Richard Frank Bud Peth
October 02, 1924 - March 10, 2015
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Richard Frank Bud Peth
October 02, 1924 - March 10, 2015
Obituary
Richard Frank “Bud” Peth was born in Mount Vernon, Washington on October 2, 1924 to Fremont Peth and Nettie Sanford. Buddy, his early nick name, had one sister, Betty two years older. His early years were spent on the Peth farms in the fertile Skagit Valley living, working the farm and going to school in La Conner. When his father passed away, Bud’s mother sold the farm and they moved out of the farming business. When he graduated from high school he enlisted in the Army Air Corp in Nov 1942 and entered into active service in Feb 1943. He trained as a crewman on B-24 bombers. Bud mobilized to the European Theater with the 15th Air Force, 827th Squadron, 484th bombardment group, based in Torretta Italy and flying missions for battles and campaigns in Rome-Arno Southern France, North Apennines
Central Europe Rhineland and Air Combat Balkans. He and his crew completed 26 successful bombing missions in their B-24 Liberator before being shot down over Hungary on mission 27. After bailing out of the severely damaged B-24, Bud was captured with other crew members by German forces and marched around Germany and interred in several prison camps. The airplane limped on and crash landed in allied territory and the flight crew eventually made it back to their base, but the crew from the back of the plane were in enemy hands until the end of the war when liberated by Allied forces.
These life defining events made Bud Peth the solid, stoic, self contained individual that he was throughout the rest of his life. After the war, with time to recover from the physical wear and tear of wartime prisoner life, Bud started his family with his beautiful young wife, LaMoine Holmes of Mount Vernon, WA and in 1948, his son, Richard F. Peth, Jr was born followed by his daughter Martinia J. Peth in 1954. Bud attended college and received his diploma in Accounting and went to work for Pic Sweet in Mount Vernon. Later he went to work for Pacific Coast Paper Mill (Georgia Pacific) in Bellingham and after that he worked as Comptroller at St. Joesph’s Hospital in Bellingham, Evergreen Hospital in Woodinville, then finished his career as Business Manager in Oak Harbor School District when he retired. LaMoine passed away in 1982.
Through out his life, Bud enjoyed boating with his family and over the years participated in the Bellingham Yacht Club and Wheel and Keel boating activities, spending a lot of time in the San Juan Islands. He kept his boat in immaculate condition and loved taking people on cruises. Over the last 30 years, Bud spent a lot of time with his companion and dear friend, Therese Jones, hiking in the mountains and joining in on Back Country Horseman events.
Bud was a dedicated participant in the Bellingham Rotary club and made many dear friends over the years who will miss his consistent presence at the weekly meetings. Bud leaves behind him a legacy of dedication and charitable contribution to the community.
Bud is survived by his son Rick (Heather) and daughter, Marti (Keith), all of whom will miss him dearly. He was especially delighted with his three grandchildren, Justin(Jennie), Laura(Russ) and Brian(Kendra) and the two new great granddaughters, Emma Elizabeth Slattery, 6 months (daughter of Justin and Jennie) and McKenna Rae Slattery, 1 month (daughter of Brian and Kendra). Bud was always fond of his niece Diane Kruger and nephew Doug Helde and their families.
A Graveside Service will be held at Bayview Cemetery in Bellingham at 12:00PM on March 17, 2015. A Celebration of Bud’s Life will follow at Moles Farewell Tributes, 2465 Lakeway Dr. in Bellingham.
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: January 15, 3172 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes
- Location: 2465 Lakeway Dr Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) -73-3-0510
Graveside Service
- Date & Time: March 17, 2015 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Bayview Cemetery
- Location: 1420 Woburn St Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)
13 responses to Richard Frank Bud Peth
Warren Howe says:
March 10, 2015
I got to know Bud in Oak Harbor, where I was a member of the school board that hired him as Business Manager for the district. Bud was a wonderful person: competent, organized, friendly, knowledgeable. When we moved to Bellingham I was delighted to run into him now and then, usually at Veterans’ Day observances, and we had fun renewing our acquaintance. I truly did not know all that he had accomplished in life, or the extent of his service to country, but none of that is surprising considering what I do know about him. Sincere sympathy to the family. RIP, Bud.
Gayle Ann (Genger) Chalfant says:
March 10, 2015
Marti and Family,Thinking of you and your family during this hard time. I have many fond memories of time spent
with You and your Dad & Mom. Time passes so quickly. Praying you may have peace and comfort.
gayle ann
Ronald A Erickson says:
March 10, 2015
My condolences to bud’s entire family. My family and I are members of the Wheel and keel and the Yacht Club also having spent many memorable cruises together around the Puget Sound and Canadian Waters.Dock party’s were always special where boaters can get together and have a good time telling stories about the one that got away and the hike around the island that day.We will all miss his smile, stories and tips on keeping your boat better looking than new like he did.
Roger Schjelderup says:
March 10, 2015
It breaks my heart to hear that Bud has passed away. He is the greatest man I ever knew. He was a very respected man to me . Bud Peth makes me and our family proud to be Americans. I loved Bud so much that I had my son do a report on him for a high school project. My condolences go out to his family. He will never be forgottenRoger Schjelderup
Dennis Thompson says:
March 10, 2015
Sorry to hear this news. I have not seen much of Bud for several years, remembering him most from those times with LaMoine and his mother, Nettie, (who was my Grandmother Edna Mae’s sister). Bud always seemed to have such a dedication to his mother and she was always so proud of him. They were a delight to watch. LaMoine was also a very lively and pleasant personality. I think Bud did a lot for his community and I have always held him in my highest regard. He was such a good person to….just be around. With Every Kind Wish to the family, Dennis Blake Thompson, Odessa/Ritzville, WA