Howard "Bud" Joel Dempsey

      In the song of life, Howard "Bud" Joel Dempsey was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Bud preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, Bud believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn't fit in everything he did. Bud perceived that all of life's possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

       His parents were Eugene and Ruby Dempsey. Bud was raised in Centralia, Illinois and Portland, Oregon by his grandmother Cora Wiggins who raised him and named him Bud. As a young child, Bud was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Bud rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

      Early on in his family relationships, Bud showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with five siblings. He had one older sister,Christina Peek, and 4 younger brothers and sisters, George , John ,Patrick and Robin Carpenter. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      Early on in his school years, Bud showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Bud with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, he could often be “lost in a book” well above his grade level. His passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even his teachers recognized it. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      In college, Bud showed that he was able to focus on what was necessary. He found it quite easy to dive headlong into classes, especially those that truly interested him. Using his understanding of language, Bud was able to move comfortably through a wide variety of courses. He also demonstrated his artistic temperament and talent, even in classes that weren't typically considered art courses. Bud's ability to assemble highly creative projects became second nature to him. He earned his Bachelor of science from Warner Pacific in 1974.

      Those who didn't know Bud well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Bud was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Bud's, you understood how true a friend he could be. Later in life, he became friends with Victor Bitzer.

      A person who was sensitive to others' feelings, modest and tolerant, Bud had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On July 16th, 1961, Bud exchanged wedding vows with his life partner Patricia Ann Thomas at the At the home of the Reynolds of Wausau, Wisconsin.

      Bud was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Bud was blessed with two children, two daughters Melody and Joy. They were also blessed with three grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Mandy, Christopher and Matthew great grandchildren is Sean, David and Anna.

      Bud found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was lab technician and assembler. He was employed at united medical lab and retired from Williams Air Controls in Aug of 1999. Bud tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

      Bud was an Air Force veteran. He was in the Air Force from 1\17\55 to 12\2\58. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of 1st class private. Bud's fellow soldiers saw him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

      Bud enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were jogging, bicycling. Bud was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

      Bud liked sports. In his college years, Bud continued to stay active by jogging. Recreational sports included jogging and biking. Bud was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity.

      Throughout his life, Bud was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Bud was an. He had a tendency to bring peace to his relationships by avoiding disagreements.

      Bud was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. So it's little wonder that he took an active role in his community. A loyal contributor, Bud was comfortable in the role of a team player. Bud was a member of several community groups, including serving as a volunteer for Portland Adventist Medical Hospital. Bud was able to serve his community well, thanks to his open mind and faithful commitment.

      Bud's faith was important to him. He was a member of Sunnyside Adventist. Bud's passionate commitment to upholding his values placed him at home in his religion, where he took comfort in the company of others who believed as he did.

      Because he loved the world around him, Bud enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Bud put his personal trademark on any leisure planning that he undertook. Favorite vacations included Wullula lake, hiking up the mountain.

      Bud was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Bud's favorites was kit, a brown tip siamese cat. They were best friends for 16 years. His family was rounded out by his two cats, Muffins and whiskers and his other stray cats, and his three dogs, Peanuts,Ginger, and Princess and all his squirrels and birds he fed.

      When Bud's retirement finally arrived in August 1st of 1999, he was well prepared. His new life involved. In retirement, he found new pleasure in volunteering. Even in retirement, Bud continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of his life, he became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain.

      Bud passed away on May 22, 2008 at Portland Adventist Medical Hospital. Complications from two surgeries after being hit by a car. He is survived by his children Melody and Joy; his grandchildren Mandy and Matthew; his great grandchildren Sean, David and Anna; his brothers John, George and Patrick; his sisters Christina and Robin. Services were held at Sunnyside Adventist church. Bud was laid to rest in Willamette National Cemetery.

      Bud was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Bud always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Bud was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Howard "Bud" Joel Dempsey.