Bradley Payne Ipsen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend, passed away on May 26, 2024. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him. He packed 120 years of living into his 63 years and had a special gift of living life to the fullest and bringing others along for the ride. One of his many talents was making lasting memories for others.
Brad fiercely loved his family and especially adored his sweet wife of 37 years, Suzanne. He is survived by Suzanne and his three wonderful sons: Taylor (Britni), Parker (Sidney), and Conner and treasured his precious grandchildren: Adelaide, Isla, Parley, Pacey, and August with another baby boy arriving in December. They were everything to him!
Brad was born in Provo, Utah on January 28, 1961 to Robert Lee and Barbara Payne Ipsen. He was the only boy among three beautiful sisters: Robin Harmon (Mark), Jannie Brady (Greg) and Dana Groscost (Jeff). He grew up in Scottsdale, AZ and was full of life and energy. He was a talented athlete playing many sports.
After graduating from Scottsdale High School, Brad was called as a full-time missionary to Madrid, Spain. He loved the people, the language, and the Spanish culture. He used his fluency of Spanish whenever the opportunity arose.
Upon his return from the mission, he earned a football scholarship from Utah State University. He was the starting quarterback and proud to be an Aggie. Brad and Suzanne were sealed in the Mesa, AZ temple and then made their home in Logan, Utah where all three of their boys were born. They loved their life there and Brad taught them all to enjoy and love the outdoors. They fished and hunted, hiked, skied, and boated together as a family. He became a skilled outfitter providing opportunities for hundreds of clients, friends and family to have once-in-a-life-time experiences.
Brad and Suzanne moved to Mesa in 2001 where they loved being back home and close to family. There, he established a career in land development. Brad loved making memories while always putting family first. He never missed an opportunity to teach, coach, mentor and explore with his sons. Brad was a hard worker and multi-talented. He could do many things and if he didn’t know how to do something, he figured it out so it was completed perfectly.
Brad served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation. He had great faith and was a wonderful teacher and speaker. He also loved the temple and he and Suzanne attended together often.
One of Brad’s special qualities was his ability to mentor young people; Brad loved working with the youth. He influenced countless young men by showing special love and concern and always making time for those who needed a friend. He is an outstanding ministering brother and served above and beyond what was expected which greatly impacted his sons. He made everyone feel like they were his best friend and left a choice legacy of loving kindness.
Family, siblings, nieces & nephews, colleagues, and friends will deeply miss him and will cherish the many great memories he left with us all.
Brad is survived by his father, sisters, loving wife, three sons, and his precious grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Barbara and his brother-in-law, Jeff.
There will be a visitation for Brad Friday May 31, 2024 from 6-8:00 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. There will also be a visitation one hour before the service on Saturday June 1, 2024 at 1:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2549 N 32nd Street, Mesa, AZ 85213. Interment to follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery.
For those unable to attend on Saturday, the service may be live-streamed by following this link:
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Our hearts are saddened by this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with Suzanne and their family. Brad and Suzanne were dear friends and our 3 boys benefited greatly by having Brad as their Scout Master. Hugs and prayers????
I’m so sorry that Brad went to the other side of the veil peacefully with a tear running down his cheek after saying goodbye to loved ones. So many fun times of laughter and love. I will always treasure our last four hunting trips to getting the big bear and trying to get that elusive wildcat. I will always remember our last special weekend together on Mother’s Day and that incredibly delicious salsa! All of our love and condolences are with you, Suzanne and your beautiful boys, Taylor, Parker, Connor and all their families. We sure love you & appreciated how you & Brad served & loved so selflessly. What examples of service to God & His kingdom. Brad blessed us & our family so much. May Heavenly Father bless you with comfort, peace & support and love. We are so grateful for restored priesthood keys and the sealing power in the holy Temple. You are in our hearts and prayers.❤️???????
Sending all our condolences all the way from Spain to all the Ipsen family. His son Conner told us about how great his dad. May he rest in peace till his family meet him again for eternity.
