Alvin J. "Bud" Tight, II, DDS

~ Tierney ~

One of my favorite things is when a song brings back a memory. Music has always been a solace to me, and more often then not, I have turned to it in a time of need. When Bridget and I were driving home from Grandma’s the night after Pa died, this song came on the radio. It reminded me of the first time I heard it and instantly thought of my family. Please listen to the words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt5LzrJZ34Q

For those of you who don’t know, my grandparents got married very young. My Grandma told Pa she wouldn’t marry him until he finished college and was accepted to dental school. He proceeded to finish a 4-year program in just 2 years. That’s Pa for you. Although most people would say it’s crazy, my grandparents had four children before he even had a job. I have always considered them to be one of those fantastic love stories, making it against the odds and loving all the while. In two months, they would have been married 49 years. Pa may not have owned a computer shop like in the song, but he started his own orthodontics practice in Ft. Lauderdale, and gave beautiful smiles to more people than I could count. Grandma and Pa had four children: my dad, like me, was the oldest, then Aunt Debbie and Uncle Brian, and lastly, sweet Aunt Steph. Pa was a very quiet man, and I think some people found him difficult to talk to. To me, it just meant that whenever he did talk, I had to shut my mouth and listen because it was important. He wasn’t someone who would give advice unless you asked for it, and I always appreciated that. He was not a leader by voice, but by example. He worked hard for 43 years and that’s after he graduated college, which I can assure you, is not easy. I worked at his office for a few years on and off, and I could tell he really loved getting to see all of his patients. I can honestly say I never once heard him complain about working. He was a very dedicated man; he and Grandma went to church every Sunday. Pa was the kindest man I have ever known; so gentle and so caring. He loved his family more than anything, and I know a lot of hearts were broken when he left us. I only wish I had one more conversation, one more hug, one more dance at Grandparent’s Day. I realized as I was writing this, I don’t even know his favorite song. I remember him playing Van Morrison’s “Someone like You” in the car for me several times. He told me he thought it was beautiful, and that it should be someone’s wedding song. For some reason, I thought of this soon after my mom told us the terrible news on Wednesday morning. I started crying at the thought of Pa not being at my wedding. During Easter weekend, when we celebrated his 70th birthday, he told us that his biggest regret in life was that he didn’t dance enough. I remember thinking at the time, “Well, if I turn 70 and that’s my biggest regret, I’m golden.” I decided that when I get married, we will all dance to “Someone Like You,” enjoy the sweet words and just remember Pa. This is the most beautiful way I could think of to honor such a wonderful man. I don’t know why things like this happen, but I realized one thing. Pa died of a heart attack, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence. Just like in the song, Pa loved like crazy. I imagine that carrying around so much love for so long would take a toll on someone’s heart. Honestly, I think we’re all really lucky to have had him as long as we did.

~John~

Good morning my name is John Tight. I am Dads oldest son. My goal in life has been to live life like my father. Dad was my idol. Dad was a great husband, father, friend, and orthodontist. He lived his life with 3 fundamental principals:.. GOD, Family, and Hard work.

Thank you all for being here today, we are gathered not to Mourn but to celebrate our fathers life. Although, it may have ended too soon it was certainly a life well lived. We have a few family members that would like to speak about dad.

Intro my daughter Tierney: .......

Thank you Tierney

On behalf of my family I would like to add some historical perspective about my dad’s life. He was born May 21, 1941 in Providence Hospital Sandusky, Ohio. He was 2nd in birth order. Carol was first then dad, Mike, Tom, Steve, and John. He went to St. Mary’s Grade School until the age of 11. He moved to Florida in 1952. Dad was a serious student, when the family moved to Florida his father told the kids they didn’t have to finish the school year, his siblings were so excited, dad wanted to go to school.

