Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
4061 North Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Ralph Bentley Obituary
Bud was born in Portland, Oregon to Ralph and Leah Bentley. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a Master's Degree in Public Administration. His long career began in Oregon and continued in Florida. He was the Assistant City Manager of the City of West Palm Beach and the City of Fort Lauderdale and recently retired as Town Manager of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. He will always be remembered for his kindness, fairness, generosity, and honesty.
Bud is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Kim Rohrs Bentley, daughter Brin Graham (Rob), three grandchildren (Jeff, Camden, and Caroline), sister Linda Antonelli, nephew (Aaron), three sisters-in-law (Susan, Cheryl, and Robin), and his constant and beloved companion, Abbey. He was predeceased in death by his parents Ralph and Leah and his Aunts Doris and Fonda. Bud's proudest accomplishment and lasting legacy will always be his family.
Bud was an avid reader and an enthusiastic golfer. But his trips to Costco were his weekly highlight. Bud was truly one of the good guys and knowing him has been a blessing for so many. The outpouring of love and support from friends and family is a testament to the character of Bud. Thank you to all the friends, neighbors, and co-workers who helped to ease the suffering of the family.
In light of the pandemic, the family does not want to put our friends and family at risk for a gathering. If you would like to share a memory with the family, please visit Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home online.
Memorial contributions in Bud's name may be made to:
Broward Partnership at bphi.org
Women in Distress at womenindistress.org
Humane Society of Broward County at humanebroward.com
"Your presence we miss, your memories we treasure; Loving you always, forgetting you never."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Bentley
Scott Chambers, Mount Hood Parkdale, Oregon
February 25, 2024
Growing up Buddy Bentley was my best friend. We attended Frankton School grades 1st through 3rd, and then Barrett School grades 4th through 6th both in Hood River, OR. His family moved to Vancouver, WA the summer between 6th and 7th grade. He would have graduated from Wy'East High School in 1969 if he wouldn't have moved. I believe he graduated from Hudson's Bay High School in Vancouver, WA in 1969. Twice during the high school years he came back to Hood River and visited with me and stayed at my house. I'll always remember he had a Plymouth Road Runner. We were in Cub Scouts together. I stayed at his house a lot of times as kids. His mom had a sewing room in the basement of his house and she sewed us a flag that we flew over our fort, and I still have this flag. Where their house used to be is on the edge of a golf course today. I tried to look him up about 1970 in Portland, OR and couldn't find him. I remember his sister Linda she was a couple of years older than we were. I always wondered what happened to him. I'm sorry for the family's loss. Scott Chambers, Mount Hood Parkdale, Oregon
Ginny Miller
June 6, 2022
Two years without Bud is two years too long. Tom & I speak of Kim & Bud often and remember great times together.
The best to you, Kim, to Abbey and your family.
With love,
Ginny & Tom
Steven Fett
October 28, 2021
I worked with Bud in LBTS as an architect involved in a downtown project. I gained respect for Bud early and often in the process. He was a kind and respectful person and I was fortunate to have known him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Kim Cavendish
September 22, 2021
Kim, Please accept this very belated note of condolence and sympathy. I always enjoyed seeing you and Bud at our museum events -- he always seemed so relaxed and friendly. I could readily see that the two of you belonged together. I could see the twinkle in his eye. People used to tell me that time would heal, and though I cannot say that is true, one does learn to live with it better with each passing year, somehow. I know how well-loved you are in the Broward community, and I hope that those friendships help to sustain you. With sympathy and friendship, Kim Cavendish
Dick Clark
June 6, 2021
Ralph "Bud" Bentley was one of those people who live his life in the service of others. He was honest, defined by his integrity and humility, and driven by his mission to make a difference in entire communities. Always gracious, his word represented the truth. He served two communities in which I was privileged to have a leadership role: Fort Lauderdale and Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. While he provided strong and dedicated leadership where ever he served, he was consistent in his belief in developing his team, any Commission under which he served, as well of the citizens of his community. He will be remembered with dignity and respect. He legacy will be celebrated for years forward. He will be missed.
