Neil Arthur "Bud" Bolander

1943 - 2012

Neil Arthur "Bud" Bolander
7/3/1943 - 12/17/2012

Neil Arthur "Bud" Bolander passed away peacefully in his home on the morning of December 17, 2012 with is wife and daughter by his side.
Bud was in construction in Orange County with is older brother for a time while also studying his passion of architecture and design. Bud moved to Auburn in 1975 with his life long friends Bob and Sybil Lemma and started the design/construction firm of Bolander Lemma Associates. Bud and Bob designed and built so many custom homes in the foothills, in addition to remodels and commercial renovation. Though Bud and Bob went on to form their own firms, Bolander Design Associates and Lemma and Sons Construction, they remain best friends to this day.
Bud touched so many lives through his design work and there is no better summation than the actual expression from his dear friends/clients, Don and Linda Wolff Dunton: "Sweat, wood, screws, lights, paint, may all have their place in a project's completion, but it's the vision, the foresight, the knowing not only what the end will become, but how it will touch the heart...that's what makes the difference. You possess an inherent gift many wish for, but few attain, an attribute so unique, it causes dreams to actually come true...and last, and last."
Bud leaves behind his beautiful wife Lezlie of 18 years, his daughter Christa Gempler (Chris) and grandson Connor of Idaho, his son Michael Gabel (Natalie) and grandchildren Taylor, Tagan, Addi, Kennedy and Alexis of Utah. Bud's brother Jack (Dot) of Nevada and his sister Barbara Diane of California. In addition to his many beloved friends Bud was also very close to Lezlie's mom and dad, Joe and Lyn Sloan, and her grandma, Ann Padersen.
Bud's sense of humor was second to none and in addition to entertaining his family and friends he endeared all of his medical care givers over the years as well! Bud was so loved. He was an amazing man who lived an amazing life. Bud was a party waiting to happen and will be so missed. As our dear Brother Bill said, "...nothing will ever be the same."
A celebration of life will be held for Bud on January 12, 2013 at 1 p.m. at Unity in the Gold Country, 800 Cambridge Court, in Grass Valley. This was not just Bud's church home but also one of his design creations and we will be proud to have you share it with us. This will be followed by a casual gathering of love and friendship at their home, 12501 Quail Meadow Drive, Auburn.