Charles ‘Bud’ Ford celebrates 90th birthday, reflects on a life of doing — and giving

COEUR d’ALENE — As Charles “Bud” Ford sits in his McEuen Terrace condominium, he offers words of wisdom that come with being 90 years old.

“You know, life goes up and down. You just have to look at the good things,” he says.

And a few days after celebrating his birthday, life is up, he says. He’s still working, spending time with friends and family, making donations and enjoying walks in his hometown.

“They ask me, ‘How is your day?’ I go like this,’” he said as he holds two fingers to his wrist to check his pulse. Yep, still beating.

“Going good,” he says, smiling.

Ford was one of the first to buy a condo at McEuen Terrace two decades ago. It is bright, spacious and comfortable. Shelves in the living room are filled with pictures, books and awards. His beloved western art collection is on display. Trophies from hunts decorate the walls and floor. Large windows offer views of McEuen Park and Lake Coeur d’Alene.

The interior was designed by his late wife, June Ford, and as Bud Ford speaks of her, his voice falters. He pauses and he bows his head.

He misses his wife, who passed away a few years ago, but says, “She’s in a better place today.”

“Excuse me. You get quite emotional,” he says.

The couple’s legacy is all around.

He’s done well financially, through real estate holdings and investments that have allowed him to donate to the University of Idaho and his hometown.

The Fords funded the June Ford Viking field house at Coeur d’Alene High School.

A sizable donation resulted in The Bud and June Ford Club Room at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow.

Another was $2.5 million went for a new court — Bud Ford Court — at Idaho Central Credit Union Arena.

The Fords were awarded honorary alumni status from the University of Idaho for their contributions.

The honors kept coming.

In 2010, he was chosen the first State of Idaho Official of the Year.

In 2013, he was inducted into the North Idaho Hall of Fame.

A $250,000 donation to the Coeur d’Alene carousel, he says, was an easy one. He rode the carousel as a boy when it was at Playland Pier.

“I thought, ‘That is a good thing for the kids,’” the 1948 Coeur d’Alene High School graduate said. “It’s something I can look back on and just say I helped.”

Analee Cole Compton, a CHS classmate of Ford’s, remains a friend today.

“What stands out is his involvement and generosity throughout the years,” she wrote.

Ford is glad to give.

On a cold but sunny weekday morning, Ford sat in his living rooom and reflected on his life, his contributions, and why he strongly supports the UI.

“Idaho has given my children and my grandchildren an excellent education,” he says.

Ford was born in North Dakota. His parents moved to Coeur d’Alene during the Great Depression, when he was about 4 years old, and he grew up here.

“Coeur d’Alene is the most wonderful place in the world,” he said. “We have the lake, mountains, fine people. I didn’t appreciate Coeur d’Alene when I first came here.”

In high school, he lettered in four sports — baseball, basketball, football and track. He was a 140-pound Viking linebacker.

“I was not a first stringer,” he said, laughing.

He didn’t go to college, but two years with the Army opened his eyes to life beyond North Idaho.

“Uncle Sam did me a favor. He sent me to every hellhole he could think of in the United States,” Ford said.

He served nearly 30 years in the Army Reserve, settling for good in Coeur d’Alene after a stint in Wyoming.

“This is home,” he said. “I love it here.”

His stepfather operated a refrigeration business in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Ford worked with him for a time and later bought it, and sold appliances and TVs.

He bought real estate, including three mobile home parks, which he has held for nearly 50 years. Come summer, he mows the grass, fixes leaky faucets and checks in on tenants.

“I enjoy working,” he said. “I still work five to six days a week. I think working keeps me young.”

His investments and savings have worked out well — not by chance.

“I’ve worked hard. I’ve been frugal all my life,” Ford said. “I’ve made adequate income and I like to return things to the community.”

That includes officiating high school and college basketball about 35 years, and working football games for more than six decades before retiring at 87.

“It’s fun working with the kids, seeing them grow and helping them become better citizens,” he said.

While separate accidents crushed both knees and it is painful at times to get around, Ford isn’t one who likes to sit still.

He rises with strength from a couch and walks with pride to show a picture of him dressed as Willy Wonka and friends dressed as oompa loompas in front of the Coeur d’Alene carousel.

“That was a lot of fun,” he says, smiling.

He has always loved to travel and see different cultures and isn’t done. He wants to visit Egypt and see the pyramids and tombs, and river trips to Alaska and Mississippi are on the agenda.

But he admits, no more real estate acquisitions.

“At my age, I don’t need to start anything new,” he said, chuckling.

One Bud Ford ritual is to make a coffee drink on weekend mornings.

“I sit here and sip it, look at the downtown area, and just remember how thankful I am for what I’ve been able to do and my health,” he said.

If Bud Ford has learned one thing in this life, it is to be thankful.

So he is.

“I’ve enjoyed the community and the people,” he said. “I’m very fortunate.”