A Life Lived Generously: Remembering Bud Ford

A LIFE LIVED GENEROUSLY: REMEMBERING BUD FORD

Sometime in the early-2000s, Mahmood Sheikh, in his first stint as a development officer for Vandal Athletics, met Bud Ford. When he asked what Bud did for a living, he responded that he was a high school referee. Nearly 20 years later, with two significant athletics facilities named in his honor, it is obvious that the humble “high school ref” was far more than meets the eye.

Charles “Bud” Ford passed away Saturday at the age of 91. His legacy will be one of kindness, fun, dedicated work, frugal living and generosity.

“Bud Ford was such a special person to Vandal Athletics, the University of Idaho, and to me personally,” Athletic Director Terry Gawlik said. “The first time I met him, I knew he had a heart of Gold, Bold Vandal Gold, and wanted nothing but the best for the Vandals. He will be missed by all.

He was known for his signature shirts with Joe Vandal and his name embroidered on them that he would wear to Vandal games and events. People were drawn to his positive attitude and his sense of humor. He was considered the life of the party and a die-hard Vandal, which is evident in his generosity to his adopted home.

Ford and his wife June first gave to the Vandal Scholarship Fund in 1987, a gift of $600. In the 35 years since that first gift, the Fords gave generously to projects and funds across campus at the University of Idaho. The Bud and June Ford Clubroom in the Kibbie Dome are named in their honor and the ICCU Arena features Bud Ford Court.

His contributions were not limited to athletics, he also gave to the College of Engineering and Taylor Wilderness Research Station.

All this from a man who never attended college, let alone the University of Idaho.

Ford was born in North Dakota in 1930 and his family moved to Coeur d’Alene when he was four years old. Despite being undersized, he still played and loved sports in high school. He spent two years in the Army before serving 30 years with the Army Reserve.

He started working with his stepdad at a refrigeration business and later purchased it from him. He also invested heavily in real estate, including mobile home parks which he helped maintain as late as 2020.

He also donated generously to the community in North Idaho. The June Ford Viking Field House was named for his beloved wife and donated $250,000 for the carousel in Coeur d’Alene. 

He wasn’t just generous with his money; he was generous with time. He was a high school basketball official for 35 years and a football official for over 60 years, retiring when he was 87. He served as President of the CDA Lion’s Club, Bryan PTA, NIC Booster Club, and North Idaho Official’s Association. He was also active in CDA’s Jaycees, Elks, Eagles, CHS Quarterback club.

Despite Bud never attending the University of Idaho, his children and grandchildren did. His daughter Karen Hudson played volleyball for the Vandals. Bud and June were awarded honorary alumni status. 

Bud and June were inducted into the University of Idaho Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016 and served on the Vandal Scholarship Fund National Board.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, June. He is survived by his children Charlie and Karen, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hayden Lake Country Club. Vandal Athletics plans to honor him with a moment of silence at Thursday’s Basketball game and next Thursday’s men's basketball game against Northern Colorado.