Dad attended St. Anthony’s Grade School and Central Catholic High School ( St. Thomas as it is known today)…only because Cardinal Gibbons had not been built yet………. He was a great student athlete. Recently, dad was reminded by one of the Zloch brothers of a huge game that he was part of. His senior year a top ranked Hialeah Basketball team with star player Boom Boom Bernie Butz played Central Catholic. Hialeah was a big favorite. Dad was assigned to guard Bernie Butz. Well the story goes he shut Bernie down and Central Catholic won the game. We asked dad how many points did he limit Bernie to and he humbly laughed I shut him down alright he only scored 18….. Dad was a leader he was the Freshman, Sophomore and Senior class president. But his biggest achievement in high school was convincing Judy Campbell to date him. Dad loved her and wanted to marry her. She said she would not consider it until he was accepted into Dental school. Dad graduated High School in 1959. He asked his brother Mike to look after Judy while he was away at college. And Mike did, he even took her to senior prom…

Dad went off to the University of Dayton where his father and later his brothers Mike and Tom went to college. At Dayton Dad had one thing on his mind “Judy” and he worked hard. He spoke with a guidance counselor during his Sophomore year about applying to Dental school after his second year, they told him he would be wasting his time. He applied anyway and was accepted to every school he applied to. He asked Judy to marry him and in 1962 they were married. Dad spent the next 4 years at Saint Louis University Dental School and 2 years at Saint Louis Ortho School. While he was busy with school Judy had 4 children. Dad graduated with a great education, the love of his life Judy, 4 children and a pile of debt.

He was hired by the dean of the Orthodontic School, Dr. Marshall to work at his practice in Saint Louis. Dad excelled and was offered to become a partner. Mom and Dad loved Dr. Marshall and Saint Louis but they decided to move to Fort Lauderdale to be closer to their Parents and families. In 1970 dad quit his job and borrowed more money and rented some space and built-out his office on Commercial Blvd. When he finally got the C.O. he put the open sign on the door and waited for patients to come.

I guess you could call DAD a gambler….

In the beginning we only had one car and mom had to take us to school. Dad walked to work. We lived a few blocks from the office in a rental 3-2 duplex. As the story goes, he would answer the phone “Doctor Tights office can I help you” “just a second” “hello this is doctor Tight how can I help you”. Dad worked hard and was fortunate to meet a lot of great friendly dentist who helped make his practice grow. Dad was on his way.

For us kids Dad was a huge part of our lives. He never missed a game, and barely a practice. I remember the drive home he never cared if you won or lost it was how you played the game, how you respected your teammates, coaches, or umpires… The 70’s were fun times for my dad and our family his dreams were coming true, he lived close to his parents, was supporting his family with a growing orthodontic practice, and he had lots of friends.

Throughout the 80’s and 90’s dad loved mom and They loved life with a passion

They played tennis at Sea Ranch Lakes Beach club with the Arnolds, Jordans and Bezecknys.

They loved playing bridge with Tom and Barbara Tight

They loved the gourmet dinner club with the Hajjars, Rosenbaums, Taylors, Bassetts, and Wolfs

He loved his Orthodontic study group with Dr. Kvittem, Dr. Elliot, and Dr. Hemholt

They loved skiing in Colorado with the big groups from Fort Lauderdale

He loved the Saint Louis Dental school alumni events with Dr.Aaronson, Dr. Marshall, Dr. Nakagi, Dr. Carol, Dr. Dreiling, and Dr. Berra

He loved photography and his Christmas card projects with John May and Barney O’Neil

He was not perfect by any means..I remember him getting warned about questioning the umpire calls at one of his grandsons Jack and Buddies baseball games. I think the ump said “one more word out of you and your out of here”. Of course you know the end of the story…..Dad spoke up got thrown out and watched the rest of the game from the car.

Another funny story, when we were young the family loaded up in the family station wagon for a trip over to Naples. Dad’s friend Dr. Mack who was single and I mean single had a Maserati sports car. On our way over alligator alley he came flying by and honked his horn and waved “see ya” then on the return trip again he came flying by and waved “see ya” as he speed off. Well a few miles down the road Dad saw a brocken down Maserati on the side of the road. Dad slowed down to see who it was …… Dr Mack… dad drove past and honked the horn and waved “see ya”

He loved the University of Miami Hurricane games with the Seilers

He loved watching Boxing matches with Frank Walker and John MacDonald

He loved golfing with Donnie Green, Don Wheeler and Russ Murphy

He loved his high school reunions with Val Steele, Sandy Sharp, Bob Hishon, Jerry Suza, Skip Link, John Lynch, Walt McCory, Dick Halsey, and Joe Brown

He loved seeing all his friends at the Coral Ridge Country Club.

