Giles Ward Desmond

I loved cousin Buddy. I looked forward to trips to Simsbury as a child to visit Aunt Helen, Buddy, Barb and Helen. Buddy would come visit us in Hatfield especially around blueberry season. Buddy was a gentle soul, tenderhearted and soft spoken. He is missed. Mary (Desmond) Robinson

I worked with Bud for many years at Aetna. He was a trusted friend and mentor. My sincere condolences. Debbie Ullman

Dear Anne and family, I am sorry for the loss of your dad. I remember when we were growing up how much of a great father he was and then working with him for years with Kids for Kids. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Best, Terri "King" Ziemnicki.

My absolute favorite cousin! One of the sweetest man ever born. He and my dad also Giles Desmond, could pick blueberries at a record rate on a good day. My best memories of my childhood were his visits with his sisters and the music that always came with them! And my overnight stays at my Auntie Helen's home. Everyone of the family were amazingly loving people. My condolences to Jim, Ann and Cathy!!

I loved my cousin Buddy!! He taught me how to swim when I was a young child. Showed me how to do the dog paddle. He and Winnie were two of my favorite people. He would come to Hatfield often and some of my favorite memories was driving to Simsbury, CT to see Aunt Helen and family. Summers were small bush blueberry picking with cousin Buddy and my Dad up in Cummington, MA. He was a gentle and kind soul and I will miss him very much. So very sorry to his wife Gail and his surviving children.

Anne, Jimmy and Cathy,

Hello Hello Hello
That is how I will remember your Dad greeting me while growing up. We had some great times from blueberry picking, sledding on the toboggan, watching softball to caroling parties with our families. Will not forget sneaking some of his famous mulled cider at a caroling party (couldn't resist as the whole house smelled of cider). My Nana would say she is your dad's birthday twin even thou they were 24 years apart.

I am truly sorry for...

So sorry to hear that Bud has passed on. Although I never worked directly with Bud at Aetna, I had the pleasure of being his catcher for several years on the Actuarial Softball Team. He was a very crafty pitcher who made his pitches seem easy to hit - until they either dropped down at the last moment or carried enough spin to lead to harmless pop ups or weak grounders. I also remember Bud's great sense of humor and winning smile. I picture Bud having a catch right now with his good friend and...