ANNE SALLEE
July 7, 2020
I met Bud when I was just beginning to get involved in my new community of Oakland Park. I learned SO much from him as an interested and involved resident. He was caring, informative and so willing to help. Our cities were fortunate to have him on the team. He will be greatly missed.
Ed Hill and Family
June 19, 2020
Aunt Kim, Im so sorry that Uncle Bud is gone. He was such a warm and lovable guy. Even though we would go many years between in-person visits, I always felt like I could give him a hug when I saw him. Thirty years ago, he was cool with my hair. Years later, he was giving me career advice and answering questions for my business law class. He always had time for you. I love you, Aunt Kim and Uncle Bud
Kareen Boutros
June 19, 2020
Kim - May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I hope all your wonderful memories of Bud comfort you at this very difficult time. Sending you lots of love and hugs,
Kareen
John Miller
June 19, 2020
Kim-
We are so sad to hear of Bud's passing. Our thoughts and love are with you and the whole Bentley family.
Cynthia Geesey
June 17, 2020
I lived in LBTS for 60 years, and working with Bud on the many projects and organization with which I was involved was a true pleasure. As a Town Manager, he was an inspiration, as was Laura Ward before him. When I ran the local newspaper and would frequently criticize some individuals at Town meetings, he once told me that he "quaked in my boots" when I approached the microphone to speak, in case he was the object of my discontent. To the contrary, he kept LBTS professional and proud at all times. Condolences and prayers to the family he loved so much.
Rich Huggins
June 16, 2020
Knowing Bud for 45 years, it was a great pleasure to watch him mature into such an admirable man. He was one of the most dedicated Public Servants Ive known, with extensive experience he brought to bear to benefit of his communities. He dove into technology early on, deeply knowledgeable of both governmental software & hardware. An enthusiasm he brought to his personal life, keeping on the bleeding edge of all home technology. He was our TechnoMan.
His charming, entertaining family was his great pride and joy. I received innumerable delighted observations of wife, daughter, sister and all the various extensions.
A voracious reader with broad tastes, I got enthused weekend calls on his latest Great Read, while he was at a favorite Dog Park, Beach, 19th Hole, or Costco. Kind, humorous, and self-effacing, he was a great companion on Road Trips. Ill sorely miss virtually bantering with Budley and his old buddy Stan across the corners of our nation.
Linda Logue
June 16, 2020
Dear Kim and family,
When I became friends with Linda I became friends with the family. So, having known Bud since the 60's there are many memories. One of my favorite was a time when I had gone to their home for a slice of huckleberry pie that Leah had just taken out of the oven. When I asked where Bud was we went to the basement and there he was, ironing his shirt for the date he was going on. Always a sharp dresser,he liked to be very helpful and independent.
When he came to town to visit, I always made an effort to see him, even for a short visit.
I feel blessed to have known him, he was truly a great and gentle man.
Kim, may God bless you and the family with comfort and peace. May memories sooth your soul. Know that you are loved and wished the best. Bud will be remembered forever.
Hugs,
Linda Logue
Betty Williams
June 16, 2020
Kim, so very sorry for your incredible loss, and in fact, a loss to this community. I never got to know Bud that well, but I could see that he cared deeply about you and about everyone who were lucky enuf to have their paths crossed with him. Praying that your God will comfort you and wrap his arms around you. Much Love.
Shane Hannafey
June 16, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear about Bud. I didn't know him very well, but anytime I was able to spend with him was a joy. The Hannafeys send you and your family love. We'll be thinking of you and praying for you.
Barbara Witte
June 16, 2020
My deepest condolences to Kim and the rest of the family. This news comes as a terrible shock and my heart goes out to you. I pray you find comfort in wonderful memories In the days ahead. So very, very sorry, Kim. Sending a big hug.
Linda Stepenovitch
June 15, 2020
Dear Kim, I cant stop thinking about you and what you must be going through. Please know that we are praying for you and your family. The limited time that I spent with Bud I found him to be a wonderful, kind and special person and he will be terribly missed. My prayers are with you both.
