Bud Conn

Willard Homer (Bud) Conn went home to be with the Lord on Friday October 11, 2013. A third generation Colorado native, Bud was born March 20, 1931 in Cortez Colorado to William Homer and Alice Crapo (Snyder) Conn.

One of five children Bud grew up working on the family farm in Dove Creek CO. He graduated from Dove Creek High School where he was class president and the captain of the football team. On June 16th, 1950 he married his high school sweetheart Patricia, whom he affectionately called "Patsy" for the next 63 years. Drafted into the Army in 1951 Bud served in the Korean War. Upon returning to the Dove Creek area Bud put his skills to work as a surveyor working in southeastern Utah in the canyons that we now know as Lake Powell. He also was involved in oil drilling and uranium mining operations. Later he would start his own excavating business.

In 1954 their first son David was born. Then in 1959 the couple was blessed with their second son Greg. In 1960 the family moved to Broomall PA. to provide specialized treatment for Greg who was born with cerebral palsy. Then in 1963 they moved to Swarthmore PA, where Bud and Pat made many friends and were embraced by that community as they embarked on an ambitious physical therapy program to help Greg become the independent man he is today.

After the death of his brother, Bud moved the family back to CO in 1969. They settled in Golden where he went to work for Adolph Coors. A true "company man" Bud was a devoted employee and retired in 1992. As a supervisor Bud enjoyed the challenges of the job as well as the many friends and associates he worked with. He and Pat both were involved in the Coors volunteer program V.I.C.E. and loved volunteering at community events. During this chapter of their life they were also busy backpacking, bike riding and traveling in the fifth wheel!

Family was always a big part of Bud's life. He and Pat made many trips to Dove Creek to visit family, including both or their mothers, Bud's sisters Bobby and Trish and their families, as well as Pat's sisters Edith, Elsie and Jo and their families. In Golden, Bud enjoyed time spent with his sister Rae and her family. He developed a special bond with Rae's children, Bart, Lynel (Cathy), Connie (Steve) and their children. Bud always wanted a daughter and was quite pleased with the additions of his daughters in law Sue (Dave) and Helen (Greg).

Two of Bud's favorite people in the world were his grandchildren Dan and Mandi. He enjoyed attending rodeos and dance recitals as well as taking them hiking, camping, fishing and one day rode a jet ski much to everyone's surprise! Bud then welcomed to the family Dan's wife Linda and Mandi's husband Alan and six GREAT grand children.

A very generous man, helping people was in his nature. After his retirement one of Bud's first projects was helping Greg and his wife Helen remodel a home they bought. With volunteers from Coors, Bud over saw the project making sure everyone was included and there was plenty of hot coffee for the crew.

"Uncle Bud" as he was affectionately known to many at Coors, Woody's, Starbucks and folks in the town of Golden enjoyed spending time telling stories, helping others, telling stories, hunting, telling stories, discussing politics, telling stories, fishing, and telling more stories! He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife Pat, sons Dave (Sue), and Greg (Helen), grandchildren Dan (Linda) and Mandi (Alan) great grandchildren Virginia, Miles, Eli, Joshua and Ezekiel, sisters Bobby and Trish (Ray) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Alan, his sister Rae, and his great grandson Chance. The family would like to thank Bud's niece Connie for her wonderful care during his illness, her nursing expertise and tireless work were invaluable. Also many thanks to Denver Hospice as well as the many friends' family and neighbors who have provided so much help and comfort during this difficult time.


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