Otto C. “Bud” Smith
After a long and joyful life, Bud Smith has passed away at the age of 95. Bud’s gift to the world was his wonderfully upbeat and cheerful attitude toward life. Those who knew him well will tell you they’d never seen bud have a bad day. Always friendly to everyone around him, he could strike up a conversation anywhere he went, making friends on the run.
Otto C. “Bud” Smith was born the 12th and last child of William and Lucy Smith on December 23, 1921. Not preferring to be called Otto, he gave himself the nickname Bud. He was raised on a farm in what is called Spokane Creek west of Helena on the old Canyon Ferry Road. His childhood home still stands.
On January 26, 1940, Bud married his sweetheart, Clara Barnes in Phillipsburg, Montana. They subsequently had two boys and lived nearly all their lived in Helena.
It is fitting that Bud met Clara at a dance in the Helena Valley because he had a passion for dancing and he danced until he could no longer get to a dance, which was well into his eighties. He mastered every ballroom dance and had a natural grace and rhythm that made him a favorite of all the ladies. Bud often danced to every song played in an evening.
Bud and Clara loved camping and hanging out with friends when they were younger and eventually bought a cabin site on Stemple Pass near friends where they spent many happy weekends. Clara passed away October 22, 1987.
Bud worked many jobs in his youth but settled on being a baker at a young age. He worked for Eddy’s Bakery for many years: The Goodie Shop for a few more. When he developed an allergy to flour, Bud took a bread route for Gamer’s Bakery. In 1963, he went to work for the Helena School system as a custodian at C.R. Anderson School. He was promoted a few years later to Assistant Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for Helena school system, a job he held until his retirement.
Though all his sisters and brothers were older (some much older), Bud loved his family and liked nothing better than visiting them whenever he could. They have all passed on; it was Bud’s burden to watch each of them and their spouses go. They were: brothers, Harry (Mercy), Earl (Vonda), Andy (LaRue), Frank (Ruth), Floyd (Ruth), Dutch (Mary), Archie (Nola); sisters, Marie (Roy) Brenneman, Doris (Bill) Mathews, Ethel (John) Burns, and Gen (Bob) Bowers.
Bud is survived by his two sons, Wayne (Jeannie) and Mel (Alane); grandchildren Wendy, Greg, Jeremy, Tyler, Brian, and Janna; Many great grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
No services are planned at this time. Memorials in Bud’s name are suggested to Compassus Hospice, 1075 Rodney Street STE 102, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jay Smith says
Bud was my Grandpa. I was fortunate enough to only live a block away from him while growing up. I have so many childhood memories where I have learned tough love through him. My grandmother, on many occasions, would correct him. As a child, I was greatful for my grandma’s defense. As a Parent, I see him through my actions. You see, grandma cooked breakfast, I didn’t eat it all. Grandpa insisted that I finished my plate. He grew up in tough times. When your family worked hard to put food on the table, you ate it and never let it go to waste. Later on, I found interest in his guns, arrows, and my uncle Mel’s pig skin football that sat in the guest bedroom. I must have been about 7 years old at the time. I took one of his arrows and hid it in the snow. Later that day, i left to walk home and the arrow was gone. I figured I lost it in the snow. The next day, my grandpa showed up at the house with a package and a note. Inside the package was a couple of arrows. The note read. If you want something from me just ask me. But please don’t just take it. I learned a lesson that day that I will never forget. I am sure at first he thought, I am going to whoop him with that arrow and he’s going to learn his lesson. My grandma probably intervened, and said, No Bud, this is what you will do. Fast forward a few years. My great grandmother lived 20 feet away in a little green house. The roof needed to be re shingled and I wanted to help my Grandpa. He pulls out a can of skoal bandits and says, “Put this under your lip.” So I did. As the minutes passed he continued to ask my how I was doing. I mumbled I was doing ok. In reality, i was getting sick. Finally when i couldn’t take it anymore, my body rejected it and I threw up off the edge of the roof. He laughed and said, that will teach you a lesson. You wont want to mess with