Bud passed away on July 4, 2023 in Calgary, AB at the age of 108. He is survived by his daughter and best friend Dianne Comba Petersen of Sidney, BC, estranged son Donn, 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 66 years, Grace and older sister Jean Deans of Winnipeg who died at the age of 103.
Born in Winnipeg in 1915, Bud attended schools in Winnipeg. Hargrave and Wesley College/Winnipeg. His life interest in music began in his teen years. He was very proficient on the cornet and played in the Western Canadian high school orchestra where he met his future wife Grace (1916-2004). While working for Hudson's Bay Company he played his music in the pit orchestra at the Old Dominion Theatre six nights a week, Royal Winnipeg Rifles Band, Sons of England band, Army and Navy band, St. James Concert Orchestra, Greenwood church orchestra and various dance bands – always in the first chair.
In 1937 he moved to Trail, BC to play with the Canadian Legion Brass Band branch #11 and was employed by Cominco Ltd. until his retirement in 1980. Bud and family lived in Rossland until 1966 the Trail until 1987 being active in music circles during this period and was most proud to have his entire family playing alongside him in various orchestras. He retired from active participation in music as bandleader of the local Militia Band – 44th Field Squadron RCE. During the many years spent in Trail and Rossland he was active in sports; he skied, played badminton, coached Little League baseball, and golfed at Rossland-Trail Golf Club and Birchbank courses.
After retirement he lived in Abbotsford, BC and continued golfing and genealogy research and documentation. In 1988 he and Grace moved to Calgary and he lovingly cared for Grace during the 13 years of her fight with Alzheimer's disease. They were married 66 years.
Bud spent two years in active service during World War II as an instructor in infantry Basic Training.
At age 97 Bud was still out doing his daily walks; rain or shine, sleet or snow and was still helping his daughter as chief advisor when she needed his help.
Everyone who knew him loved him and he will be missed by family and friends. He was a great man.
No funeral or "fuss" at his request.
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