Community to Celebrate the Life of Phil Brady on July 2
From Anderson's Tribute Center:
The Dalles, Ore., June 26, 2026 — Wasco County lost a beloved community leader, science teacher, friend, and family member with the death of Phil Brady. On May 19th, 2026, Phil took his bike out for a ride, as he did so many mornings of his life. He experienced symptoms, was taken to the local hospital, and died of aortic dissection. By the day’s end, he led his re-election bid for Wasco County Commissioner, a testament to the service he gave to a place he loved dearly.
A private natural burial ceremony will be held at Great River Natural Cemetery of Mosier, Oregon. The Celebration of Life service is at 4:00 P.M., Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, 5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles. Oregon.
You can livestream the Celebration at https://youtube.com/live/7Y1ioz9jW2Q?feature=share.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center, Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Philip Leonard Brady was born the day after Christmas in The Dalles, 1955. His parents, Eileen and Minor Brady, owned Brady’s Market on 3rd Street. He enjoyed his childhood in The Dalles skiing, fly fishing, and working in the orchards.
He attended Gonzaga University where he studied physics. After college, he joined the Jesuit Order. This time broadened his worldview -from studying philosophy to serving people experiencing homelessness, and even exploring astronomy at the Pope’s summer palace.
He credited marrying Mary Jo Commerford as one of his wisest decisions, his dearest companion of over 40 years. His eldest Sarah shares his passion for politics, community organizing, and outdoor adventures such as circumnavigating Mt. Adams. Maza carries his interest in technology and science, building rocket launchers and raising goats together. He was beloved by his 4 grandkids, with his gift for entering their world through imaginative play.
From 1994 to 2003, Phil and family joined Maryknoll Lay Missioners in Venezuela. He was shaped deeply by the people he lived with who nicknamed him Indiana Jones for his signature hat. He helped form an ecology group that protected spring water and inspired people to nurture their connection with the desert landscape. He was beloved there, as he was here, for sharing his passion for the universe with his homemade telescope. One of his signature lessons is that we are made of stardust
Upon returning to the US, Phil spent 18 years teaching in the North Wasco School District. He spent the longest stretch as a teacher for incarcerated youth at NORCOR. His classes were full of fun explosions and hands-on learning that drew many into a shared love of science.
In 2022 he was elected to serve as Wasco County Commissioner. He was known for showing up, being kind, weighing tough decisions with curiosity, and having a big vision for the future.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Erin Conry. In addition to his wife, daughters and grandchildren, he is survived by his sister Coleen Connolly (Jim), brother Kevin Brady (Kerry Jo) and many nieces and nephews.
For his family, he will be missed as a loving constant, someone we all relied on to steady us through life. His belief in community was as expansive as the stars.
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