Darough, Gerald Thomas (Bud)
(February 4th, 2023)
May 29, 1932 – February 4, 2023
Gerald Thomas (Bud) Darough passed away peacefully on February 4, 2023 at the age of 90. Always the eternal optimist, Bud had a smile for everyone he met and will be deeply missed.
Bud was born in Nelson on May 29, 1932. After his high school years, he moved to Vernon to teach accordion lessons. In turn, Bud established a musical sales, service and music lesson business. Shortly thereafter, he started his career with Laurentide Finance. While in Vernon he met the love of his life, Joan and they were married in 1955. Both his daughter Lorie and son Glen were born there. His career then took him to North Vancouver where the family lived until 1970, at which time Bud and Joan decided they wanted to raise their kids back in Nelson. Bud started a new career in insurance and real estate and was passionate about both. For many years Bud was involved with the Kootenay Real Estate Board. After he retired, he and Joan relocated back to the Okanagan, this time to Kelowna. Sadly Joan passed away in 2016. Nelson once again called Bud home where he remained until his passing.
Bud was very involved in many Nelson community organizations including the Kiwanis Club, helping with the beginnings of Whitewater Ski Hill, the expansion of Granite Pointe and was a life member of the Gyro Club. Bud was an active person with a love of skiing, golfing, swimming and walking. Friendships were very important to Bud; he always had time for a coffee or a beer with any of his friends. Music was always a major part of Bud’s life. In Kelowna he played in a band called Memory Lane and entertained folks at the Cancer Center, seniors center, the airport and anywhere else where music was desired. Bud always packed his camera. He loved photography and always had his family posing for pictures… whether we liked it or not!
Bud is survived by his daughter Lorie (Dave) Buss and grandchildren Andrew (Lindsey) and great grandchildren Maeve and Wyatt, Michael (Randall) and Alli (Martin); Son Glen (Tammy) and grandchildren Chelan (Arie), Doug (Alax) and Kate. Bud was so proud of his grand children and all they have accomplished. He also leaves his brother Roland (Inga) and niece Britt.
Bud spent his final year at Jubilee Manor in Nelson. We would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate health care workers at Jubilee as well as Dr Janz. The care Bud received was beyond a job. We feel Bud was treated like family.
No service by request. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation or the Nelson Electric Tramway Society.
