Bradbury E. Sprague, 90

MEREDITH — Retired Belknap County Commissioner Bradbury E. Sprague, 90, of Meredith, died Saturday, January 10, 2004 at Lakes Region General Hospital, surrounded by his three daughters.

“Cousin Brad,” as he was widely known, was a dedicated public servant, serving his community in local government, on the Meredith Fire Department, and through various civic organizations. He will be remembered for his outspoken honesty and jovial Yankee humor.

Cousin Brad was born in Meredith on March 25, 1913, to V. Albert and Evelyn (Johnson) Sprague. He was a graduate of Meredith High School, Class of 1931, where he excelled at sports and was Senior Class President. While still in school, he began his music career playing drums and later founded a popular big band, “Brad Sprague and His Amazing Rhythm Aces,” which toured Northern New England for over a decade. He continued to play the drums with a number of local groups well into the 1960s.

Along with his wife Elaina, Brad owned and operated Sprague’s Charter Bus Service for 34 years, retiring in 1975. He began this career with his father, providing limousine tours to visitors through the mountains and Lakes Region. Cousin Brad became well-known to students in the community as the bus service contracted to the Inter-Lakes School District and was chartered for extra-curricular activities to area public and private schools including Laconia High School and Holderness, Tilton and New Hampton private schools. During the summer months, he provided transportation to area summer camps, including Deerwood, Winaukee and Robindel. Brad also contracted with and drove for Trailways on many occasions.

Cousin Brad was active in NH Republican Party activities for many years and was an elected public official for 25 years. He served one term on the Inter-Lakes School Board and three terms on the Meredith Board of Selectmen from 1970 to 1976, serving as Chairman from 1972 to 1976 and as the Selectmen’s Representative to the Planning Board from 1973 to 1975. Cousin Brad served eight terms as a Belknap County Commissioner from 1976 to 1992, becoming Chairman of the Commissioners in 1978, serving in that capacity for twelve years. During this time he became active in the NH Association of Counties and served as its President from 1986 to 1988. During his terms, the county property was upgraded and he was instrumental in the design and construction of the Belknap County House of Correction. His special interest and greatest consideration were the people in the Belknap County Home; he continued to visit its residents after his retirement. Brad maintained an avid interest in politics and current affairs and, up until recently, attended and spoke at town meetings.

In addition to his service in the political arena, Brad was a member of the Meredith Fire Department for 38 years from 1949 to 1987 and was the town’s Forest Fire Warden from 1962 to 1974. He was a life long member of the Elks Club, participating in Laconia Elks food drives for many years. He was an active member of the Meredith Rotary for over 40 years, and served as its President, Vice President, Boy Scout Committee Chairman, Hesky Park Chairman, and served on the Barbecue Committee and Special Projects Committee. At one point he had 10 years of perfect attendance at the weekly Rotary meetings.

Among his many recognitions, Brad was named a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow in 1987 and received the National Honor Society Outstanding Citizen Award from the Inter-Lakes Alumni Association in 1972. Upon his business retirement in 1976, his dedicated service to the community’s young people was recognized by the installation of the flagpole in his honor on the Inter-Lakes High School front lawn.

He was pre-deceased by his wife of 47 years, Elaina (Winston) Sprague, and his brother Lloyd F. Sprague, who passed away in October 2003. He is survived by three daughters, Leah W. Sprague of Newcastle, Maine, Marsha W. Sprague of Bethesda, Maryland, and Ann W. Sprague of Meredith; a son-in-law Morrison Bonpasse of Newcastle, Maine; two grandchildren, W. Sean Crothers of Portland, Maine, and Lauren Crothers Simard of Portsmouth; two great-granddaughters, Madeline and Cameron Simard, also of Portsmouth; a cousin Kathryn Woodman of Meredith; and a niece Donna Chase of Scituate, Mass.

A memorial service will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2004 at the First Congregational Church, Highland Street, Meredith at 2 p.m. A musical celebration of his life will be held immediately following at Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant, Route 3, Meredith. The public is cordially invited to attend and share their memories. Mayhew Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

In accordance with his wishes, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bradbury and Elaina Sprague Memorial Fund, Belknap County Home, 30 County Drive, Laconia, New Hampshire.