He loved his patients. He loved seeing them in the office but also around town, at sporting events, school functions, and Church. Wherever he was, he always loved seeing his patients. He loved helping people have a beautiful smile.

He loved his grandchildren: Jennifer, Tierney, Jack, Buddy, Katie, Townsend, Jimmy, Mackenzie, Nora, Ty, Claire, Tommy, Michael, Sarah, Jimmy and Ellie. Pa as you guys called him loved to spoil you with everything…. mostly his attention. Kathy used to say we had to reprogram our kids whenever we got them back from spending time with Gramma and Pa.

Dad lived his life always doing more than necessary, weather it was giving gifts, helping out a patient, sending flowers, tipping a waitress, or just being polite and nice to EVERYONE.

Dad loved fine food: either dining out or cooking for friends…

Our entire family loved gathering every Sunday for his famous feasts.

Dad loved celebrating his Wedding Anniversary at the Ocean Club in the Bahamas.

Dad loved to workout and was in great shape. He liked to look NICE and was always impeccably dressed.

Dad loved all of his inlaws: Campbells, Walkers, Crittenbergers, Wilsons, Malloys and Maddocks

He loved talking with his siblings Carol, Mike, Tom, Steve, and John

Dad was a devout Catholic

He loved his Father and his Mother

Dad loved his Wife and taught us kids how we should live……

Dad had a sign over his desk that says it all. “the most important thing you can do for your children is LOVE their mother …and he sure did…….. Thank you Dad .. My brother Brian has a few words.

Thanks Brian; Tom Tight

In closing,

21 years and 4 days ago I stood on this alter and married the love of my life Kathy Wilson. Her uncle Father George Wilson who is a Jesuit Priest gave the sermon with Monsignor Kelly. Uncle George’s tradition at all of his family weddings was at the end of his sermon he would talk about how difficult marriage was. He said every marriage is going to need help from time to time. He asked the congregation that day to all raise their hands and make a pledge to help keep the marriage on track.

Today I would like to ask everybody here to stand up……

Raise your hands……

And make a pledge …..

That you will help my mother……. And all our family gets through this tragic situation, this difficult time, this CELEBRATION.

Please help us keep ……GOD, family, and hard work as our motto.

Please continue to tell stories about dad.

Please help us celebrate Dads life.

Dad WE know you are in heaven and we all love you…Thank you...

The Tight family would like to invite everyone to follow them

to the cemetery in pompano and then to the Coral Ridge Country Club for a luncheon.

~Brian~

DAD

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE, WHAT AN AMAZING TURNOUT TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF AN AMAZING MAN.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON’T KNOW ME I AM BRIAN, I AM MARRIED TO HELENA WHO UNFORTUNATLEY IS IN IRELAND AS HER FATHER ALSO PASSED AWAY THIS WEEK, BERNIE WE ALL LOVE YOU. WE HAVE TWO INCREDIBLE CHILDREN MICHAEL WHO IS 4 AND SARAH WHO IS 2 AND A HALF. I AM BUD AND JUDYS THIRD CHILD OR THE FIRST OF THE SPOILED ONES AS MY OLDER SIBLINGS JOKINGLY REFER TO STEPH AND ME.

LOOKING BACK WE PROBABLY DID GROW UP DIFFERENTLY THAT JOHN AND DEBBIE. WE WENT TO NICER RESTAURANTS, WENT ON MORE VACATIONS AND SPENT MANY DAYS AND NIGHTS ENJOYING LIFE BECAUSE OF DAD.

IF ONLY I COULD SPEND ONE MORE DAY WITH HIM..

ONE MORE DAY TO THANK HIM FOR MAKING ME THE PERSON I AM…

ONE MORE DAY TO WATCH HIM OPEN CAR DOORS FOR A LADY, STAND UP AT A TABLE WHEN A LADY SAT DOWN AND ALWAYS SHOW RESPECT AND COMMON COURTESY TO ALL HE CAME IN CONTACT WITH.

ONE MORE DAY TO WATCH HIM BUY MY MOM A GIFT ON FATHERS DAY BECAUSE HE WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN A FATHER WITHOUT HER.

