LANSING

DeWayne “Bud” Eugene Holden, age 85, passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2009, in the home he grew up in on Myers Road in Lansing, NY. 

Born April 14, 1924, in Ithaca, Bud was the son of the late Oliver and Veda (Bush) Holden.  He was a graduate of Lansing High School and New York Institute of Applied Sciences in the Mohawk Valley.  Bud proudly served his country in the US Air Force in Burma during WWII.  Always eagerly awaiting his next adventure, his love of travel took him to the far reaches of the world; Germany, Hawaii, Colorado and several months in Sri Lanka after the tsunami.

He was a poet, a renowned candle maker, driftwood gatherer and dedicated family man.  Bud loved his wife, his children, and was constantly amazed at everything his grandchildren did. 

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan (Howland) Holden; children, James L. Holden of Lansing, Mark D. Holden of Ithaca, Karen J. Holden of Colorado, Jeffrey D. (Vicki) Holden of Hawaii, Joel H. Holden of Colorado, as well as Debbie Beyea of Lansing and Scott Grooms of Lansing; grandchildren, Jason, Joshua, Nathan, Alexandra, Vanessa, Gina, Analisa, Kristen, Terri Lee and Tyler; great grandchildren, Cash Alden, Brendan and Tyler. He is also survived by an Aunt, Freda Wilson; several nieces, nephews; a large extended family; and his beloved feline companion, Kidani.

In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Beardsley and a daughter-in-law, Maria Holden. 

The family is especially appreciative for the care and support provided by Hospice, especially Audrey and Brad, and asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 or the Town of Lansing Playground Fund,  29 Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY 14882.

Family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday, December 15, 2009, from 6-8pm at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY.  wwwlansingfuneralhome.com

“There is something missing on the train that’s heading west. Like a passenger of promise from the lonesome land off east.”  Bud Holden