William Bradford Briggs, 87, of John's Island and New Canaan, CT, died Nov. 1 at Indian River Medical Center.

He was born in Jamestown, R.I. He attended Deerfield Academy and graduated from Bowdoin College in 1943. He as a Naval aviator during World War II.

After the war he began a career in magazine publishing, ultimately becoming Vice-Chairman of Ziff Davis Publishing Co. He teamed with Bill Ziff to build one of the world's great publishing empires. Ziff Davis published special interest magazines like Car and Driver, Skiing, Flying, Stereo Review and Popular Photography,

In the 1970's, and also became President of the United States Ski Educational Foundation, the governing body of the U.S. Ski Team. He was a driving force behind the rise of the U.S. Ski Team when Cindy Nelson and Phil and Steve Mahre emerged.

He was a tremendous athlete, a football and baseball standout in college. His greatest love was golf, a sport that he was immensely competitive in. Survivors include sons, Scott, Peter and Barry Briggs; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, "Buffy" Briggs, on Oct. 30.

A memorial service will be conducted for both Brad and "Buffy" Briggs at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 3 at the Community Church, Vero Beach. Arrangements are under the direction of the Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book may be signed at lowtherfuneralhome.com.