WENDELL "BUD" HURLBUT

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Whittier High School

WENDELL HURLBUT Obituary

Hurlbut, Wendell "Bud", passed away quietly at his house in Buena Park, CA, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at age 92. Bud was born in the little town of Watertown, South Dakota on June 13, 1918 to Ray and Emma Hurlbut, and was an only child. The Hurlbut family moved to Whittier, CA where Ray managed a very successful oil tool company. Bud graduated from Whittier High School; he worked at a printing company, ushered at many Hollywood theaters, and was preparing himself for a career in pattern making. Using his skills in woodworking he was employed by Vulltee Aircraft in the highly secret Aircraft development section. While working at the printing company, Bud met a cute young lady in high heels and his heart was smitten. On February 15, 1941 Miss Lucille Steffen and Bud Hurlbut tied the knot and established a home in Whittier, California. Bud is very well known in the amusement industry. He designed and operated the Mine Ride and Timber Mountain Log Ride at world famous Knott's Berry Farm. He designed and built the Castle Park Amusement Park in Riverside, California and is known in the Amusement community for his quality and architectural authenticity. He has manufactured miniature trains for sixty years and has them running in many parts of the world. The operational excellence of his trains is unequalled. His occupation gave him a wonderful sense of fun and happiness. He loved life and lived it well. Service to be held Monday, January 10, 2011, 3:00 pm at Rose Hills Memorial Chapel, Gate #1, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA. Interment at Rose Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orange County Register on Jan. 8, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for WENDELL HURLBUT

14 Entries

Michael "Mangy Mike" Hargis

January 2, 2024

Bud was, technically, my boss, the guy who paid me every week. But he didn't stop there. He quickly became my friend and part of my family. He was the only "boss" I ever had that earned being part of my family.

Michael Hargis

January 2, 2023

Bud was, hands down, the best boss I ever had. You could tell he enjoyed what he was doing and I was made to feel more like he was a fun friend who was paying me to play with his trains. His bubbling personality is missed.

Michael Hargis

January 3, 2021

I worked for Bud on the Mine Ride at Knott's from 1972 until 1979. To this day, I have yet to work for a better boss! Yes, we were his employees, but we were always treated by him more like family. I miss his ebullient nature!

Pam

October 26, 2020

My Grandma use to take us to Knotts all the time. She would go shopping at the clothing stores and she would give my Brother and I each $5.00. We rode the Log Ride over and over till our money was gone.
My husband and I also met Bud at the Castle Park in Riverside where we live. He was one of a kind.

Jim&Linda Pike

January 2, 2020

Bud and Lou were my neighbors in Buena Park until their passing. They both were very friendly and generous people. I can remember them taking walks together, when I was out doing yard work they would always stop and talk. At the time my kids were small , they gave us many rolls of tokens and tickets for golf at Castle Park. We went their one time, Bud took us around and gave us a personal tour of the park, and also of their residence at the park. They were both very nice people and still am very sorry they passed away'

Robert Quirarte

January 19, 2011

Thank u Bud, for the opportunity to be able to work at a place that gave me some of the best years of my life.

Darlene Quirarte

January 18, 2011

Bud you will be missed greatly! I remember when I first met you I just started working at Castle Park in Jan of 1993. I did not know that you were the owner at the time that this happened but I will never forget it. I was a sweeper cleaning up vomit when you tried to help clean it up and I told you "no that was ok I can do it I get paid to do this," and you chuckled. You were never afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.

Estela Landin

January 14, 2011

My husband and I both worked for Mr.Hurlbut at Castle Amusement Park we actually met there. Mr. H was a great boss and he knew how to run an amusement park he was a good honest man he never expected more than he himself was willing to do. I enjoyed his visits he and Lou were real down to earth people who never put on airs. You will be missed by many! R.I.P. Pete and Estela Landin

Annette Schulte

January 10, 2011

God bless him! I worked at Knott's was I was a tenn and remember him everytime I'm on a ride there. He had a great mind and will be missed. Prayers to all, Annette Scholz

January 10, 2011

I worked on the log ride for Bud from 1970 to 1972. A great person and a influence on me.
He is missed.
Mike Choate

Jeannie Lapinskas-Posey

January 10, 2011

I worked for Bud at Castle Park, he was a great boss, friend and mentor. His faith in me, help guide me to create a fab career and life. You have been an inspiration over the last 27 years!

Michael Hargis

January 8, 2011

Worked for Bud from 1972-1979 on the Mine Ride; greatest boss I have ever had! You'll be sorely missed by all who knew you.

January 8, 2011

Bud, to a great man and wonderful neighbor, rest in peace with your beautiful Lou. We will miss you! Jim and Linda Pike

Joanna Velasco

January 8, 2011

Burt, thanks for all the care you put into Knott's Berry Farm. You built memories for others to enjoy. RIP

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