He was a fighter. At an early age life forced him to grow up fast and overcome adversities. At the age of 9 he was injured which lead him staying at a convalescent home. He joked about stealing a wheelchair to go visit the zoo. He was a renegade at an early age.
He was a family man. Married to Elaine for 54 years, had two children. He was lucky in love twice. Married to Ruth for 17.5 years and gained another family to love and enjoy. In 2016 his family grew yet again when he was able to connect with his granddaughter Rebecca and her family. With his homecoming he has reunited with Elaine, Janice and the family and friends that have gone before him.
He was an explorer. He loved the mountains where he and his family would camp and 4-wheel. He could draw you a map of any back road you could imagine. He enjoyed his time in Quartzsite AZ, running the dune buggy over the sand dunes and following General Patton’s training camp trails (let’s not talk about the time he got close to an active military fighter jet training area).
He was an artist. Weather it be on canvas, wood and yes, sometimes his house, his talent known no limits. He delighted in sharing his creations with everyone.
He was an innovator. He had a brilliant mind for figuring out and making things work and if they didn’t meet his expectations, he would fix it the “Bud” way.
He was a hard worker. Retiring 30 years from Cummins Diesel. He was so proud to tell you about the almost 2160+ engines he built and repaired and NOT one ever failed.
He was a caregiver. Where there was an important need, he was ALWAYS there.
He was a gentleman with the most selfless, kind, strong heart with of course an ornery bone that would let his mischievous side out. He loved life and the people in his world. We will never forget such a beautiful soul. This is merely just a fraction of who this marvelous man was.
The world won’t be the same and we will miss him terribly but also know that he wouldn’t want us to be sad for long and to get back out and enjoy life. We will see him again someday. Until then we will have to hold his memory in our hearts.
In lieu of flower the family requests you make a donation to: https://advancing.colostate.edu/restoringcoloradosforests for he so loved the mountains.
The celebration of life is tentatively scheduled for 01/17/21. More information to follow.
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