My condolences. Brad was one of the best men I have known in my life. He loved his family and and was a good friend not only to myself but many others. He will be dearly missed. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Our condolences to Suzanne and their sons and all the family and friends of Brad. He was and is larger than life and his servant-leader attributes make him a model son of God. What a beautiful obituary and what an honor to serve and work and play with this great man! Fair winds and following seas Brad! Hasta vernos con Diós.
I love Brad and his wonderful family!
Brad brought light wherever he went. His ability to love and teach the youth has helped many in this life, including my sons and family.
We love Brad and his family and pray for their comfort at this difficult time.
Brad and I were set to hike rim to rim when he and I both got better. I am heartbroken at the news. We will miss his genuine charm and laugh! What a loss. Our love and prayers to Suzanne and Family through this time of separation. Gone too soon!
Bradley Payne – Such a huge ray of light his whole life. He lived large, was always up for a good laugh and just so genuine. My heart breaks for my Ipsen family, Suzanne and his boys. Sending love and peace at this difficult time.
BRAD WAS THE BEST BROTHER & UNCLE EVER! We are heart-broken and will miss him terribly!
He richly blessed our lives with so much goodness, love & fun! Love him forever!!
Brad was and is an amazing individual. Our Love and prayers to Suzanne and family. Brad guided Logan and myself for trophy elk and I enjoyed fishing Lee’s Ferry with him. One small example of this wonderful man helping others and making fond memories. We had big plans for hunting and fishing. Logan and I were fishing out of Rocky Point when I got the news and while it broke my heart, I could not help but feel his presence and countenance.
Brad pulled Gloria and myself into the Book of Mormon Quest last year and again was instrumental in creating wonderful memories for us and more importantly incredible spiritual experiences and growth for hundreds of young people. Just being Brad!! Love you Brother
Can’t wait to see you again amigo!!!
Loved Brad and the Ipsen’s. Very dear friends. I am in CA. as Julie has had surgery. I will be unable to attend funeral, but will watch on zoom. Love to Suzanne & sons.
Brad (or “B-Rad” as our family called him because he was always being so rad) was such a wonderful friend and neighbor to my grandparents (Johnny & Sonja Godbout). After my papa’s motorcycle accident, B-rad was there most days to visit him in the hospital, and then when my papa came home, Brad visited and helped him frequently. He was tremendously loved by my grandparents just as if he was one of their own kids – and was loved by our extended family as well. The times I interacted with him were always pleasant, funny, and positive. Our whole family is heartbroken to hear of his passing. He was clearly a very special and well-loved person! I am so glad to have had the pleasure of interacting with him, even though it was occasionally. I could never thank him or Suzanne enough for the love and kindness they’ve shown my grandparents over the years. Sending your family so much love….?
Brad and I grew up on the same street in grade school. We played on the same Pop Warner football team. When he signed your yearbook in high school he had a stamp?. His memory lives with those that grew up with him.
My family is so sorry for your loss. Brad was a childhood classmate growing up in Scottsdale. One of the good guys.
I met Brad and Suzanne when I just moved to Mesa in 2022. Brad was enthusiastic and friendly and we became instant pals! I knew he was a hero, happy and warm hearted man who loved life and loved his family. Aloha oe Bruddah Brad, until we meet again. Alohas, Shawn Isaac Keliikoa Layosa
I cried my heart out when I got the sad news that Brad passed away. He was an amazing guy that will give the shirt off his back to anyone that needed a shirt.
My prayers for Suzanne and the entire family that the Lord will give them comfort and continue to watch over them.
Recently heard the news. Unbelievable. Brad could be larger than life at times and very funny. Great challenging times in Switzerland. Huge condolences to Susan and the Children.
Much love
Phillip and Patricia Fashanu (UK)
I loved READING this sketch of Brad. I loved WATCHING from the sidelines for 30 years about the favorite brother and Uncle. I loved LISTENING today to a powerful celebration of his life. I loved WITNESSING hugs given between young and old men after the funeral that were people who had been touched because of a caring adult mentor. I am sad for the families that had to say goodbye too soon and for grandkids who won’t be taught to fish from their grandpa. Prayers of comfort for you all.
