From brother Tom Orr

I might be Bud's little brother, but I really did not know the guy as well as I should have.  I missed the opportunities to get to know this amazing person, who was loved and appreciated by all those around him.  I would guess that Kathy was the luckiest of us all,  If someone ever tells you that you can't miss what you didn't know, tell them that they are incredibly wrong.

 

I hope my two boys, who loved their Uncle Bud and who surely saw the man that I missed, will remember to love and cherish each other, even if one hates the other tomorrow.

 

We all miss you with a smile and a few regrets.

 

Tom

From Marguerite Nassar

To all who loved Bud,

I know I am late with these reflections but I am without my daughter this weekend and can finally write.

The first word I think of when I think of Bud is “stable”.  He brought a groundedness to meetings  I attended with him. Maybe it was his deep, earthy laugh but I know that Bud’s mere presence, along with his outside-the-box thinking, urged a group quietly forward.

When I joined CCP in its second year, I have to admit that Bud could be a bit intimidating. But soon, we became friends and he was chatting over lunch at the Bellevue Club about how much he loved Kathy and his humanity shown though.

Bud was a friend I could count on. When I came into a wine collection, Bud not only stored it, he organized it and took inventory countless times as I attempted to sell it. He took ownership of the wine, I believe, because he knew how much I needed the assistance. He was there to help and I will always remember that.

My favorite memory further illustrates Bud’s great humanity.  Recently, after I had joined him in the world of the disabled, I recall Bud trying to help me transfer from the passenger seat to the driver’s seat in my van – no easy task when your legs don’t work. He had me lie down across both seats, put my arms over my head and then he opened the driver’s door and pulled. It was messy but it worked. We both broke into laughter. This was the last time I saw Bud and it will always be my fondest memory of him.                                                                          

Marguerite

From Burt Waller

Even though I have not been in touch with Bud for several years, his continuing impact on my professional and personal values remains strong. He was a wise counselor whose insights and moxy were amazing. His partnership with Kathy yielded much good for many individuals and organizations. His flame burned brightly and all too briefly. Bud, we will miss you!

From Louise Carnachan

Bud and I sporadically wandered in out of each other's lives over the course of 30 years. Not surprisingly, many of our gatherings revolved around food. I first met Bud about 1980 at a dinner with Group Health friends at the Italian Spaghetti House on Lake City Way. A meal at Le Lapin on 45th introduced me to Kathy (with whom I've had many a Thai lunch).

Fast forward to many years later when Bud, Kathy and I joined efforts to write a proposal for a potential client. We worked like maniacs for 3 long days at their home. I brought 3 days' worth of TJ's Low Fat Asian chicken salads for my lunches. Bud took one look at them and pronounced that I was spending way too much money on food I should prepare at home. I thought I was doing admirably well to be eating decent food instead of cheese doodles and ding dongs under the stress and exhaustion- and just when did I have time to prepare food?! Of course at the conclusion of every day, Kathy somehow managed to prepare a fabulous meal for us and Bud would pour the wine. We got to know each other at a much deeper level over those 3 days.

Our last sighting was few months ago, me a guest for the night, Bud the gracious host. I'm glad that my last memory of Bud is of receiving one of those world class hugs of his.

The Celebrating Bud Circles

We held a remembrance celebration of Bud's life and times at dear friend's lovely hilltop home in Fall City. The sun shone, a hawk flew overhead, we told stories, we watched videos of Bud's life and his views of the world. We laughed, cried and enjoyed a wonderful buffet spread that I am quite certain Bud would have visited more than once!

And then, to make the day perfect, the Mariners shut out the Yankees 6-0!


As you can see, Bud's expressed fear that no one would come to a memorial for him, was, indeed, unfounded.

From Bud's sister Anne

Memorial Contributions

Bud was a proud and active member of the Northwest community in many ways. Kathy requests that any memorial donations you wish to make be directed to these food organizations:

www.northwestharvest.org
www.foodlifeline.org

And thank you for all your condolences and well wishes.

From Don Bell

I can't believe I will not get another chance to see that big, round face with the chrubic smile. I cannot believe I will not get another chance to sit next to him and score a Mariner baseball game. I can't believe I will not get another chance to hear that bellicose laugh and see that twinkle in his eye. I can't believe I will not get another chance to eat the grilled king salmon, done to perfection at the hands of the master.

Bud, I also miss you for all these reasons and so many more. We met 34 years ago as empoyees of Group Health.

I remember our guitly pleasure in deliberately eating lunch in the GHC cafeteria during the hour everyday when it was off-limits to everyone but the docs.

 I remember talking about the philosophies of the quality improvement gurus for many hours.

 I remember standing by your hospital bed as you spoke blithely of surgery you had just surviived as the slice  and dice."