ONE MORE DAY TO TAKE CARE OF EVERY FAMILY MEMBER HE HAS BECAUSE HE FELT HE MUST TAKE OVER THE ROLE OF FAMILY LEADER WHEN HIS DAD DIED.

STEPH AND I WERE FORTUNATE IN THAT WE GOT TO DO MANY MORE THINGS WITH OUR PARENTS AS WE DIDN’T FIND THE LOVES OF OUR LIVES UNTIL MUCH LATER IN LIFE THAN JOHN AND DEBBIE.

THEIR WAS THE TIME WE TRAVELED TO CALIFOIRNIA WITH OUR PARENTS AND I PLAYED GOLF AT THE OLYMPIC CLUB WITH MY DAD. ANYONE WHO EVER PLAYED GOLF WITH MY DAD DURING HIS GOLFING YEARS WILL TELL YOU HE LOVED EVERY GOOD SHOT AND WOULD TALK ABOUT THEM FOR WEEKS..

THERE WERE THE WEEKLY OUTINGS FOR DINNER, WHEN WE WOULD START THE NIGHT PLANNING ON A BURGER AND END UP AT RUTH CHRIS FOR A STEAK.

DAD LOVED EATING GOOD FOOD AND LOVED TO ENJOY LIFE. HE ENJOYED EATING OUT SO MUCH BECAUSE IT WAS A TIME TO LAUGH AND ENJOY EACH OTHERS COMPANY.

THEN HE BECAME A GOURMET CHEF AND HE LOVED TO COOK FOR EVERYONE, BECAUSE FOOD BRINGS A FAMILY TOGETHER AND DAD WAS ALL ABOUT FAMILY.

HOW WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE TO ONE MORE DINNER WITH HIM…ONE MORE ZAMBUCA AFTER DINNER..ONE MORE STORY ABOUT HIS MOM AND DAD WHO HE LOVED SO DEARLY.

MOM YOU NEVER HAVE TO WORRY BECAUSE ONE THING ALL THE CHILDREN LEARNED FROM DAD WAS THE JOYS OF TAKING CARE OF A PARENT. DAD ALWAYS WANTED GRANDMA TIGHT STAYING AT THE HOUSE BECAUSE HE LOVED HER SO…AND LOVED TO SEE HER SMILE.

DAD ALSO LOVED TO SEE HIS PATIENTS SMILE..THAT SOMETIMES MEANT TRIPS TO THE OFFICE AT NIGHT OR ON WEEKENDS..BUT HIS PATIENTS WERE PART OF THE EXTENDED FAMILY, AND DAD WAS ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP A YOUNG PATIENT WITH THEIR BRACES. BEING AN ORTHODONTIST MADE SENSE FOR A MAN WHO LOVED TO MAKE PEOPLE SMILE.

STEPH AND I MAY HAVE HAD EXPERIENCES THAT JOHN AND DEBBIE DIDN’T WITH DAD..BUT I KNOW WE WOULD TRADE THEM IN A MINUTE IF DAD COULD SPEND JUST ONE MORE DAY WITH OUR KIDS.

TO TRULY SEE DAD AT HIS BEST YOU HAD TO SEE HIM WITH HIS GRANDKIDS…WHETHER IT WAS A SOCCER GAME, AT THE PARK, GRANDPARENTS DAY AT SCHOOL, FOOTBALL ON FRIDAY NIGHT OR A DAY AT THE ZOO…DAD WAS AN AMAZING GRAND FATHER.

NO ONE MEANS MORE TO STEPH AND ME THAN OUR CHILDREN..AND WE WOULD TRADE ANY STEAK DINNER, ANY TRIP THAT WE HAD WITH DAD, SO THAT OUR KIDS COULD SPEND JUST ONE MORE DAY WITH HIM.

ONE MORE DAY OF HOLDING HANDS, ONE MORE DAY OF CANDY AT THE STORE, ONE MORE DAY OF ORANGE SODA IN THE CAR..WHAT WE WOULD GIVE TO LET THEM SPEND ONE MORE DAY WITH A MAN WE ALL LOVE SO DEARLY.

ONE MORE DAY TO WATCH HIM HUG AND KISS YOU GOODBYE, ONE MORE DAY TO BE THE APPLE IN HIS EYE..

