Jan. 15, 1969 - Nov. 14, 2008

Brady Franklyn Derrah, 39, passed away Nov. 14, at his home in Portland. He suffered a grand mal seizure and cardiac arrest.

Brady was born and schooled in Albany. As a member of Phi Beta Kappa he was an honors graduate of both Linn-Benton Community College and Lane Community College. He earned several associate degrees and a number of certificates of higher learning.

From the time he was in elementary school, Brady gained knowledge and attention as an accomplished musician. He was an avid reader and scholar, and a published author.

Most recently Brady worked as a home health care provider and a TV production technician in Portland.

Brady was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially of the Seattle Seahawks and the Portland Trail Blazers. He loved music, outdoor sports, his family, his many, many friends and all children.

Brady is survived by his parents, Michael and Patt Derrah; his life mate Verla Phillips; and siblings Kevin Ruark, Kent Ruark, Angela Ruark Levitt, Melinda Derrah and Mike Derrah.

A public viewing will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Fisher Funeral Home. Please join the family at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home for a casual celebration of Brady's life. Please bring memories and photos to share. A private interment at Knox Butte Cemetery will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation of Oregon or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Finally, we ask you to remember Brady's philosophy on life with his words, "BE HAPPY TO JUST BE".

Fisher Funeral Home is handling arrangements (www.fisherfuneralhome.com).