 I remember the countless hours of baseball games. In April it was "anything is posssible." But in too many Augusts it was "wait til next year."

I remember the day you and Bob led an Appreciative Inquiry for my school in my first three months as Dean.

I remember your "Charlie Brown" sense of humor.

I remember your great  ability to organize the Baseball Boyz.

I remember a 34 year friendship.

Thanks for memories, my  dear friend.

Don Bell

From Benita Horn

Celebrating Bud

I anticipate his entrance into the room.

The doorway is empty one moment and filled the next,

With his grouchy yet inviting bear of a demeanor,

That fails to conceal his warmth, caring, curiosity,

And the mischievous twinkle in his eye.

His deep and hearty voice projects a greeting.

His arms extend and envelope me in one of

The most satisfyingly authentic hugs

That I have received in my entire life.

Bud is in the house!

We verbally engage in our customarily complex communication.

A mixture of fact, history, myth, challenge, 

And the sheer enjoyment of pulling each other’s chains.

Humor and reflective inquiry and opinionated advocacy,

All blended together in a concert.

His voice so deep and rich

That it will resonate forever in my soul.

His presence so commanding and impossible to ignore.

Bud is my friend, my brother, an empathetic listener,

Who dependably will call me on my stuff.

Few leave the legacy that he has gifted to each of us.

Full, uncompromising enjoyment of life;

His model of true love, partnership and loyalty,

The poignant memories of time shared with a true friend.

I celebrate Bud and am forever blessed by his spirit.

Benita Rodriguez Horn

August 20, 2010

From Jane Daily

Bud first challenged me to think differently 26 years ago.  So on my best and even mediocre days, I celebrate that conversation in the Rainy City Grill.  He drew all over the paper tablecloth as we talked of Deming and changing organizations.  It's as vivid as yesterday as are subsequent times discussing interviewing and yes, even baseball.  Because of Bud, I have thought differently, laughed more, and lead more effectively. Some memories are:
Bud calmly causing a group of warring cardiologists to actually listen to each other.
Bud appreciating TN "chili and chips" and introducing a group there to Copper River salmon Orion style.
Encouraging Anne and me in Pecos.
Loving Kathy in a look. 
Never quite understanding "clothes as entertainment".
Sitting in his favorite chair and talking about...baseball.
Having faith in me when I did not.
And oh so clearly, teaching me that wherever I am from WA to ME to GA , crisis really can mean incredible opportunity!
Whenever I can impart those same lessons to others, I celebrate Bud.

From Jennifer Potter

Bud worked with the Goodwill Games executive team on management issues during our two year sprint from 1988 to 1990.  He was a huge help to me as I undertook the biggest and scariest job I had had to date—and his words have stayed with me through the intervening 20 years.  He would start team sessions by asking “what do you hope for and what are you afraid of?” as a way to smoke out our innermost thoughts.  He also said “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got” as a way to move people out of familiar territory and into unfamiliar.  I haven’t seen Bud and Kathy in recent years, but Kathy, my thoughts are with you.  You were a very special couple and I’m sorry we didn’t have more time together.  I hope your wonderful memories of Bud will bring you a measure of comfort.  I send my deepest sympathy.

From Margaret Woodruff

Celebrating Bob Woodruff's birthday.

From Jeff Blancett

For Bud

One measure of how you spend your time is what you remember. If that’s the case, I spent a lot of time with Bud—all of it makes me smile.

·       Watching him beat back the dreaded “swine flu epidemic” of 1977

·       The beer he handed me as I crossed the finish line of the 1977 Seattle Marathon

·       His mother, him, me, and a few of our equally inebriated friends serenading West Seattle from my deck with “those wedding bells are breakin’ up that old gang of mine” early (2 am) the morning of my wedding

·       Sunday bike excursions from Marymoor to Ste. Michelle, long picnics, slightly harder to navigate rides back to Marymoor

·       Bud—the diamond merchant

·       His incredulity around the fact that an incredible California babe really liked him

·       His astonishment that she married him

·       Late dinners—lots of wine

·       His face and Kathy’s through the window of the newborn nursery a few minutes after the birth of my first daughter, Molly—exactly 28 years ago last Sunday

·       The bird he flipped me when I told him to get off his ass and take a walk with me a few days after his open heart surgery

·       Late dinners—lots of wine

·       His work with the HealthPlus staff, attempting to undo the damage I’d done as a “wet behind the ears” CEO

·       His careful probing about what I was doing with my life—questions like “Jeff, what the fuck are you doing with your life?”

