Raddad has been in the VA Hospital and his daughter posted an update. He really needs our Hugs.

Oh my God. Just now saw the news, I am in tears. I can't hardly believe that our brother Bud has passed. I didn't realize he was that near death at the time of this original thread. I thought he was "going to beat this crap" as he always signed out. I wasn't expecting this, not today, not this soon. I feel empty and lost at the moment.

My deepest sympathy to his entire family - wife, children, GiGi, etc. The loss of this fine man is enormous, too much to think about or comprehend at the moment.

If any help is needed, please let it be known. We are still here for him and for his family.

May he rest with the angels, free from this curse called Prostate Cancer, and free from any pain.

Bless you all,

David in SC

Dear Okia, Linda, Jennifer and Gigi,

My heart goes out to all of you. I grew to love Bud from HW and all his support to everyone. I will never ever forget him and will always keep him in my heart. Once in a lifetime you meet a friend like Raddad.

My deepest sympathy to all of you and may the good Lord give you all the strength, courage and peace to move forward.

God bless you my dear friend. You are in a peaceful place where prostate cancer doesn't exist. RIP

Zimac

Bud, you will be missed a lot by all of us here at HW.

very sad.

Bud was one of a kind, his optimistic outlook lifted so many. I shall always deeply regret I was not able to meet him. As someone said, GFMPH is so important. It might be the only chance you have to look into the eyes of someone who has come to mean so much.

My sincere condolences to Bud's family....their grief must be overwhelming. And to GiGi, who will never know how much her grandpa loved her, except through stories she will be told.

RIP dear friend.

Terry, I have expressed my sadness and broken heart on other threads, but I know you were a special buddy of Bud's.  You have my sympathy, and most of all condolescences for the loss of your brother.

I still have Bud's emails and pictures.  I will read once more.  May God comfort his family.

Peace,

Aimzee

To Bud's family:
many people have written eloquently about what a phenomenal life force your Bud was, and I couldn't agree more. I can't improve on what they've written -- the very fact that so many, from all over, mourn a man some of us only met online says it all about how powerful his effect was.

So instead I'll say something about you, in the hopes it is a comfort to you now. Bud was a lucky man, to get the family he so deserved. Because it's been obvious even just to his virtual brothers and sisters that as much as he was a loving, caring man, he was surrounded by loving, caring family. I hope you know, really know, how proud he was of all of you, how loved he felt, and how much joy you brought him. There was rarely a post from him that didn't talk of his warrior women, his son-in-law helping him navigate this overwhelming process, flirting with his beautiful bride, playing with his Gigi. I still remember reading his post about the "No one fights alone" party you guys threw him on the anniversary diagnosis of his diagnosis, and how clearly that turned a sad reminder into a celebration of how much he was loved. I hope it helps to know how well you handled helping him face this battle.

I'm sure the hole in your heart is massive. I hope everyone hurting at least has the comfort of knowing how lucky they are to have had a husband, a dad, a friend, so wonderful that his loss hurts this much. Your pain now is a sign of how blessed you've been.

Like so many other HW friends, I hope I am a better (wo)man for having known Bud. I'll keep trying.

Take care of yourselves and each other
Katie

Ed know that next week we will have our GFMPH Cajun Style at my home. On Saturday we are pkanning a short memorial for our brother Bud. Noa a sad tearful but in the spirit of Bud. A Celebration of Bud's life. wish you could be here with us.
Cajun Jeff

Yep, Ed is definitely kin to our Bud..... ;-)

Bud, may you RIP my brother.

K

Thinking of Bud's family as I believe today is Bud's birthday. I know he is in a peaceful place....but I still miss his presence on this board. I think he would be pleased and proud to see some echoes of his presence though!

Terry, first I want to thank you for representing HW at Bud's funeral. Second, I want to thank Bud's family for making you feel so welcome. I know how much you love Bud and am glad that you had the chance to honor him and his family.

I'm sure that Bud's brothers know they are welcome here anytime and would be welcomed at any GFMPH gathering.

Happy Birthday to Bud in heaven...hope you're partying hard.

Terry, John and I are planning to make the Rochester GFMPH. I told Sonny we were going, and he said he was going to hold me to it. Knowing Sonny, he's probably drawing up a contract of intent for me to sign.