Edwin Conrad Budlong

Edwin Conrad Budlong (“Ned”) passed away peacefully at home on January 15, 2022. Ned was born in Minneapolis on December 29, 1933 to Richard and Evelyn Budlong. They moved to Webster Groves, Missouri (a suburb of St. Louis) where Ned and his brother, Rich, spent their childhood.

Ned graduated from high school in St. Louis and later Grinnell College in Iowa. After graduation, he completed seminary work at Chicago Theological Seminary and Eden Theological Seminary and was ordained as a Congregational Minister. However, he served throughout most of his career as a licensed marriage, family and child counselor (MFCC) helping families and those with substance abuse and chemical dependency. Late in his career, he was a Clinician for emotionally disturbed children.

Ned and Carol Budlong (predeceased) had two sons, Peter and Andrew Budlong, who reside in Northern California and Arizona. Ned married Celia Barberena in 1986 and they spent 35 wonderful years together residing in various places in California’s Central Valley and Monterey County, before retiring in Pacific Grove, CA.

Ned and Celia traveled extensively, but they also loved the simple pleasures of life on the Monterey Peninsula: frequently visiting the beach just a few miles away, watching the birds, and attending concerts at Sunset Center.

Ned lived a life that was devoted to helping others. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Monterey Peninsula, liberal in his thinking and community minded. He wrote many charming short stories that were enjoyed by friends and colleagues, as well as at Canterbury Woods, the tight-knit retirement community that was their home for several years.

The family wishes to thank CHOMP and Hospice of the Central Coast for their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Blind and Visually Impaired Center, 225 Laurel Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950.