that stuff again. Recently, I saw a clip of John Wayne from the movie Hondo. He comes accross a little boy fishing. The kid is not having any luck. John Wayne explains that the fish can see his shadow. He said to the boy he should be fishing from the other side. The boy said he could get to the other side. John Wayne proceeds to ask the boy his age. The boy tells him he is six. John Wayne picks up the boy and throws him in the water. ( Google search John Wayne Swimming Lesson) This is a great example of my grandfather’s teaching methods. In today’s standards, it would be deemed unethical. But, it quickly got the job done and lessons learned. Being a child in the 1920s had to be tough. He learned to live with what you could get when what you got was limited. Everything he owned he took incredible care of. Every Saturday morning he would get up early and wash and wax his cars. He did not purchase unnecessary things. He was careful, but he did it right. He was an example of how a hard working man provided for his family, maintained what he owned and was able to complete a job that he always started with determination. My father has followed well in his footsteps. My siblings and I have learned this from our Father. This is the legacy that my Grandfather has left behind. This legacy, not always perfect, most of the times stubborn, has allowed us to hold our heads high and be proud of what we have accomplished in our lives. Thank You Grandpa Bud for all that you have thought us. All that you have shown us, and all that is to come that will remind us of who you were and that legacy that you left behind. You are finally reunited with the love of your life Gradma Clara and the rest of your family. I look forward to meeting with you again. I love you and Thank You for being the Best Grandpa I could ask for.
Michelle L Haley says
Thankyou to the family for sharing Bud with us at touchmark,I was a one of the pca’s that took care of him and loved him and he will be truly missed by me,he always had a smile and a “Hello Darlin!RIP Bud
Kathleen Broussard says
Wayne, Greg and family
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Margaret Woo says
Wayne, Wendy, Greg, & Jay,
So sorry for your loss. Your father and grandfather lived a long and interesting life, and he was rewarded with a wonderful family. I can see where you get your family spirit. I am sure he is happy to be reunited with his family and will be watching out for you from above. Jay wrote a beautiful tribute to him.
Margaret
Kay Mathews says
My favorite memory of Bud was in Dec., 1960. John Mathews and I were on our first date. He took me to Smith’s Corner where the families were having a celebration after John’s sister’s wedding. John didn’t dance (then, but he learned!) so Bud danced with me; we even did the Polka! He was a great guy! John and I both adored him! My deepest sympathy to his family!
Connie Abbott says
To Wayne, Mel and families: I am truly saddened at your dad’s passing and the end of a GREAT GENERATION! He was one of my favorite uncles and both my daughters expressed that Uncle Bud was their favorite. He was so much fun and always had a story to tell. We have many memories as we spent a lot of time with Uncle Bud and Aunt Clara. My dad, Bill, loved to fish and we spent many Sunday’s fishing, rain or shine. Whenever we would get together at Uncle Earl’s bar in Canyon Ferry, uncle Bud was the life of the party and we had plenty of family get togethers. Uncle Bud, you will be missed, but you are with the love of your life now. May you rest in peace!
Jay, you are to be commended for the rememberances you wrote from your heart! Thank you!
Lorna Smith Steinke says
I loved that Uncle Bud as there was never a dull moment when he was around. My memories of going to see Aunt Clara, Uncle Bud, Wayne and Mel when we were all kids was the best. He was so much “The life of the party”. Wayne and Mel, my prayers are with you and your families at this difficult time, but can’t you just imagine the great Smithnic he’s having with all those sisters and brothers.
Bill Mathews says
When I think of uncle Bud I think of happy, smiles and always something good to say about everyone. He probably never had a negative thought about anyone. The Smith Family was a really close family and always did things together. Uncle Bud was the baby and most energetic. Aunt Clara was his one great love and his “rock.” He set a good example for Wayne and Mel and to his grandson Jay it appears.
I am sure he is with the family planning a get together now that the are all home!