·       Sonics games—watching the crowd, attaching nicknames to colorful fans, scoring (like in ice skating) the Sonics cheerleaders’ routines, leading our section in taunts and other unsportsmanlike behavior

·       Thanksgivings at their house as an orphaned 50 year old

·       Emails galore—all funny

Bud was a rock for me—always there, always in my corner, always a friend, despite my “prodigal son-like” behavior. I’ll miss that and I’ll miss him.

From Michele McNickle

A gentle giant stirred the woods.


Stirred my heart, my mind, my passion all the same

with wise words, compelling questions and quick wit

constantly challenging the edge of forest

and discovering new paths to meadows full of flower

leaving his trail in the sunlight playfully inviting you forward –

if you dare.



I first met Bud when he graciously volunteered to be on my degree committee as part of my Master’s program (he was referred by his lively co-baseball loving sidekick Bob Woodruff). When I first met Bud I thought, “gentle giant.” We’ll, I got the giant part right! My deepest gratitude to you Bud for leaving an indelible mark on me and in this world with your ability to challenge, to laugh, to risk, to inquire, to create and to appreciate. You are missed and have touched many.

From Jean Singer

NO ONE…yes….NO ONE grills a slab of salmon like Bud…light, moist, tender, tasty, scrumptious…done with such finesse, all in the course of you being completely engaged in an easy, on-going conversation about ANY topic.  Here’s to that light touch – big impact that was my experience of Bud!

From Mary Dispenza

I had the joy of sitting with Bud while we discussed what made a good photo. He had just returned from trip with Kathy. There had been a mountain fire and he had captured some beautiful shots of the fury - the reds and oranges so vibrant in color. It was as if the color awakened his soul. He knew beauty.

From Jolie Frank, New York, NY

ANNE,  I was shocked and so sad to hear about your brother... my thoughts are with you and your family.

Jolie

From Kathryn Yates, Evanston, IL

Anne and I went to Bud and Kathy's a few years ago and mooched a great dinner. I remember how quietly happy the two of them were and how Bud chortled at dinner when he pulled out a list of jokes and started reading them through (all of them!). It was fun - baseball and roses were also discussed - and after Bud settled into his favorite chair and things were pleasantly quiet.

From sister Judy Orr Ellcome

Even though we always said Mom liked Buddy best - being the first born and all, he was the big brother who was always there for you, no matter what.  Living on opposite coasts made no difference, when you needed him, he would appear.  So very, very much like his father - quiet, a man of few words, but when spoken words were well chosen and meaningful.
When I went off to college, Bud made sure I learned how to drink beer, as mixed drinks were too expensive for college students.  When I got married to an Englishman, of all things, Bud was best man and tried to get Davey to cut his hair (it was the 60's and the Beatles were in) and to get a pair of sensible shoes - he didn't approve of Davey's brand new Beatle boots.  They took Davey off to Buffalo for the bachelor night and passed him off as the Bills new kicker from England.
This year has been a tough one for the Ellcome/Orrs and we will miss Bud, our head of the family, greatly.  We love you, Bud.  Rest in peace.

Love, 

Sister Judy

From David Jones and Rodney Paul

Here's to you, Bud!  Think clink!

From nephew Nick Orr, Rhode Island

We didn't talk about feelings, or girls, or the news, or stupid things. We talked about the most important thing to us, Baseball, and how the Boston Red Sox will always be better than the Seattle Mariners, and that's all that mattered for us. Love You Uncle Bud, you will always be with me.

From Carol Lee Espy in Pittsburgh, PA

The last time Jim and I saw Bud...we were in Seattle mid 1990's before a concert with Jim's band and we met Bud and Kathy at a Chop Shop for dinner...he was so careful about his health and I'm sure it bought him an extra 20 some years on this planet.
He imparted great wisdom about business to us, Jim of course was fascinated by how much Bud knew...I chalked it up to the fact that all you Orr's are smarty pants...it was a wonderful warm enjoyable meeting on a a very cold and rainy Seattle night.
He had a great smile too. Instant disarming smile.

From Peter Vogt

I remember having the most scrumptious strawberry pie at Bud and Kathy's house, and thinking "I love these people, and I want to be Bud when I grow up." Cool smart, funny, warm -- he was a wonderful guy. Seriously, just one meeting, and I can still recall him -- he is indelible.

From sister Anne

Back in '93-ish Bud and Kathy were so nice to invite me to join them at Pecos River for an executive retreat ropes course week. Here we are after climbing a wall as a team. First and last time Bud or I would ever do THAT!

During our time there, I had particular difficulty with the blindfolded backwards "trust fall" off an eight foot high platform into the arms of a team I really didn't know. Finally Bud, who was part of the team set up to catch me, said, "Anne - this is your brother - I will not drop you and I will not let them drop you." That did it. I knew I could trust Buddy to never let me down.