Bradlee Ewing Gage, Jr. who was much loved and is now deeply missed by a multitude of heartbroken family and friends, passed on calmly and at peace in hospice care on April 8, 2023. Born July 22, 1955 to Bradlee E. Gage, Sr. and Elizabeth “Betsy” Allen Gage, he was the first twin son born – brother Bill arrived four minutes later. The twins joined their older sister, Nancy.

Brad grew up in Amherst, MA and was a 1973 graduate of Amherst High School where he played and lettered in football and track. He received a business degree from Ithaca College in 1977 where he was the social chairman and then President of Pi Lambda Chi Fraternity.

After college, Brad went into sales for the U.S. Line Company and 40 Up Tackle, two family owned businesses started by his father. Brad was an astute businessman who went on to be an accomplished manufacturer’s sales representative in the fly fishing industry. New England was the territory he covered and he knew it well. Friends lovingly called him “Back Roads Brad” because he could tell you directions for anywhere you wanted to go. He proudly represented Sage, Redington and Rio products and Tibor Reels for over 34 years to fly fishing shops large and small throughout the Northeast. Humble and modest with incredible diplomacy skills, Brad could talk to anyone about anything and find common ground. This trait enabled him to make strong connections with people from all walks of life.

An avid fly fisherman from a young age, Brad fished both fresh and saltwater. He made a yearly trip to Cobb’s Pierce Pond Camp in New Portland, ME – waters he fished with his father and brother for over 50 years. His true passion was saltwater fly fishing and many a summer’s day was spent with Brad chasing the tides – a particular feat was a 36 inch striped bass caught on the Merrimack River.

In 1985, Brad met the love of his life, Rose – they married in 1991. Daughter Mackenzie was born in 1995. The family loved to travel and explore the world together with many trips overseas including destinations off the beaten path. A place closer to home that had special meaning to Brad since a young age was Rockport, MA. As a young child his family summered at his maternal grandparents home there. Brad loved a good beach day spent with the Boston Globe followed by steamers, lobsters and an ice cold Rolling Rock while watching the Red Sox.

Brad was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his wife of 32 years, Rosemarie “Rose” Cleary Gage, his beloved daughter Mackenzie Allen Gage of New York City, his sister Nancy Gage Torrey and husband Philip, twin brother Bill Gage and wife Anne, extended family as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his family, Brad was fortunate to have many lifelong friendships that spanned decades.

Per Brad’s wishes, burial will be private. A service of remembrance will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, should you be so inclined to make a donation in Brad’s memory, consider the Pierce Pond Watershed Trust, P.O. Box 5660, Augusta, ME 04332-5660, a place near and dear to Brad’s heart where many happy memories were made and he felt strongly about its preservation. Or, take a kid fishing and introduce them to the joys of the great outdoors and the conservation practice of catch and release.

Memorial Guestbook can be found at www.douglassfuneral.com