Robert F. (Bud) Root

Bud passed at the age of 78 on March 6, 2017. Born in The Dalles Oregon June 21, 1938, raised in Sherman County near Wasco Oregon on a wheat farm with his parents and brother Bill. He attended The Dalles High school, class of ’56. In high school, Bud was active in student government, the thespians and sports; playing football, golf and yell leader for basketball. At Oregon State College, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and participated in the college play house. He earned a degree in Agricultural Economics in 1960.

The passion to farm brought him home where he farmed dry land wheat for 8 years in Arlington Oregon. When the farm was sold, he began his career in farm equipment sales with a position in Twin Falls Idaho with J.I. Case & Co. He worked in various roles for 16 years and eventually landed in Yakima. In 1985, he became an independent sales representative selling road side spray equipment, with a territory from the Mississippi River to the west coast. He retired in 2001.

Bud was an avid golfer and member at the Yakima Country Club and Suntides golf courses. He served his community in many different roles. Between 1980 to 2000 he was a youth and high school soccer official. He served on the Educational Service District board of Gilliam County. Bud was a Master Mason and a 50 year member of Arlington Lodge number 88. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite. Bud loved to sail his 23 foot San Juan Boat (‘True Love’) and was a member of the Yakima Valley Boat Club for 18 years. Bud was active in Yakima Gyro and for which he served as local president, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor of District IV .

He and his wife, Betty, loved to travel and traveled to 48 of the 50 states, Canada and abroad to Greece, Holland, Scotland, Africa and other countries.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Betty Root, his son Rusty and daughter-in-law Darleen, daughter Randi and son-in-law Paul Maddox; grandsons Rob & wife Monica, Andrew and Kyle, Granddaughters Jordan, Skylar and Allison and great granddaughters Bailey and Madison.

There will be a Memorial Service for Bud on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to the American Cancer Society, JM Perry Technical Institute scholarship fund at 2011 W. Washington Avenue, Yakima WA 98903, or the charity of your choice.

To share a memory of Bud, please visit www.keithandkeith.com