Ernest Anthony Budd

1935-2016

Ernie passed away peacefully on August 14th, 2016. He leaves behind his wife Trudy of 60 years, and his four children Judy (Kevin) Laughington, Arnie (Linda) Budd, Amii (Mark) Spooner and Audrey (Brian) Hemelspeck. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Alisa (Shayne), Jared (Lisa), Tasha, Lana (Brad), Theo, Erika, Cole, Quinn, Deavon (Samantha), Mason, Amy and his great grandchildren Hannah, Emily, Ava, Madison, Zahria and Ty. Also left to cherish his memory are his siblings Adam (Marjorie), June, and Joe.

Born to Albert and Elizabeth Butwilofski in Tramping Lake Saskatchewan on August 26, 1935, he lived his childhood on the family farm. His family relocated to Edmonton Alberta where he met his wife Trudy in 1956, and then eventually moved to Kamloops, BC in 1977.

Ernie was a hardworking man and enjoyed a long career in the automotive industry. He had a talent for car sales due to his charismatic personality and an easy going manner. He loved cars and he loved people, so his choice of career was a perfect fit for him!

He enjoyed numerous family and friend gatherings and was always the life of the party! Klondike Days in Edmonton was one of his favorite times and he celebrated by dressing up in traditional Klondike attire, hosting large outdoor neighbourhood breakfasts. The annual Grey cup party was also a favorite event where he served his famous Ernie Balls (secret recipe meatballs). Ernie (affectionately nicknamed by many as Big Ern) also loved to dance and could swing his hips to the likes of Elvis!

Ernie’s greatest gift that he passed onto his family was teaching them the value and importance of family. Nightly family dinners were always a norm where the family gathered to share in the days’ events and reconnect. Throughout his life he was also very involved in his grandchildren’s activities spending countless hours watching soccer games, basketball games, hockey games, school plays, and performances.

After retiring, Ernie enjoyed woodworking (especially making wooden cars) and made several wonderful pieces for his family that are still treasured today. He also showed a great interest in cooking and enjoyed making homemade perogies and sausages. He also had a passion for collectibles, mostly model cars both old and new.

He will be sadly missed, but the memories will be cherished in our hearts forever.

A Memorial Celebration of Life for Ernie will be held on Friday, August 26th at 11:00 a.m. at First Memorial Funeral Service, 8-177 Tranquille Rd., Kamloops BC followed by a reception and inurnment at Hillside Cemetery.

Condolences may be left for Ernie’s family at www.firstmemorialkamloops.com.

Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial, Kamloops 250-554-2429.