JOHN AND DEBBIE BE THANKFUL… BECAUSE YOUR KIDS GOT TO SPEND WAY MORE DAYS WITH DAD THAN OUR KIDS WILL AND THAT’S MORE VALUABLE THAN ANYTHING…I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOUR KIDS THAT THEY GOT TO SPEND SO MANY DAYS WITH DAD, YET I KNOW THEY WANT ONE MORE DAY….

DAD…… EVERYONE IN THIS CHURCH WOULD LOVE TO SPEND ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU..ONE MORE DAY TO SAY THANK YOU..ONE MORE DAY TO SAY I LOVE YOU AND ONE MORE DAY TO MAKE YOU FEEL AS SPECIAL AS YOU ALWAYS MADE US FEEL…

SINCE WE CAN’T SPEND ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU PHYSICALLY, WE WILL SPEND IT WITH YOU SPIRITUALLY… WE ARE GOING TO SPEND ALL THE REST OR OUR DAYS CELEBRATING A GREAT FATHER,A GREAT SON, A GREAT BROTHER AND A GREAT HUSBAND…WE ARE GOING TO CELEBRATE TODAY AS IF WE WERE GOING TO GET ONE MORE DAY WITH AN AMAZING MAN.

DAD WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU…WE JUST WISH WE COULD SPEND ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU… WE ALL WANT ONE MORE DAY…

WE LOVE YOU…..

~Tom~

Bud was the quintessential older brother, supportive, loving, caring and sharing. He was such a fine example for family and friends.

Growing up, Carol was “daddy’s little girl“, Bud was “No. 1 Son.” Not only was he born into the role, to his credit, he actually earned it.

When Bud got his first summer job, he came home and gave dad his paycheck and every week he did the same. The tradition had been set. When Mike and I started working construction the next summer, we drove home from the west coast of Florida after the first week and gave dad our paychecks of $163.00 and in return, we got 2 20’s for spending money. Driving back to work in Port Charlotte the following Monday I asked Mike, “Why did we do that”? Mike said, “Because that’s what Bud does and that’s why he is No. 1 Son.“

We were told that the money went into our education fund. Mike and I were looking forward to attending college at The University of Dayton. Bud spent 2 years at Dayton and then six years at St Louis University. By the end of Bud’s second semester at St Louis our education fund had been completely depleted. Finally, I was beginning to understand the concept of “No. 1 Son.”

When I enrolled in my freshman year at Central Catholic, Bud was a Senior. He was a class officer, straight A student, National Honor Society Member, Lettered in 2 Varsity Sports, was dating Judy and general all-around good guy, admired by his four younger brothers as well as most of the school. I quickly realized that the bar had been set quite high for the rest of the Tight boys.

The good Sisters of St. Dominic were quite confounded when Tommy Tight, an average freshman Latin student, aced the National Latin Exam. You see, the seniors took the exam in the morning and the freshman in the afternoon. My brother was able to “school me” so to speak, before the afternoon exam. [Thanks, Bud.] His advice, upon hearing my score, was, “you could have made a couple of intentional mistakes, genius.”

Bud was a kind and gentle man…… well, with a couple of exceptions….when discussions turned to politics, or better yet, when they involved Cardinal Gibbons versus St Thomas Aquinas.

When Dad passed away in 1974, at the age of 63, Bud inherited the position of family patriarch. He performed admirably, and it seems like just yesterday, when in fact, fourteen months ago, I stood in this exact spot and thanked Judy and Bud for caring so wonderfully for our mother and family for those 36 ensuing years without our father.

We all had tremendous respect and admiration for our parents, but Bud, more so.

Bud idolized our father, so it was natural, yet at times difficult to continue in his footsteps as head of the Tight family. He completed the task, as always, in first class fashion.

Doctor Tight, Sr. was a good man, his son, Bud, our brother, was equal to and in many ways surpassed his teacher.

Bud was a person of faith, we will miss him dearly, but we are joyful in our belief, that in dying he is born to eternal life.

From our entire family, thank you for the tremendous outpouring of your love and support at this time of sorrow.

"BUD" Tight, II, left us on June 1, 2011. He passed away at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was 70 years old. He is survived by his wife, Four children, and sixteen grandchildren. Services were handled by Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "BUD" was laid to rest at Pompano Beach Cemetery.