To all of the Ipsens… Our hearts and prayers are truly with you all! It has been one of the greatest blessings of our lives to have known of your goodness, your faith, your witness of the Savior and His stoning sacrifice, and your love and service of your fellow men!
Though I was 8 years younger than Brad, I will most remember him for being such a valiant teen! I never had a conversation in my life with him (as a lowly elementary school kid,) and remember him as a legendary cool person in our ward…but what I will always remember most about him was how whenever he would get up to bear his testimony… the Spirit was bright in the chapel… and his tears would always flow as he shared his personal witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ… He didn’t let any potential embarrassment of showing his emotions keep him from standing up to share… time after time… I was especially touched because that’s not something other young men typically did. I knew I wanted to marry someone with as much faith and conviction… and I’m so grateful to have found someone with a similar tendency to share an emotional witness as Brad did. ?
Bless all of you from this precious and priceless family!!! Your influence is great! And unmeasurable! ?
I met Brad as a freshman at Scottsdale High School. He was playful, handsome, and a talented athlete. I am so happy to read he had such a beautiful life, full of family and friends and saddened that he was taken far too soon. What lucky people we are to have known him. He will live on in our hearts. Love and blessings, Michele
On behalf of Bradley’s Utah State Football Brotherhood we send our love and condolences.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/S49XSKWTanw1q7Jz/?mibextid=lOuIew
This is Chris Pella, Brad’s football coach from USU. Sorry to hear of his passing, he was a special football player and more importantly he is a special person. May your family be comforted and blessed with the blessings you all are in need of, I wish continued success to you and your family. God bless you. Coach Pella
Sending you our deepest condolences. My heart breaks for you Suzanne and your family. It seems like yesterday we were dining in my town’s diner- laughing and picking up where we left off like so many years ago. So honored to have been there at your first date, your beautiful wedding, and having known Brad. He was an amazing person. You are in my thoughts and prayers in these coming days. Love to all.
Brother Ipsen was such an amazing example of the Savior in every way. He was an involved Father, a man who honored his priesthood. A man that treated his wife with the upmost love and respect.. He has touched so many lives. I am thankful that I had a chance to know him. Love and prayers to Suzanne and their boys.
Difficult to express our heartbreak. We express our love and deepest sympathy to Suzanne, their sons, and to his dad and sisters. I conversed with Brad as he was driving his mother to Arizona for the last time. We talked about the conversations he was having with her. Now she was there to meet him. We will never forget Brad’s infectious smile, his kindness, and his generosity. He was a pillar of strength for his family and for his dad and sisters. May God bless and comfort you.
Shocked and very saddened. I traveled the world with Brad going to places like Zurich/Miami and found him to be always upbeat. Was trying (unsuccessfully) to reach him weeks ago for a reunion in Texas where we worked at the same real estate firm. My best to ALL the family members in this tough time
Saddened to learn of the passing of Brad. I recall fond youth activities and high school events. Sending my deepest condolences to his family. Ever so grateful for eternal families.
My deepest condolences to Brad’s family. I was one of the Scouts in Troop 12 in Logan, Utah when he was Scoutmaster. I became an Eagle Scout because of Brad. More than that, he made Scouting enjoyable and meaningful. He took a bunch of awkward boys and cared about us and made us feel like we belonged. He gave generously of his time and encouragement, and his enthusiasm for Scouting and the outdoors was infectious. There are too many good memories to mention. A special thanks to Suzanne for being patient and sharing Brad with us boys all those years ago. The impact he had and the difference he made in our lives will always be remembered.
Brad and Suzanne were wonderful neighbors and friends to me and my family.
Brad was the best Scoutmaster I ever knew (or even heard of), with tremendous energy and imagination — someone who had never forgotten what it was like to be a boy himself. I will miss being aware that he was somewhere in the world, making it a better place.
I always remember the years I spent in Brads scout troop in Logan Utah almost 30 years ago as golden years. I have such fond memories and lifelong friends from that time. Now that I am around the age he would have been then, I marvel at the time and energy and enthusiasm he had for all of us annoying 12 year old boys. He helped instill in me a lifelong love of the outdoors and adventure. I have thought of him, and those experiences countless times through the years, and will continue to do so.