December 14, 1930 - November 25, 2022
In loving memory ~
At the age of 91, Bud passed quietly away at home with his wife of 66 years, Beatrice (Bea) by his side. He was surrounded by the love and support of his family. His son Gordon (Loree); daughter Patricia (Brian); his four grandchildren, Emily (Tom), Fraser (Kate), Mariah, Samuel; and his daughter-in-law Midah. Predeceased by his youngest son, Murray in 2014.
Born in Rossland, B.C. and raised primarily by his mother, Edith, with the help of dear close friends. His father, Wilbert served during WWI, and then throughout WWII. Bud was very proud of his father's lineage in the Truro District of Nova Scotia, as he could trace his family back to the arrival of his ancestors from Ayrshire, Scotland to Canada in 1764.
Bud spoke fondly of growing up in Rossland. As an active, sports minded youth, there were many activities to participate in: baseball, lacrosse, hockey and skiing. He was also so fortunate to have coaches that donated countless hours to Rossland's youth. High school sports where indeed plentiful: Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton and track and field. Rossland was also a haven for anyone with outdoor interests, leaving many fond memories of hunting, fishing, hiking, berry picking and building log cabins. Buds graduating class was a particularly close knit group, celebrating numerous reunions, the latest being their 65th in 2013.
Good fortune was with an ambitious young man who wanted to pay his way to UBC. He worked at Britannia Mines and Cominco, Trail. Bud graduated in Geology from UBC in 1954. He accepted a good offer with Imperial Oil which involved training as a geophysicist / geologist.
It was off to the Prairies for this mountain raised man working in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and B.C. Working in Northern Alberta he met a young co-worker named Bea Bennett and they were married in August 1956. After numerous moves and two young children nearing school age, they went back to UBC for a year of teacher training. An excellent job offer by School District #65, Duncan, for a math and science position was accepted. Subsequently Bud worked as an Elementary teacher and Principal, a Secondary Vice Principal and Principal then as an Assistant Superintendent. Upon retiring he spent several years with University of Victoria traveling around B.C. supervising student teachers.
Life on Vancouver Island was a natural fit as boating, hunting, fishing and skiing were all easily accessible. Living on a rural property offered the young family an opportunity to raise farm animals and participate actively in the 4H programs. When the children left home, he planted one of the first hazel nut orchards in the valley. His interest in Geology continued as he worked summers in geological exploration, then he formed his own exploration company, PF Exploration, with his good friend Peter Postuk.
The Cowichan community offered countless opportunities for active participation and Bud enjoyed contributing to many of them. Rotary was a big part of family life as many Rotary Exchange students, as well as several adult Rotary Friendship Exchanges were hosted. Travelling to several countries as Rotary Friendship Exchange participants and with Groups of friends offered so much knowledge and enjoyment over the last several years.
Bud will be missed and remembered by all who knew him.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Cancer Research or Rotary Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.