Remembering Bradley J Bothun

Honoring a friend with every shirt sold, supporting his family with love and laughter.

Memories

Snapshots celebrating the joy and laughter he shared.

B-RAD

Bradley James Bothun 50, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday May 3rd at his home in Crownsville, Maryland. Brad was born July 5, 1975 to Vaughn and Susan Bothun of Austin MN.

Brad Bothun lived his life the only way he knew how. Fully, boldly, and with a heart that loved without limits. He was the kind of person who made an impression the moment he walked into a room, bringing an energy that was magnetic, joyful, and unforgettable. More than anything, Brad made people feel seen, valued, and deeply loved.

At the center of Brad’s world was his family. He was an incredible father to his three beautiful daughters, Vaughn, Zoe, and Remy, who were his greatest pride and joy. He was a devoted and loving husband to his soulmate, Candice, the love of his life. Their story began in Austin, Texas, where they met while Brad was on vacation. What followed was a love that crossed distance, grew stronger with time, and led them to build a beautiful life together. First in Chicago, where they married, and later in Annapolis, Maryland, where they created their family.

Brad also built an extraordinary professional life marked by leadership, innovation, and service to others. With more than 30 years in information technology and enterprise networking, he was a respected leader known not only for his expertise, but for the heart and humanity he brought to his work. Brad spent nearly a decade at Bowie State University as Director of Enterprise Technology Operations before becoming a Senior Network Engineer with the Maryland Research and Education Network (MDREN). Throughout his career, he became known as the kind of leader organizations could depend on, steady, thoughtful, trustworthy, and deeply committed to helping others succeed.

His colleagues described him as a force for progress and innovation who strengthened every organization and every team he touched. He brought vision, mentorship, optimism, and authenticity into every room, building trusted relationships across universities, state organizations, and communities. Brad had a unique ability to make people feel valued and connected, whether he was leading major technology initiatives, mentoring coworkers, or simply showing up for someone who needed support.

Brad deeply valued education and lifelong learning. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Technical Communication from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota, a Master of Business Administration from University of Maryland University College in Adelphi, Maryland, and a Master of Science in Information Systems from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in Baltimore, Maryland. His drive to continually grow and evolve reflected the same curiosity, determination, and passion that defined every aspect of his life.

And that was who Brad was at his core. Someone who was always there to help anyone in need, anytime, anywhere. If someone needed advice, encouragement, a laugh, or a helping hand, Brad showed up. He gave freely of himself, never keeping score, always wanting others to feel supported, included, and loved.

Brad loved his family fiercely. He was a proud and loving uncle who adored his nieces and nephews and brought so much joy, humor, encouragement, and larger-than-life energy into their lives. Whether through jokes, conversations, celebrations, or simply being present, “Uncle Brad” made every moment feel special and every person feel important.

When Brad wasn’t working, you could often find him wearing one of his legendary quirky T-shirts, shirts that made people smile, laugh, or sometimes just shake their heads in confusion.

His most famous shirt, a bright green favorite, simply read “Pants.” It perfectly captured Brad’s sense of humor: unexpected, lighthearted, unforgettable, and able to make everyone around him laugh.

Brad had a rare gift, he turned friendships into family. Wherever he went, he built deep and lasting relationships, surrounding himself and Candice with an incredible community of friends who became family. We are forever grateful for Brad and Candice’s Annapolis family. The dear friends who have wrapped their arms around Candice and the girls and helped carry them through this unimaginable tragedy while grieving the tremendous loss themselves. The love, strength, and support surrounding Candice, Vaughn, Zoe, and Remy is a true reflection of the kind of man Brad was and the lives he touched. Candice and the girls are surrounded by a loving village that will continue to lift them up, love them fiercely, and help carry Brad’s spirit forward.

He was the biggest energy in every room, full of generosity, humor, warmth, and life. His laugh, spirit, and ability to bring people together will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Candice; his daughters, Vaughn, Zoe, and Remy; his mother, Susan; his sister, Lindsey (Tom) Compton; his mother-in-law, Darlene Crowther; his brother-in-law, Case (Raven) Crowther; his sister-in-law, Lesa (Andy) Helbein; his beloved nieces and nephews, Kylie Haney, Owen Haney, Carter Crowther, Caitlyn Crowther, Carter Compton, Neviah Compton, Maclean Helbein, and Grayson Helbein.

Brad was preceded in death by his father, Vaughn Bothun, and his father-in-law, N. Denis Crowther. Brad’s legacy is one of love, laughter, leadership, generosity, and connection. He lived big, loved even bigger, and leaves behind a world that is undeniably better because he was in it. His spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched, the family and friends he cherished, and the memories that will forever fill rooms with laughter and love.

A Celebration of Life is being planned in Annapolis Maryland , and in Austin Minnesota this summer.

Bradley James Bothun 50, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday May 3rd at his home in Crownsville, Maryland. Brad was born July 5,1975 to Vaughn and Susan Bothun of Austin MN.