July 13, 1937 - June 11, 2015
Born on a farm in Mount Ayr, IA, Bud grew up riding his horse to a one-room schoolhouse, carrying his rifle and setting traps along the way. He developed a strong work ethic at an early age, managing a 700-acre farm in high school when his dad passed away.
He married Kay Dee Lindahl while finishing his MA in botany at the University of South Dakota. They pursued the CA dream, and Bud accepted a job as a high school science teacher in Livingston, CA where he inspired students for 30 years. Bud and Kay Dee raised their 3 sons, Michael, Tim and Brian there. He also coached and refereed wrestling, and was inducted into the CA Wrestling Hall of Fame. He impacted hundreds of young men, eventually welcoming one, Rick McKinney, into the family as his own son.
A natural leader throughout his life, Bud held such roles as a negotiator for district educators, university evaluator/mentor for new teachers, Church Leadership Council member, Blaine Community Senior Center president, advisory board for the Council on Aging, and adult Sunday school teacher.
Bud and Kay Dee retired and moved to Blaine, WA 12 years ago, grateful for the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. A celebration of Bud’s life was held June 13 at Northwood Alliance Church. He is survived by his wife Kay Dee, and sons Michael of Atwater, CA, Tim (Marie) of Cashmere, WA, Brian (Katie) of Bellingham, Rick McKinney of Clovis, CA, and 8 grandchildren.
He passed away after a short yet ruthless battle with bone marrow cancer. We are truly grateful that he had a rich, last visit with all of his family and was ready to meet his Lord.
Donations may go to Northwood Alliance Church, Blaine Senior Center, or Whatcom Hospice, all special to Bud.
