Donald Robert Brady

Don was a force of nature, born an artistic genius who was always immaculately dressed (often in Ralph Lauren), full of flair, grandiose, and possessing a remarkable aesthetic sense. He transformed every place he touched into something magical. Unlike King Midas, what Don touched turned not into gold, but into a warm atmosphere, an aura — he conjured a Spirit of Place, an environment conducive to elevated thinking and artistic achievement. From beautifully stunning homes and restaurants to business and events — he created spaces people would never forget.
Donald Robert Brady was born on July 19, 1945 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Irene and Robert Brady. He was the oldest of seven Brady children. Some of his earliest memories were formed in Kempten, Germany, where he lived in a stylish mansion while his father flew in the Berlin Airlift.
Don attended three different high schools and, in his youth, crossed paths with extraordinary people, including those who would later orbit the moon. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bavaria, Germany, and studied painting and drawing at the University of Utah. He joined the fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha and was elected to several major student body organizations on campus that had a profound influence on his life. He later served as the president of Beehive Honorary Society for several years after graduation. Following graduation, he proudly served as First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Returning to Salt Lake City, he worked for Clark Leaming Designs before founding his own company and lifelong passion, Don Brady Design. His work was featured in numerous magazines and connected him to people from all walks of life. He poured his artistry and energy into everything from magnificent homes to humble church cultural halls, transforming lives of all who passed through them.
Don first married Cathy Clawson Brady. Together they had three children — Parrish, Lauren, and Terrell.  They were a striking couple known in many social circles and were often “Putting on the Ritz”. They remained friends after their divorce and co-parented throughout their lives, always believing that their children were the best of them.
Later in life, through the orchestration of their daughters, Don was introduced to Sinikka, a beautiful Finn who became his best friend and the love of his life. Being married to Sinikka was one of his greatest joys. Together they created beauty through their love of celebrations, their family, their stylishness, and their insatiable humor.  In Europe, tourists would stop them for photographs and tell them they were the most beautiful couple they had ever seen. He welcomed Sinikka’s children, Toph and Pauliina, with open loving arms, and they soon came to call Don “Dad.”
Don’s children and grandchildren were the joy of his life. He created for them a magical childhood full of adventure, beauty, creativity, and wonder. He delighted in unforgettable experiences, from believable encounters with Santa Claus and elaborate handmade Halloween costumes to camping at national parks and traveling the world. Those memories remained frozen in his mind for the rest of his life. He cared deeply not only for his own children, but also for their friends.
Everyone who knew Don was more fortunate for having been touched by his graciousness, and better for having known him.  He worked tirelessly to make life’s events exceptional, memorable, and full of levity. There was always laughter around him. Those lucky enough to be part of his inner circle experienced an even deeper connection to the brilliance, passion, kindness, humor, and grace that continually inspired everyone around him. And now, with our hearts full, yet broken, we begin the difficult process of understanding this loss, honoring his legacy, and carrying forward all that this wonderful man left behind.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Sinikka Gorham Brady, his parents, Irene and Robert Brady, brother John Brady, sister-in-law Marilyn Brady, and niece Elizabeth Barker. Don is survived by his children, Parrish Brady, Toph Gorham, Lauren Brady, Pauliina (Wes) Greaves, and Terrell Brady; his grandchildren, Sam Brady, Fa Gorham, Mia Gorham, Mars Gorham, and Oliviia Greaves; and his siblings Bill (Margo) Brady, Mike (Debbie) Brady, Ann (Jim) Barker, Pat (Danny) Jones, and Scott (Mary) Brady.
Friends may call upon the family on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.  A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Wasatch 3rd Ward, 2215 East Roosevelt Ave, Salt Lake City, where visitation will begin at 10:00 AM.  Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City.