Bud Sanford

[draglist]

Bud Sanford passed away on January 1 after a long illness. Bud was like a father to me. I met Bud and Lois Sanford through a program called Friendly Town. It was a program where folks in the country could host inner city kids for a week to give them a sense of a different type of life. I was that inner city kid and the Sanford's hosted me. We hit it off great and they generously invited my entire family back out for several visits. When I was about to enter my inner city high school (and already in a gang for protection), Bud and Lois offered to have me live with them and attend a nicer school out in the country (Crestwood -- near where Perry lives). This was a huge life change for me. I was a hippie dressing, slang talking youngster, totally immersed in rock and soul, and convinced of my superiority to country hicks. Living with the Sanfords was a culture shock: he was a truck driver and she was a high school art teacher. They cut my hair, started dressing me like Opie, and introduced me to things like Homer and Jethro, Hee Haw, and in general, the country life. I hated the haircut and nerd glasses, of course, and I never quite fully fit in, but I also learned to fish, hunt, and tell dirty jokes with the working guys. Bud also taught me how to balance by making me a pair of stilts to walk on. And most of all, he taught me how to think for myself. The lessons I learned from Bud and Lois Sanford stay with me today, and have helped me relate to all types of people. Bud was a mountain of a man at 6 foot 6, and 250 lbs. He was a master shooter, fisherman, archer, and was awesome with a bullwhip, too. He was a great craftsman with wood and iron, and we built many cool things together, including some bitchin' psychedelic light boxes that I marveled at while listening to my Santana and Doors albums (which I smuggled in)! I could go on and on but I just want to thank my "Uncle Bud," who was was as much of a dad to me and my brothers and sisters as a real father could be. I attribute to him much of my success. Aunt Lois, who is 80 and in great spirits and in good health, is sad but accepting, and happy that Bud is finally comfortable. We'll be doing a service in Ohio in June, after the Northeastern Ohio weather breaks and everyone can travel up. I'll be proud to attend as Bud's "son." bp

[pro70z28]

Very sorry for your loss BP.
And, a big THANK YOU to Bud & Lois for giving us all a great friend.

[WCB]

Very sorry for your loss Bill.
Rest,, Bud

[WildcatOne]

BP, your writing about Bud touched me deeply. This was the most important figure in your life and a role model that you looked up to as a youngster and still do...I have always believed that you were destined for great things because you are the man you are today as we know you, but learning who the man was who influenced you in such a positive way has given your life's story a far more profound meaning and depth from where I sit. He was, as you are, a truly fine gentleman. Thanks, Bud, and God Bless you. Your legacy has enriched all of our lives through the inner city kid you took under your wing all those years ago. Rest in peace. Rock on, BP! WC1

[Novel-T]

BP - a little tribute for your dear friend

Rest in peace dear Bud
you've touched many lives
helped to mold good men,
good husbands, good wives.

You made a big difference
to one hairy young man
and helped him to make
his own good life's plan.

There is no better gift than
the gift of your time
you showed our BP
there was a way out of crime.

There's a special place in Heaven
for people like you
your spirit will live on
in all who you knew.

S.Wylie

[draglist]

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate your kind thoughts about my friend. Bill

[RH]

My condolences Bill.
You were certainly fortunate to have a man like Bud as a part of your life.
God Bless his memory.

Ron