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Braden Varney 1982-2018Free Access


Braden Varney

Hard working, protector, giving, loving, sensitive, kind and quiet are a few words that describe Braden Varney.  

Son, brother, husband, father and friend explain the lives he’s touched. 

Braden was born to Gordie and Lynn Varney on May 12, 1982. Braden, at the young age of 4, operated his first snow plow that Gordie made him out of a riding lawn mower with a water tank heater chopped in half as a blade, complete with a pulley system to raise and lower the tank. Lynn often found Braden putting on his boots and sneaking out of the house to go to work at first light. 

Braden attended Woodland Elementary School where he made many life-long friends. In fifth grade, Braden acquired the love of dirt when his whopping 72-pound pumpkin won first prize and grew to an incredible 4’8” in circumference. 

By middle school, Braden could run anything with tracks or wheels. Braden’s face was often on the front page of the hometown paper like when his baseball team, coached by his dad, went undefeated. Braden developed into a handsome young man to the point older girls were passing him notes and often he sought counsel from his younger sister.  

In Mariposa County High School, Braden was known for hitting home runs and working long hours to buy his first motocross bike. Again, making the front page of the extreme riding magazine.

After graduating in 2001, he enrolled in Modesto Junior College and would start three weeks late every year due to fire season, where he operated a dozer for a private contractor. Braden was an outdoors man and always on the go, whether with friends at the lake, hunting, fishing or working. He never liked to be inside.  

It was during this time, Varney Grading was established. Braden and Gordie worked alongside each other where they specialized in “Anything in dirt.” Their passion for helping others paired with doing what they loved made for a successful business venture.

In 2007, Braden started his career as a Heavy Fire Equipment Operator following in his dad’s footsteps, and often working on the same fire line. 

On Feb. 19, 2011, he married the love of this life, Jessica, at Thomas Estates in Pleasanton. On that day, Braden’s house became a home. In the years to come, Braden and Jessica were blessed with two amazing children. Their daughter, Maleah, and son, Nolan. Every free moment he had, he spent with his children. Maleah was daddy’s little princess and together they enjoyed playing dolls and the crocodile. Nolan and daddy bonded in the dirt. He inherited the operator gene and at the age of 2 nearly mastered the mini excavator.

On July 14, 2018, Braden made the front page headlines once again doing what he loved. He will forever be our hero. 

John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Braden is survived by his wife Jessica; daughter, Maleah, age 5; son, Nolan, age 3; mother Lynn Varney; sister, Chale’ Kirchner; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Gordie Varney.

7 responses to “Braden Varney 1982-2018”

  1. John Mabon says:

    All most sent me to tears,very well written Greg.
    May you rest in peace my friend Braden.

    • Bridget says:

      ❤️

      • Kathy Mills says:

        I thank God that he gave our community this wonderful man. He was a true friend with a big heart. He is missed beyond what words can describe. It hurts in my heart and it will forever. We will see you again my friend.

  2. Lynne Quast says:

    To mother Lynn (high school friend) and Varney family, so sorry to hear of your loss. May he rest in peace.

  3. Gina B says:

    A true hero. My heart goes out to his family. Thank you all for your courage and strength.

  4. Jeff says:

    One day at a time…… Braden will always be with us….he was an awesome individual

  5. Tom szell says:

    Braden was an awesome man he had integrity And charisma like no other sorry for your loss Tom Szell

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