Martin L. Eckert

My heart is heavy as I just learned of the passing of this wonderful friend. I met Bud over 30 years ago, as he admired my artwork in Fur-Fish-Game magazine. We started looking for each other at the trappers rendezvous and would sit and talk about famous trappers of the past. My wife Julie and I always looked forward to a sack of his apple pancake flour and his maple syrup. I am proud to own one of his black ash baskets, it is a thing of beauty! Enjoy roaming the hills and streams of God's...

Bud was a fixture at the trappers rendezvous. I so enjoyed our friendship, talks and his maple candy. He always had my tin waiting for me. He will be missed greatly. RIP my friend.

Kip

Bud was a unique person, he did what he wanted , when he wanted. All of wish we had that ability to enjoy life so much . He was my moms Irene 1st cousin and all of us who new him, were better off for knowing such a great person . The last of the TRUE Mountain men .

The SPIRIT which the GREAT MYSTERY breathed into Man
Returns to HIM who gave it & after it is freed from the body
It is everywhere & pervades all Nature.l 1911 Charles Eastman
❤

If I could write for you a rainbow, I certainly would. Since I cannot write for you a rainbow, I send my love and caring thoughts. It was better to have known Buddy than never to have known him. Much Love your way. The Corrigan Tribe in oHIo

I met Bud in the 1950s when I came to West Shokan with a ball team from Hurley.The Whispells had moved from WS to Hurley in 1953. Bud was pitching and I don't think I saw the ball and know I didn't hit it. Bud was a friend for many years and I will miss having him there to share his knowledge of the mountains and who lived where back in the 18 hundreds. Bud knew who lived at every old foundation and when they lived there. He used to get a kick out of handing me some old item from the past and...

Buddy was my Dad's oldest friend (Joe Massimo is my Dad). I never tired of hearing his tales of their reckless youth. A particular favorite was the story of Dad going to meet him at the one room schoolhouse and bike over to Colangs (?? -- not sure I have that store name right) after the gas tank explosion that lifted the whole building off its foundation. I'm not sure I have that story right -- I better ask my Dad again soon. And later tales of tagging along with Buddy on his raccoon...

I am so very saddened by this news... we are both so sorry for your loss... It is immeasurable the lives Bud touched and the memories we all made with him... From Dad taking Bonnie for rides, to him being on stilts to insulate our barn/home in West Shokan, to butchering our pigs, to tapping trees and even to taking down trees... Buddy will be missed by many. Rest In Peace, Bud... We will all miss you.

From getting our first frogs for Olive Day over a decade ago to selling handcrafted goods next to him at the last holiday fair--my life is richer from his acquaintance.