George "Bud" William Pope

George (Bud) William Pope, 87, of Fresno went home to live with his Father on July 14, 2017. His worn out well used heart gave out after a lifetime of hard work and devotion to family, friends and stray dogs.

Bud was born in Fresno to George and Ireta Pope on May 19, 1930. He graduated from Fresno High School in 1948. He attended Fresno State College where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, later becoming President and lifetime member of the organization. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business which he quickly put into practice working alongside his father in their family owned business, Pope Tire Company, which opened its doors in the year 1919. Bud began work at the shop at the age of 8 earning $0.25/day and worked there 6 days/week until the company finally closed its doors in the year 2000. At that time Pope Tire Co. was the oldest, longest running independent tire dealer and recapper in the state of California.

Bud had a thirst for adventure, the mountains and snow, so it is fitting that is where he met his beloved, Grace Edith Swanson. While cruising the snow laden hills of Badger Pass they were introduced and skiing became their passion. Bud won the Kappa Sig Winter Carnival ski race four years in a row while in college. After college Bud took a break from the slopes when he was drafted into the United States Army becoming stationed at Fort Ord in Monterey, CA where he served two years as a Supply Sargent. Upon returning to Fresno, Grace and he married in 1956 and of course skied their way through their honeymoon in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Bud and Grace had two children. Their son Greg was born in 1960; Sue followed in 1962. Not even old enough to walk, Bud had both children in backpacks skiing down the mountain and both on skis at the age of two. Bud loved his family and shared his love of skiing with them on many family trips to Aspen, Mammoth, Sun Valley, Tahoe, Park City, Whistler, but most often winters were spent at China Peak. Their family cabin at Shaver Lake was Bud’s special retreat. He worked tirelessly making the cabin a comfortable home away from home for family and friends to enjoy summers and winters. Bud could fix anything and his cabin is a solid standing shrine to prove just that.

With his natural ability to fix things, vintage cars became a hobby for Bud. He turned car enthusiast with the purchase of his first, from the Harrah’s collection. It was a 1916 Scripts-Booth, completely restoring it to its original condition. He later acquired a few other antique cars including a Ford Model A and Model T pick-up truck. He was a life member of the Model T Ford Club of America and the Horseless Carriage Club of America, where he served as the Central California Chapter President for several years. Bud could be seen on many club tours locally and across the United States. With his black top hat and his white car coat he would hold up traffic as looky-loos would rubber neck to see the beautiful cars rumble past.

Bud had a sense of reasoning with animals and never shied away from even the toughest guard dog. Every dog he ever owned was a rescue. He became a Member of the Board of the Central California S.P.C.A. in 1994, where he later served as President and lifetime member.

Bud’s heart was always open and giving to his family and friends. His hard-working hands always being lent to a friend in need. When not giving on the home front, he was a firm believer in supporting his community. Following is a list of Bud’s many other (not already mentioned) achievements and organizations to which he belonged. Earned the honor of Eagle Scout in 1944; Fresno State University Alumni-life member; Joined Mason’s in 1954 – Past Master of the Las Palmas Lodge and served on the board for 9 years and trustee; CTFDR – California Tire Dealers and Retread Association; ARA – American Retreaders Association; Fresno 20-30 Club – Past President; Fresno Optimist Club - Past President; belonged to the Boys Clubs of Fresno; Fresno City and County Historical Society; SIR’s – Sons in Retirement.

Bud is survived by his loving wife Grace of 61 years; son Gregory George Pope, his wife Linda, and their two children Zachary and Sarah; daughter Susan LaVerne O’Sullivan, her husband Rob and their two children Kelly and Erik; sister LaVerne (Pope) Horg and her husband Harold and their five children Sage, Kay, Carole, Bill and Stacy.

A Celebration of Bud’s life will be held on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Peoples Church in the G.L. Johnson Chapel.

In Bud’s memory race down a run at China Peak or sit in the shade of a tall pine tree and meditate in the view over-looking Shaver Lake. Remembrances may be made to:

Central California S.P.C.A.

103 S. Hughes

Fresno, CA 93706

Or

Peoples Church

7172 N. Cedar

Fresno, CA 93720

Or

Veterans Memorial Museum

2425 Fresno St.

Fresno, CA 93721

Arrangements under the direction of Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA.