Walter Norman Herbert Jr.

Walter Norman Herbert Jr “Bud” was born on August 10, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan to Helen (Finnila) Herbert and Walter Herbert. Throughout Bud’s life he was a member of the Detroit Finnish Summer Camp in Wixom, Michigan. His maternal grandfather was a founding member, and he spent his childhood there, as well as raising his own children there. He was a part of many improvements at the Finn Camp, and had a very close group of friends from childhood to adulthood. He also continued to dive off of the top of the diving tower well until his later years!

Bud graduated from Cass Technological High School. Upon graduation, he attended Wayne State University. Once he realized he may be drafted after college, he decided to enter the United States Army in 1960 so he could be stationed somewhere he would also be able to see the world. Bud was part of the Army Security Agency and his secret mission was Operation White Birch. This mission brought him to Vietnam where he lived in a trailer in rice patties. He decoded the Vietcong communication, and was frequently shot at while flying low enough to decipher the Vietcong who were hiding in tunnels. After proudly serving his country, Bud continued his service as an outspoken advocate for freedom, patriotism, and love for the United States.

Bud married Judy Mack in 1965 and was married for 25 years, raising Kelly and Steve. He had known Judy since childhood, and Judy's brother Johnny gave him his nickname Buddy! Bud worked as a pattern maker for Ford Motor Company from 1964 to 1976. After Ford, he worked for 7 different job shops from 1976 to 1981. All of this knowledge enabled Bud to start his own business as a manufacturers representative called Bud Herbert, Inc. in 1981. He worked incredibly hard building his business, and represented many different companies who built parts and machines for the automotive industries in the Detroit area. His proudest career accomplishment was building a successful business. Bud retired in 2008, and continued with the many friendships he made during his employment.

On May 21, 2002 Bud married his beloved wife Susan (Keller) Herbert. They enjoyed many years of traveling to islands, as well as visiting their California family. They also loved to get in the car and adventure throughout Michigan and Florida. Bud and Sue split their time between Michigan and Estero, Florida, where Bud spent the majority of his retirement years. He got so much enjoyment out of when his family and friends would visit them in Florida.

Bud’s biggest love was his family. He was an incredible dad, and always strived to teach Kelly and Steve life lessons any chance he got. Bud said his proudest family moments were the birth of his children. Along came his grandchildren, and he discovered a new and even more fun kind of love! Bud never missed an opportunity to attend anything his grandchildren were involved in. He was known by every team his grandsons were on, and Grandpa Bud was a fixture for every sport and every team. Bud’s goal was to live to see his granddaughter Lauren graduate from high school, and he was so happy to see that happen. His grandchildren were his greatest joy in his life.

Throughout Bud’s life he opened his heart to everyone and never met a stranger. He was generous with both his time and money, always trying to help people and make the world a better place. He enjoyed golf, bike riding, and was a voracious reader. There was no bigger fan of all Detroit sports, and he never missed a game, either in person, watching TV, or listening on the radio. He also organized the annual Myrtle Beach golf trip for many years, which he took over from his dad's generation. Bud made friends everywhere he went, and had an uncanny memory for remembering details about the people and places in his life. There are countless Bud stories. We invite you to come to the celebration of life to share and hear many memories of our loved one Bud!

Bud lived life to the fullest, and was sent to heaven on August 26, 2023 at age 83. Bud is survived by his loving wife of 21 years Susan (Keller) Herbert, along with his daughter Kelly (Herbert) Gieselman and husband Tom Gieselman, son Steve Herbert and wife Jenn (Samu) Herbert, as well as grandchildren Michael and Daniel Gieselman and Lauren Herbert. He has bonus children Colin MacDiarmid (Erin Urada) and Ian MacDiarmid (Ann Hall) and brother in law Craig Keller. Bud is also survived by many cousins and nieces and nephews. Bud is preceded in death by parents Walter and Helen Herbert, and his sister Kathie Frissyn.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am on Friday, September 1, 2023 at the Union Lake Chapel of the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 1233 Union Lake Road in White Lake. The family will receive friends from 9:30am until the time of the service at 11:00am . A luncheon and Celebration of Life will continue from 11:30am until 1:00pm at the funeral home. Burial along with military honors will take place immediately following at 2:00pm at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the National Kidney Foundation.