The vintage racing community received recent notice that the 80-year–old former SVRA Chief Steward, racer, and one of the largest growers of gladioli flowers, had completed his last lap. Bud took the checkered flag in semi-retirement at his home in Delray Beach, FL with his family by his side. A US Army veteran of the Korean War, Bud also served on the Delray Beach Fire Department, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s department, and was a part owner of Kenmar Flowers, working in the farming business growing Gladioli Flowers for over 47 years.
An active racer of early MG’s, Turners and Alfa Romeos, he competed at all the tracks that are still important today – Dayton, Sebring, Sebastian Inlet, Amelia Earhart Track Miami, W. Hollywood Speedway, Road Atlanta, VIR, Roebling Road, Watkins Glen and many others of record. With his high spirit of competition and honor, he was always a very big man in a fast little car. He worked with many racing organizations, including SCCA, VDCA, BMW, CCCA, PBOC, Skip Barber, HSR and SVRA in the early formation years. Bud served as Chief Steward and Deputy Executive Officer of the S.E. Region, Chief Steward for the SVRA, and almost every position in the Florida region from Regional Executive to his current post as Parliamentarian.
Bud was active in the Steward’s Apprentice system, and many of today’s best stewards started their apprentice period under Bud’s guidance, working at his elbow to learn and observe. He was able to issue both praise and criticism in the same sentence to describe a situation to be resolved his way. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, who worked in event registration for much of her adult life.
Bud, Keep the Green Flag at the starters stand flying, and the corners clear. See you soon, where there are no red or black flags being thrown… only clear track in Heaven and perfect lap times.
Friends will gather on Thursday, February 5, 2015 from 5 to 7 p.m., with a 7:00 PM memorial service at Lorne and Sons Funeral Home, 745 NE 6th Ave, Delray Beach, Fl. Interment will be held at the South Florida National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kids Racing for Life at http://www.racerev.com/donate.htm.
Visit www.LorneandSons.com to share condolences and sign the online guest book.