'One of the best Vandals'
BILL BULEY | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 3 months AGO
BILL BULEY/Press In February 2020. Charles “Bud” Ford stands near some of his awards, western art collection and University of Idaho items at his McEuen Terrace home.
Bill Buley covers the city of Coeur d'Alene for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He has worked here since January 2020, after spending seven years on Kauai as editor-in-chief of The Garden Island newspaper. He enjoys running. | January 12, 2022 1:06 AM
Bud Ford, a man known and respected for his generosity in Coeur d'Alene and his contributions to the University of Idaho, died Saturday. He was 91.
"The #GemState lost a great today," wrote Mahmood Sheikh.
He described Ford as a "compassionate and dedicated philanthropist to education, youth programs and sports. He will be missed. His generosity will impact generations."
Jim Faucher of Coeur d’Alene, who knew Ford more than a decade, said he was a legend, a philanthropist and a man who loved community.
Ford seemed ageless.
Faucher told a story of a rafting trip he went on a few years ago on the Salmon River out of Riggins, and Ford and his son Charlie were on the same trip.
They hit some whitewater, and Bud Ford was having a ball, displaying the joy and spirit of a 21-year-old.
“He was a great, outgoing guy,” Faucher said Tuesday.
Ford and his late wife, June, were known for having big hearts and big pockets.
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 $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.
In 2010, Bud Ford was chosen the first State of Idaho Official of the Year.
In 2013, he was inducted into the North Idaho Hall of Fame.
There was also a $250,000 donation to the Coeur d’Alene carousel.
In an interview with The Press in February 2020 at his McEuen Terrace condominium, Ford said he was glad to give.
“Idaho has given my children and my grandchildren an excellent education,” he said.
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.
In high school, he lettered in four sports — baseball, basketball, football and track.
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. He made sound investments.
“I’ve worked hard. I’ve been frugal all my life,” Ford told The Press. “I’ve made adequate income and I like to return things to the community.”
Ford leaves a legacy of being a "devoted fan, honorary alumnus, Hall of Famer, visionary benefactor."
"He was one of the best Vandals there ever was," wrote Ethan McIlhargey.
ARTICLES BY BILL BULEY
Terry and Deon Borchard closing music store after 41 years in Coeur d'Alene
Terry and Deon Borchard closing music store after 41 years in Coeur d'Alene
The building they were leasing on Government Way since 2016 was sold and new owners have plans for it. The Borchards searched for another site that could provide the size, location, visibility and rent they could afford, but came up empty.
SeaPort Airlines eyes CDA market
Sees strong potential in Spokane/Seattle flights
SeaPort Airlines found success about a year ago when it launched 20 daily flights between Boeing Field and Portland International Airport. Craford said it wants to be the regional airline with “hassle-free travel.”
Coeur d'Alene's Wolf Lodge may rise again
Construction could begin soon to rebuild iconic restaurant destroyed in 2024 fire
The couple stood at the site of the former restaurant on a gray and windy afternoon, traffic whizzing by on U.S. 90. The property that was once home to the popular Wolf Lodge is mostly grass and rock, debris scattered around, with a wagon wheel on the ground. A warn billboard attached to a post nearby reads “Wolf Lodge Inn.”