Susan Miller
June 15, 2020
Dear Kim, Brin and Linda ~ Our hearts are breaking for the loss of this wonderful man. I'll never forget the hug from Bud on the morning my father passed away. It was full of love and comfort. We really enjoyed the time Bud took us to the Fort Lauderdale beach. He enthusiastically and proudly showed us all the new improvements. We were lucky to know Bud and will miss him forever. Lots of love to you.
Susan and Gary Miller
Patty Navarro
June 15, 2020
Bud was always such a kind man. His smile and gentleness was so warm and inviting. My love and prayers go out to Kim and family. May he rest in peace.
Marc Spoto
June 15, 2020
I will always remember Bud's smile. He was filled with kindness, a good heart and provided comfort and joy to so many people. My love and thoughts to Kim and her entire family.
John Silvester
June 14, 2020
We'll miss you Bud, going to Costco today, I'll be thinking of you the whole time.
Wendy Frank
June 14, 2020
I heard recently about Buds health and sad to hear of his passing. Having served on the Lauderdale Harbors Improvement Association board together years back gave me the opportunity to get to know a beautiful man.
Love and sympathy to his family.
Wendy Frank
Susan foley.
June 13, 2020
Bud and Kim were our racquetball and secret date buddies back in the 80s. Through the years I would see him and I always smile as he always had a smile too. He was gentle, wise, kind and is loved and valued by so many. Sending sweet hugs to Kim and Brin and the family. Bud is one of the good ones.
Katie Foster
June 13, 2020
My prayers are with Bud and his family. We were all blessed and enriched by the time this kind, considerate and loving man spent with us on this earth.
Derek and Janet
June 13, 2020
My friend Bud was without question a true wise, gentle, thoughtful, and caring man to all who crossed paths with him.
While I only got to enjoy being a friend of Bud for what now feels an all too short 5 or 6 years - I agree its simple just to say he was one of the good guys.
You know the type:- The type that one who can be relied on to tell you when you are being daft, to calm you when you are spiralling so you focus on what is important, and if he saw you struggling with absolutely anything- would always offer to help and just be there for you. Generosity that had no limit, and in Janets words- what a handsome man to go along with it!
The world around us is a little less full today without him, but a life well lived.
He will be missed.
Many hugs and thoughts go out to Kim and family.
Jim & Donna DeChant
June 13, 2020
Kim, were sorry to hear this news. Many prayers for your hearts to mend with memories and laughter of Bud.
Kim Fields
June 13, 2020
We are so sad to hear of Buds passing...a life too short but well lived. The love you shared will always remain. Sending love and prayers for your strength and healing. Kim Fields and Glenn Miller
Jodie Siegel
June 12, 2020
I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Bud over the years. He was always very kind, honest and always tried to make things as easy as possible for both of us. We always had great conversations about his family and dogs. I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to his wife and family.
Jillian Krueger Printz
June 12, 2020
I will miss this most kind, gentle, smart, generous and caring man. He was so lucky to have Kim at his side, and he knew that. I know that he is in heaven watching over her. He would not want her to face this alone.
Wayne Jessup
June 12, 2020
Most of my interactions with Bud were at Egg N You breakfasts on Fridays for something like ten or fifteen years. He was either early or late and always got his own cup of coffee, until gradually Joy (our waitress) came to expect everyone in our group to get their own coffee, and chastising those of us (me) who did not. The best and often the funniest exchanges were the nuanced legal discussions between Bud and Bob Dunckel, which one or the other would turn into long, drawn out stories. Always a hint of a smile when Bud told a joke that took a moment for the rest of us to get. He was smart, caring, engaging and fun. Bud was the best of good guys.
Eugenia Duncan Ellis
June 12, 2020
Over the many years that I knew and worked with Bud, there are so many nice thing I can say - generous, kind, thoughtful, smart, creative and dependable. Loved his wife and family and always had a quick word and smile for all. He was a very good man.
