Brad Rylander (August 23, 1939 – April 22, 2023) grew up and had a happy childhood in Worcester Massachusetts. His father, Rupert Rylander, was a beat cop. Brad was always proud his father was a policeman.

When he was little, he enjoyed the stories his mother, Esther Johnson Rylander, talked about growing up in the Salvation Army. She played a cornet in their marching band. He didn't learn that the Salvation Army originated in England until he was an adult. His mother was Swedish and he was always sure that religion was also Swedish.

He was their only child.

In 2005 he and Elaine Carlson married in a simple ceremony in Del Ray Beach, Florida. In 2008 they moved to Silver City.

Soon after moving here, he bought a pickup truck.They enjoyed the beauty and learned about the history of this area in the many trips they took in that reliable truck. Often, they were glad they bought a vehicle with a four-wheel drive.

In his professional life he worked in the electronic field. After retiring he shifted his focus to biology. He put together a microscope with seventeen lens and three cameras. He got a lot of satisfaction from learning about the microscopic world.

He entered a picture of yeast into a contest. His subjects were creatures no one could see with just their eyes. But no landscape or portrait photographer got more pleasure out of taking pictures then he did.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Elaine and his close California friends --- Joyce, Don, and Frank. Following his wishes there will be no funeral or memorial service.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.