As Bradbury Companies grew and evolved through its first few decades, Thomas H. Bradbury was an immovable force who gave the company a secure place to anchor. His humility, strength, values, and quiet leadership all made him a true North Star who we could turn to for guidance and security.
Tom was born June 30, 1936, to Thomas O. and Gladys Bradbury, who farmed and ranched near Littleton, Colorado. When he was in high school, Tom showed steers and clowned at rodeos. He spent many long days working the family’s South Ranch near Byers, Colorado.
Tom graduated from Colorado State University (CSU) in 1958 with a degree in farm and ranch management. While at CSU, he met and married his wife, Margaret. On their honeymoon, they attended a quarter horse sale in Brush, Colorado, which fueled their lifelong passion for raising and racing quarter horses. In 1958, they founded Bradbury Land & Cattle Company (BLC). The BLC continues to produce some of the country’s best red-angus cattle and running quarter horses, along with significant irrigated corn and hay production.
Tom was a well-known Colorado rancher, horseman, and businessman throughout his life. He was inducted in the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2015, proudly served on the National Western Stock Show Executive Board for over a decade, and was inducted to the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2016. Tom also served as president of the American Hereford Association.
Tom and Margaret lived on their ranch for 45 years before moving to the Denver area in 2003. They were married 60 years.
Tom and Margaret remained dedicated Rams throughout their lives, attending hundreds of games, donating generously to support student scholarships, and serving on the Campaign Leadership Council for CSU’s first fundraising campaign. In 2016, Tom and Margaret received the Jim and Nadine Henry Award — one of CSU’s highest honors — from the CSU Alumni Association. Tom was also presented with the Livestock Leader Award by CSU’s Department of Animal Science at the 2007 Western Stock Show.
Tom was dedicated to serving his community. He served on various boards, both locally and nationally, for more than 50 years. He was compassionate towards young people, and tried to encourage them to better themselves. Just as Tom aimed for continuous improvement on his ranches and in his businesses, he strived to make his local community and the ag world better. We are proud and fortunate to have had such a guiding light as Thomas H. Bradbury.