Brad Allen Van Avery age 67, passed away at Centrica Rose Arbor Place on January 15, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Kalamazoo on April 10, 1958, the son of the late Donald and Shirley (Richter) Van Avery Sr. Brad was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He had a passion for racing and spent much of his time at the track or anywhere cars were going fast. He made countless friends at the Kalamazoo and Galesburg Speedways where he was known as “Bad Brad”. He was chief of the VRT racing team and loved the excitement that came with each new start. He worked hard to provide for his family and was employed by Comstock Public Schools and later made deliveries as a truck driver. Above all Brad loved being a father. He never missed the chance to make new memories with his children and was always present at their sporting events or special moments and was an anchor for his family during the tragic passing of his son Adam Van Avery. Brad’s smile and laughter will be missed by all who knew him. On March 18, 1981, he married the love of his life Peggy (McNees) Van Avery who survives. He his also survived by two sons, Jesse (Angel) Van Avery and Chad (Shona) Drake; grandchildren, Jesse (Makena) Jr., Brandon, Joleen and Rose Van Avery, Belle Penny, Amelia Bradshaw, Carson and Payton Van Avery; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was also preceded in passing by three siblings, Donald Jr., Terry and Judy Van Avery.