Hall of Fame
Compassionate. Generous. Fun.
Those are words to associate with Bud and June Ford.
Add devoted, caring, kind.
The Coeur d’Alene couple is all those and more as benefactors not only to Vandal Athletics but to their entire community. From a fieldhouse at Coeur d’Alene High School to the Carousel Foundation to the Bud and June Ford Club Room in the Kibbie Dome, the Fords truly are the essence of generosity and charity.
While neither attended the University of Idaho, Bud was an avid Vandal fan since the 1950s and June jumped on board after they were married in 1973. Their travels took them across the continent and around the globe but they always found time for Idaho football and basketball games – rarely missing a contest.
“Idaho is like a second home to me, even though I never went to college,” said Bud, whose children and one grandchild attended Idaho with daughter Karen playing volleyball for the Vandals. “I feel inspired when I’m here.”
Bud and June were self-starters – Bud initially with a series of ventures in North Idaho, while June made her mark in Wyoming before meeting and marrying Bud and moving to Coeur d’Alene. Together they built one successful venture after another but always kept their family and community foremost.
The Fords were awarded honorary alumni status from the University of Idaho for their generous support of the institution. Bud was inducted into the North Idaho Hall of Fame in 2013 after, in 2010, being chosen the first State of Idaho Official of the Year. He was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America in 1965.
June passed away last month but her legacy lives on – not only at the University of Idaho but her adopted hometown of Coeur d’Alene and in her home state of Wyoming where she was a generous contributor to various community and civic projects.
Bud, a 1948 graduate of Coeur d’Alene High School, has a long history of athletics involvement. His 61 years as a high school football official might be the longest ever anywhere. And for 30 years, he also officiated basketball.
Bud’s life of service began with a two-year stint in the Army after his graduation from high school. He continued his service to his country with 28 years in the Army Reserve, where he reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Among the many service organizations Bud and June Ford supported were the Lion’s Club, Bryan APATA, Jaycees, Elks, Kiwanis, Eagles and their church – Community Methodist.
To Bud and June Ford, we extend a warm welcome into the Vandal Athletics Hall of Fame and a heartfelt thank you for your generosity.
