Brad Thomas Lancaster

Brad Thomas Lancaster, age 53, of Filer, Idaho, passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on February 15, 2023, following a courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. Brad was born 6-19-1969 to Tom and Phyllis Lancaster of Filer, the youngest of three children. He graduated from Filer High school in 1987. After high school he joined the National Guard and enrolled in Arizona Automotive Institute in Phoenix, Az., graduating in 1989. His skill was legendary. He met April Malone in Filer in 1996 and they married in 1998. They had two children together, Kami and Nate. They also went on to help raise Lillyan Parks, who they consider their daughter in their hearts. Brad was also “Dad” to many of his kids’ friends over the years. Brad was a bright flame, a calming presence. A mentor, a counselor, a friend, and a leader. Quick to grant requests, even when they weren’t made because he knew you needed something. He made lasting friendships, with an easy manner and a quick wit. Nobody who met him quickly forgot him. As a mechanic he worked many overtime hours to make sure that whatever he was working on drove away in tip top shape. As a tire alignment system salesman, he made sure the customer had zero doubt about the equipment they were buying, and many of his customers became friends. His greatest love, though, was teaching mechanics for the Buhl School district. That was where he shined the brightest. He changed many young lives, and some of those even became a part of his family after graduation. He spent many hours outside of school giving extra instruction or guiding a student to finish a project on time. He came at every task with the goal of success, and his motto was “it may not always be pretty, but I always win.” He loved to make people laugh, often using himself as the subject. Often the instigator of many a practical jokes, and he received retaliation with good humor and often a “well played.” Brad was a commissioner for the Filer Cemetery Maintenance District, a position he cherished and took very seriously, giving countless volunteer hours when the cemetery needed him. Brad is survived by his wife, April, son Nathaniel Lancaster, Daughter Kamille (Berry) Lattin, Granddaughters Athena and Chevelle Lattin, all of Filer; Parents Tom and Marilyn Lancaster of Buhl and Phyllis and Mack Butler of Twin Falls; brother Brian (Connie) Lancaster of Twin Falls; sister Margaret Krasznavolgyi of Jerome; nieces Shawna (Joe) Getty, Gretchen (Evan) Thomson, Brynna Krasznavolgyi; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and friends. The family wishes to give a special thank you to St. Luke’s Hospice for all their help those last few weeks. A memorial service will be held March 11 at 11am at the 7th Street Gym in Buhl. The family asks that memorial contributions be made in Brad's name to the Buhl High School Auto Tech Program, please make check payable to the Buhl Public School Foundation with Auto Tech on the memo line, 920 Main St. Buhl, ID 83316.