradie. Rest knowing how deeply you are loved, how fiercely you will be missed, and how beautifully you changed the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know you. Until we meet you on that mountain again, we will keep your memory alive, carry your love forward, and do our best to live with the same big heart, contagious smile, and loving soul that made you who you were.

We love you always, Gradie. Until we meet again.

Please join us as we celebrate the life of Gradie Braithwaite on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at: Charleston Town Hall 3454 W 3400 S Heber City, Utah 84032

We welcome family and friends to come together to share in the love, laughter, and memories that made Gradie so special. Guests are invited to share a favorite memory, story, or experience with Gradie as we celebrate the remarkable young man he was and the lasting impact he made on so many lives.

Come help us remember, laugh, cry, share stories, and find comfort in one another as we honor a life that was far too short but filled with immeasurable love. Together, we will celebrate the gift of knowing Gradie and ensure that his light continues to shine through every life he touched.