Brad Daniel Finch, age 66, of Eagar, Arizona, left us on May 24, 2026, leaving behind a trail of laughter, perfectly manicured gardens, and more Circle K awards than any one person should be allowed to own.

Born in St. Johns, Arizona, Brad was raised in Eagar, where he spent most of his life (with brief detours for college in Thatcher and helping build the Ozark Prime Resort in Branson, Missouri). He was known far and wide as the man who turned every shift at the cash register into comedic harassment or life coaching, depending on what was needed that day. He served his community as a member of the Round Valley School Board for over a decade and was instrumental in the planning, approval, and construction of the Round Valley Dome.

He was kind, charitable, and fun-three words that best summed him up. Brad never met a stranger. Behind the counter at the Eagar, Springerville, or St. Johns Circle K's (where he ran the show longer than any other human in company history), he served refills, wisdom, hilarious harassment, financial advice, and political commentary with every transaction. Dozens of employees over the years called him the best boss they ever had.

Brad's joy was simple: being surrounded by his family. He hosted legendary 4th of July barbecues, turned the neighborhood into a Christmas light wonderland, and planned family trips around golf courses-some of which were world-class, some with golfcarts that doubled as demolition derby cars. He insisted the whole family and a few of the neighbors golf with him, and somehow made them all love it. He played in pro-am tournaments with legends like Randy Johnson and Alice Cooper, entertaining them with the same special brand of humor he used with everyone else.

He was an exceptional athlete in his younger days-having a 425-pound bench press at 16 years of age. He was a first-team All-American offensive guard, state-level choir and dance competitor, and the owner of what may be the dumbest, but surprisingly, most effective hook shot in basketball history (which he successfully weaponized in games of H-O-R-S-E). He also once tried to break the world record for sit-ups but passed out trying in a very admirable attempt lasting several hours.

His sense of humor was legendary. He gave everyone nicknames (his son's friends based on clothing stores like Bloomingdales, JC Penny, and TJ Maxx) which in-turn earned him the nickname Old Navy. His granddaughters went by Sister Sue, Gertrude, Myrtle, Festus, or "Hey you!" depending on the day. He loved gambling with his sons and the neighbor kids on backyard basketball H-O-R-S-E games, always winning with endless "double-or-nothing" rounds.

He showed love by filling the house with stories and laughter, announcing "Start the farewell tour!" when he was ready for bed (while still making sure no one felt rushed or unwanted). He taught his sons to stay out of debt, be prepared for anything, garden like your life depends on it, and told his grandkids that the "E" on the gas gauge stands for "Enough Gas."

His sons remember him fondly.

From Aaron:

When I was a cop, Dad led me on a low-speed chase through the parking lot of my little brother Ammon's senior prom, yelling "Come and get me, pig!" while my 2-year-old niece stood in his lap, helping him steer his 1972 Volkswagen Beetle (containing more people than it had seatbelts) for a dozen wide-circle laps around the parking lot. I should've tasered him...

From Nic:

Dad's double or nothing basketball bets almost paid off for me in a game of H-O-R-S-E one night. The bets opened at $1 and much later (H-O-R-S-E-S-S-S-S...) he was owing me $2000. He offered one last round at double or nothing, which I couldn't obviously refuse considering the winning streak I was on, and by some miracle, he managed to zero me out after a 7-shot exchange! I never saw him so happy in his whole life...his victory lap consisted of him skipping and actually jumping around the yard singing "We are the Champions"!

From Ammon:

My fondest memories of my Dad...where do I begin? From the time I could use a price gun I worked with my Dad at Circle K, stocking shelves, cleaning gas pumps, and washing the parking lot. My dad taught me the meaning of hard work and the importance of doing a job right the first time and how to be proud of the work you do. We shared a love of golf, spicy food (especially green chili) the performing arts and family. He taught me what it means to be a provider, a father, and to be a good husband. To try our very best in all we do! I am the person I am today because of his example to me.

Brad is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jane Finch; sons Aaron Finch (and his children Brodey, Nellie, and Jax), Nic Finch and wife Shelly (and their children Brooklee and her husband Kevin and Brinley [the angel]), Ammon Finch and wife Korry (and their children Jurnee, Elias, Daniel, and Hazel); brothers Steven and Clay Finch; and sister Jodie Eagar. He was preceded in death by his parents Rulon and Nedra Finch, brother Kim Finch, sister Jill Finch, and father-in-law, Herb Decker.

He will be remembered for his contagious laugh, his questionable preferred breakfast (pancakes topped with jalapenos, Tabasco, maple syrup, peanut butter, mustard, and crumbled hot sausage), and despite his horrible taste in breakfast, his legendary Dutch-oven cobbler and green chili chimichangas will be greatly missed. He made everyday life feel like an adventure. The world is a little quieter, a little less colorful, and significantly less funny without him.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Eagar Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Graveside Services will follow at 11:30 AM at the Eagar Cemetery.