Erwin W. Zalon

December 9th, 2019

Bud–what can one say that wouldn’t be incomplete at best and trite at worst? His love of sailing, ever since his childhood (so he told us) is well known. As was his “handle”, EZ Baby, that appeared on his boats, his auto license plates, and who knows where else. We met Bud and Shirley some thirty three years ago on the dock in a small town on the Canadian shore of Lake Erie and became fast friends from the moment, Bud, wearing his Chicago Bears tee shirt, invited us to his boat for “happy hour”. We visited him and Shirley many times in Chicago, the last time about two years ago after he and Shirley moved to assisted living. We visited him in Palm Springs and he and Shirley visited us in Tucson. I am sure the we and our mutual friends will frequently share our memories about the good times we had with Bud and Shirley. But most of all two things stand out, two qualities that define who Bud was. First is his utter devotion to his dear Shirley. YOu couldn’t spend time with them without being keenly aware of that devotion. And second was Bud’s generosity. We have never met anyone so generous, generous with his money (split a dining check? almost never), generous with his time and energy, and most of all generous with his love and his friendship. Bud was one of a king. It goes without saying that he will be sorely missed.

Mel & Susan Durchslag

~Mel & Susan Durchslag
~Friend`, Tucson, AZ

December 8th, 2019

Bud–what can one say that wouldn’t be incomplete at best and trite at worst? His love of sailing, ever since his childhood (so he told us) is well known. As was his “handle”, EZ Baby”, that appeared on his boats, his auto license plates, and who knows where else. We met Bud and Shirley some thirty three years ago on the dock in a small town on the Canadian shore of Lake Erie and became fast friends from the moment he, wearing his Chicago Bears tee shirt, invited us to his boat for “happy hour”. We spent every summer with him since then until they stopped sailing several years ago, at Duncan Bay and on the water. We visited him and Shirley many times in Chicago, the last time about a year and a half ago after he and Shirley moved to assisted living. We visited him in Palm Springs and he and Shirley visited us in Tucson. I am sure that we and our mutual friends will frequently share our memories of the good times we had with Bud and Shirley. But most of all two things stand out, two qualities that define who Bud was. First, is his utter devotion to his dear Shirley. You couldn’t spend time with them without being keenly aware of that devotion. And second was Bud’s generosity. We have never met anyone so generous, generous with his money (split a dining check? almost never), generous with his time and energy, and most of all generous with his love and friendship. Bud was one of a kind. It goes without saying that he will be terribly missed.

Mel & Susan Durchslag

~Mel & Susan Durchslag
~Friend, Tucson, AZ

December 7th, 2019

Bud was always kind, accepting, and generous to all. I have fond memories of his interactions with my parents and others in our Garfield Ridge neighborhood. I enjoyed visiting the C&J complex all my life, and experiencing the comraderie he enjoyed with his natural and extended families. Bud’s son Arnie remains one of my best friends, and I grieve along with him, Madelyn, Susan, and Yvonne, as well as his many other families and friends. Bud will be missed by us all, and I’m sure he’s now sharing stories with my mom and dad.

~Howie Gold
~Neighbor; family friend, Hayward, Wisconsin

December 6th, 2019

It was a pleasure knowing Bud, and of course Shirley, as they were a big part of the Great Lakes Cruising Club. Bud served the club admirability for many years as an officer, and actually became quite a legend with his passionate interest in the club’s annual Wilderness Rallies, usually in the North Channel or Georgian Bay waters, where he supplied Chicago style ‘hot dogs,’ for their legendary shore roast. I remember him as a very polite, and gracious man, as we often talked “boat-talk,” whether it be, power or sail, as he respected both. His legend will surely live on, for the club is better-off today because of his steadfast resolve to see the club continue to succeed.
Rich Barzyk
Commodore
Great Lakes Cruising Club

~Richard M. Barzyk
~Friend, Wellington, Ohio