Richard N. ‘Bud’ Budvarson, 90

Richard N. “Bud” Budvarson, 90, passed away at home Feb. 6, 2017. He was born in San Diego, Calif., on Oct. 17, 1926, to Gunner and Beatrice (Pritchett) Budvarson.

In 1944, at the age of 18, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he qualified for training as a Paratrooper. At the completion of Jump School Training, he received a special assignment to attend a Signal Corp Photography School. He was then assigned as a photographer to the 13th Airborne Division headquarters staff and later to the 82nd Airborne Division, 505th Parachute Regiment, with Alaska Task Force Frigid. After discharge in 1947, he married Mary Lou Wilhite on Sept. 4, 1947, in Manti, Utah, at the LDS Manti Temple.

He attended Wilshire School of Photography in Los Angeles, later going to work for Convair Aircraft, a Division of General Dynamics Corporation, where he received “Top Secret Ratings” and was involved in the development of the first Atlas Missile program, on F102 and F102A Delta Wing Interceptor projects. After five years with Convair, he resigned to start his own business “Photo Arts, Inc.” in El Cajon, Calif. As an avid hunter, with a love for the outdoors, he moved his family and business to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 1963.

In 1965, he joined the Hagadone Newspaper Group, which became his lifelong employment. After a short time, he became the Advertising Director for the Coeur d’Alene Press, the largest North Idaho Newspaper. About 20 years later he became Publisher/Editor of the Shoshone County News-Press, a daily North Idaho Newspaper in the Silver Valley.

Much of Bud’s life was dedicated to service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints. He served as a Bishop, Branch President and High Councilor, as well as many years working with the Young Men’s Organization and Boy Scouting. He was instrumental in assisting the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department in obtaining donations for the “Jaws of Life,” and the Sheriffs Marine Division with “Sonar” equipment. He was highly involved in the Silver Mountain “Gondola” Community Development Program. His love for skiing also prepared him to save the life of an avalanche victim at Silver Horn.

Bud is survived by his brother, Lee Budvarson; and his five children: Michael (Teresa) Budvarson of Coeur d’Alene, Teri (Ted) Hyatt of Farmington, Utah, Betina (Bill) Barlett of Boise, Idaho, Jack (Rhonda) Budvarson of Hayden Lake, Idaho, and Dan of Deary, Idaho. Additionally he truly enjoyed his 17 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou; sister Vivian; and parents Gunnar and Beatrice.

Funeral services for Bud will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at the LDS Coeur d’Alene Stake Center, Fourth Street and Anton Avenue, with a viewing at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations in Bud’s name, be made to: The Boy Scouts of America, or any charity of your choice.

Yates Funeral Homes, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit Bud’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.