Cleo “Bud” Dodge, 74, of Coeur d’Alene died in an ATV riding accident on June 29, 2010. Although he was taken from us much too soon, Bud died doing what he enjoyed most in life — adventuring and exploring with friends.

Bud was born in Oldtown, Idaho to Guy & Nellie (Hader) Dodge, the fifth of six children. He spent his early childhood “goofin’ around” on Idaho Hill, swimming in Diamond lake, walking the rail bridge over Albeni Falls at Oldtown, and pedaling his bicycle to keep up with his friends who had those newfangled Whizzers. He attended Idaho Hill School. His father died when he was young and Papa Ray Sullivan came into his life as a step father, a man he very much respected and admired. Bud graduated from Newport High School, enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Lewis, Wash., and he was quickly singled out to be a platoon leader and drill sergeant.

After the Army, Bud settled in Bayview, and had two wonderful children, Kimberly and Guy who brought a lot of joy to his life.

Bud truly had a passion for Coeur d’Alene, having lived here the last 30 years. Bud knew local history and reveled in acting as a personal tour guide for family and friends. He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman who spent his free time camping, canoeing, sailing, bicycle riding, ATVing, scuba diving, fishing, and golfing. He believed every day was a special blessing and not to be taken lightly. He always said “Life IS good.”

Bud enjoyed a multitude of occupations, but found the perfect fit with Pepsi Cola as a delivery driver, where he traveled the open road and revisited his route friends. He so enjoyed being outside and thought the physical activity a bonus.

After his retirement at 65, Bud got reacquainted with his special friend Patty Black and they fell in love and spent the last nine years “dancing as if no-one was watching.” Bud loved playing, going and “doing.” He was game for anything, anytime, anywhere. He was a member of Back Country ATV Association, Blue Jeans Singles, VFW, and a life time member of Good Sam.

Bud is survived by Patty, daughter Kim Easton of Seattle; son Guy Dodge of Batesville, Ark.,; three grandchildren Taren, Connor and Meagan; brother, Gerald Dodge, of Hauser Lake; nieces Rhoda Ellerbroek of Hauser Lake; Richae Boyer of Hayden Lake; and Rhea Rice of Portland, Ore.; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

An outside memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, July 12, 2010, at the home of Chuck and Rhonda Ellerbroek, 9535 N. Cloverleaf Road, Hauser Lake. Please dress casually and appropriately for the weather, plan on staying after the service for an old fashioned hot dog/ potato salad picnic. For more information please call Patty at 699-3547.