Theodore "Bud" Gudmundson

Theodore “Bud” Gudmundson

Bud held on to his sense of humor until his death on November 11, 2023.  Bud never met a stranger and was one of the friendliest men you would ever meet.  He loved his wife Anita, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and telling stories – not necessarily in that order. 

After his marriage, Bud began hunting with his father-in-law Shorty and brothers-in-law Monte and Jim, always bringing home venison for our traditional family Christmas dinner of venison and gravy over pancakes.  After retiring, he spent many afternoons with his mother-in-law Freda visiting and playing cards.  Bud and Anita loved traveling to Maui and to Arizona with his sister June to watch Spring Training.  He had a great time spending summers in Birch Bay with his family, including many late night poker games with his grandkids.  Always proud of his Icelandic heritage, later in life he was able to travel to Iceland many times with his children to learn about his Icelandic roots and get to know his cousins.  After retirement, he loved working out in his shop making tables, coffee/bar carts and birdhouses for all.  He loved to bake bread and cookies, BBQ and make large family meals – especially at the holidays and for family get togethers.

Bud loved his family and friends fiercely and unconditionally.  We will truly miss Dad/Afi’s cooking, hugs, laughter, sense of humor and yes, even his stories.  We will be sure to carry on his favorite traditions.

We’ll let Bud tell you a little bit more about himself:

I came out of hiding in Blaine, Washington, May 28, 1936, to be met by my parents Olive and Emil Gudmundson.  Oh, and five sisters, Esther, June, Norma Jean, Margaret, and Theo. Two years later along came sister Lorene.   My folks did not own a home, so we moved a few times.  My dad worked in Seattle during WWll, so we kids helped our Mother with the farm work.  I was milking my cow at age six and knew/used every farm tool we had. City life came at age 12, and the balance of my school years, living with my folks. Graduated from good old Blaine High in 1954 and headed for the big city of Seattle. I had several menial jobs including as a cook in Alaska on a salmon tender.  In 1955, I hired on at United Air Lines and spent over 37 years, enjoying every minute with this company.  In 1957, a young lady hired in as a secretary for my boss. WOW, she was quite a breath of fresh air.  It took several months but I finally got a date.  At the tender age of 21, the "Love Of My Life" was My Anita. We were married in 1958.  We raised five absolutely Beautiful Kids, and they in turn, raised our fabulous grandkids. 

Susan Gudmundson and Steve White, have Hannah and Drew; Eric and son Graham (deceased); Lynn and Gary Tucker have Kyle (his son Jack) and Connor; Mark and Melissa have Keegan; and Janice and Josh Hatley have Samuel (his wife Jazzy) Ben and Alexandra.  I leave them all with all the Love I could ever have had. What a truly marvelous life.  

A Celebration Bud’s life will be December 2, 2023, 1-4pm at Star Lake Improvement Club, 3212 South 272nd Street, Kent.

In lieu of flowers, Bud asked that donations be made to Hillsdale Cemetery (4429 Loomis Trail Road, Blaine WA 98230), Free Church Unitarian (1218 Harrison Ave, Blaine WA 98230) or the American Heart Association.