Ron Brady, a longtime member and supporter of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, died Aug. 5 at age 83.
Ron served on AWCI’s board of directors for several years and was the association’s 1989–1990 president. He was also presented with AWCI’s Pinnacle Award, the association’s highest honor, in 2007.
An article in the March 1985 issue of Construction Dimensions magazine noted, “Active in industry affairs, Ron Brady’s abilities have been quickly recognized within AWCI. He served on a number of national committees and at AWCI Committee Week in Puerto Rico was nominated to go into “the chairs” as secretary of the association. If elected by the member ballot in February 1985, he will automatically become president after serving through various executive committee offices—the same top position held by his father in 1978. On July 1, 1985, he will become chairman of AWCI’s prestigious and influential Continuing Study Council. And, of course, his father had served on this body also!”
In recent years, Ron remained a very active member of AWCI. He spearheaded the Bruce Miller Memorial Fund after Miller’s death in January 2019; Miller was also a past AWCI president and Pinnacle Award winner. By the end of the year, Ron’s efforts raised $136,900 from 41 donors and the sale of two silent auction items designated for the AWCI CARES program, which helps AWCI member company employees in times of need.
In addition, Ron was the mastermind and leader behind the growth and success of the Brady Companies, which had been involved in building California for decades. Ron was second generation in our industry, his father started E.F. Brady Company, a lath and plastering business, in the 1940s. Ron was always proud the third generation of founder E.F. Brady’s family is still leading high-performing companies specializing in drywall, plaster, lath and more, all geared toward major commercial projects. Ron was even more proud the fourth generation is embracing the industry as well.
Scott Brady, Ron’s oldest child, said in the March 1985 issue of Construction Dimensions magazine, “One of the key reasons this family business works where so many have not … is ‘Dad taught us that being a family member was good for two things: advantage in selection for opportunity and communication with the most influential person in the company. Everything else depended on our commitment, effort and results.’”
Ron was also very active in his San Diego/La Mesa, Calif.–area community, where Ron and his wife, Mary Alice, are known for their philanthropy. They played major roles in creating and donating to the Boys & Girls Club in La Mesa, Grossmont Hospital, the East County YMCA and many others. On Feb. 13, 2017, Ron and Mary Alice were recognized by La Mesa’s mayor and city council by having their names added to the La Mesa Walk of Fame for their important contributions to the city.
Ron was especially proud that he and Mary Alice were the primary lead donors for the Brady Family Boys and Girls Club House and the Brady Family Teen Center in La Mesa. These facilities provide a safe and secure learning environment to hundreds of children a day.
In addition to his wife Mary Alice, survivors include his two brothers, five children, three stepchildren and their respective spouses. He was blessed with 26 grandchildren and six great grandchildren—and counting.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of East County (www.bgcec.org), Grossmont Hospital Foundation (givesharp.com), Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego (www.radyfoundation.org/donate), Vista Hill Foundation (www.vistahill.org), Walden Family Services (waldenfamily.org) and McGrath Family YMCA (www.ymcasd.org/give).
You can view the full obituary here.
