Brad Estey, age 68, of Naytahwaush, MN, surrounded by family and close friends, passed away on December 11, 2023 at Sanford Health Center, Bemidji, MN.

Bradford Neal Estey (Niizhoo-Binesi, "Two Eagles") was born on October 18, 1955 in White Earth, MN to Clyde and Lucille (Robinson) Estey. He attended elementary school in Naytahwaush, MN, and later attended school in Mahnomen, MN. Brad married Ronda (Sargent) who had one son, Travis, that Brad raised as his own. Brad and Ronda had two additional sons, Ryan and Heath, and raised the three boys to have a passion and love for anything outdoors.

After some various part-time jobs, Brad began working for the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Cattle Ranch in Mahnomen, and later for Ojibwa Forest Products in Waubun. While continuing to work, Brad earned his GED and went to school for Fish & Wildlife Management. Fueled by his passion for nature, starting in 1986, he found his calling in his roles with the BIA Forestry Department, White Earth Tribal Biology Department, White Earth Tribal Forestry Department, and Minnesota DNR. In those roles, Brad was heavily involved in wildland fire fighting, elevating all the way to Division Supervisor on National Incident Management Teams. He also cruised timber, worked on forest development projects, and was a fire instructor. Brad served as Assistant Fire Chief of the Twin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department as well as State and Tribal Fire Warden.

In 2017, Brad retired from the BIA as the Minnesota Agency Fire Prevention & Mitigation Technician for the White Earth Reservation. During his retirement, he continued to enjoy the outdoors by hunting, fishing, and trapping. Brad shared the last four years with his fiancé, Lori (Morales). He very much enjoyed their visits, game playing, and grouse hunting rides together.

Known for his infectious laughter and playful demeanor, Brad was cherished and respected by so many in his community. He loved passing on the values and traditions that he learned from his relatives. He was always sharing his knowledge and teaching his boys, his grandchildren, his nieces and nephews, and anyone else that would stop in to visit. Over the years, Brad held classes on animal tracking, tree identification, and black ash basket making. He also passed on skills and traditions of trapping and leeching. Brad's big heart, joyful spirit, and countless lessons will continue to resonate in the hearts of his family and friends.

Brad is survived by his fiancé, Lorelei Morales; sons: Travis (Lisa), Ryan, and Heath (Tonya); grandchildren: Kelsey, Miranda, Taustin, Maddie, Avarie, Breckan, Jack, and Peter; great-grandchildren, Kenni and Cam; siblings: Karen (Jerry) Walz, Cindy (Lee) Amundson, Rebecca Estey, Pam (Dave) Snetsinger and Kent (Becky) Estey; his dog: Bronco. Brad was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Jon Estey and Clyde "Junior" Estey; and his "squirrel-hunting" dog, Gracie.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 11:00am, with visitation one hour prior, at the Sports Complex, Naytahwaush, MN.