Ldaling
We were Bud and Joann's across the street neighbors on Barrett Ave for just six years, but almost immediately, they felt like family. I remember the first day I met Bud... I was an eager first home owner, and I was out in the front yard ready to prune a wily flowering dogwood bush and the next thing I knew, Bud was walking up the drive, scared to death I was cutting down his favorite bush that he loved to see flower from his front window! Once I reassured him I was just giving a little haircut, he was satisfied, and I had a new friend, who would grow to feel like a grandfather to me.
There are a million stories to share about Bud--how he and Joann introduced Gina and I to Jeżynówka (if you know you know!), how Bud taught me appropriate ladder safety, how he taught me to get the most eye-pleasing "lines" in the lawn when I mowed, our flower/plant swaps, stories from Highland Park and Up North, and on and on. He was truly one-of-a-kind, and I could sit and chat with him for hours.
Bud loved our son Elliott, and would always comment how he would "run like the wind" down our street and around our yard. Bud was one of the first handful of people to hold Elliott after he was born, and he gave Elliott his first lawn mower, a toy that he still loves and plays with today. Bud taught Elliott and I how to read all of the information on a fire hydrant, and every time I see one, we think of him. We loved to have "porch sits" with Bud and Joann, and loved the backyard hangouts that we had, with Bud's beloved propane firepit!
There are so many more things to say about Bud, too many to try and write here. Bud was the most kind and generous person I think I've probably ever known, and the way that he deeply loved and had so much pride for his family, and our Royal Oak community, it was truly inspiring.
We will miss Bud with all of our hearts, and feel so lucky to have been a part of his and Joann's world. We send all of our love to Joann, Tammie, Dave, and the entire family!
With much love,
Lauren, Gina & Elliott Daling-Frontera