Debra Towsley
June 12, 2020
Such good memories having the opportunity to hang with Bud and his sister in law, Robin, when he came to Fort Lauderdale. It was like having a new family member. My deepest condolences to his wife Kim. He was one in a million and will be so missed by everyone he touched.
Debra Towsley,
Family friend.
Jack Latona
June 12, 2020
First class in every way,personally and professionally. My condolences to Kim and the family.
Barbara Cole
June 12, 2020
I was so sorry to hear that our former Town Manager Bud Bentley passed away.
He will long be remembered with all recalling and retelling his major role along with Connie Hoffman in revitalizing LBTS upon their arrival as the dynamic duo this town sorely needed in 2010!
They introduced and initiated a recovery in every aspect of our town along with a newly elected ambitious commission that hit the ground running after years of decline inside and outside of town Hall.
Once Connie retired Bud carried the baton even farther making sure along with changes in staff and dais members to ensure and cement LBTS as a town to be revered as well as a town for other towns to aspire to become.
His sudden passing is a shock for sure but for me I will see him often in every corner of our special town due to knowing how much he loved it and how much I know that love and commitment lives on !
Barbara Cole
Terry Sharp
June 12, 2020
He was a good supervisor and friend. Enjoyed the years with the City of Fort Lauderdale and breakfasts at Egg and You. He was always sharing about his family, his dog, golf, and the newest book he was listening.
Beth Brady
June 12, 2020
Dear Kim and the whole Bentley family - we are all so heart broken in the Brady house. We all loved Bud. He was always so kind and generous to our family With his time, kindness and his Costco treasures and treats . Our family feels so blessed to have known him. He was truly one of the good guys! He will always be remembered in our hearts. Kim, Im so sorry. We are here for you and Abby.
All our love,
The Brady Family
Stan Ford
June 12, 2020
Kim, Brin & family,
I had no idea when Bud hired me that I would look back and realize the influence he had on my career and me personally (second only to my father). He was a great person to his core. The most ethical and honorable person I had the pleasure to work with.
In the 30+ years since that time, we became friends. It has been my honor for him to be part of my life. I will never forget him. Our regular "exchanges," along with Rich was something I looked forward to and will miss. Life will not be the same but he will always be in my heart.
I wish all of you the best.
Carolyn Michaels
June 12, 2020
dearest Kim and family. I was heartbroken to learn of the passing of your beloved BUD and who will live in your hearts forever. He was truly one of a kind. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and in your need as you grieve your loss.
Kimberly Agnello
June 12, 2020
To Kim and the Bentley family,
May God bless and comfort you as you mourn the loss of Bud. He was a such a wonderful and kind man. We will all miss him terribly. I hope the memories you have with him surround you with so much love.
Barbara Cole
June 12, 2020
I was so sorry to hear that our former Town Manager Bud Bentley passed away yesterday.
He will long be remembered with all recalling and retelling his major role along with Connie Hoffman in revitalizing LBTS upon their arrival as the dynamic duo this town sorely needed in 2010!
They introduced and initiated a recovery in every aspect of our town along with a newly elected ambitious commission that hit the ground running after years of decline inside and outside of town Hall.
Once Connie retired Bud carried the baton even farther making sure along with changes in staff and dais members to ensure and cement LBTS as a town to be revered as well as a town for other towns to aspire to become.
His sudden passing is a shock for sure but for me I will see him often in every corner of our special town due to knowing how much he loved it and how much I know that love and commitment lives on !
Barbara Cole
Nicki Grossman
June 12, 2020
Mel and I join Bud and Kims family and many friends in mourning the loss of this fine gentleman. Always a smile and always a solution to the many problems he addressed. We pray that Buds memory will be a blessing and comfort to his wonderful family.
Fondly, Mel and Nicki Grossman
Lee and Sher
June 12, 2020
You were a GREAT friend and golfing buddy. Saturday mornings will not be the same without you. Dinners and boat trips with the four of us were special. Costco stock dropped over two percent yesterday. You will be missed!
Ginny Miller
June 12, 2020
Bud & Kim have been a part of our lives for 30 years. As a couple they were always great company - traveling together, enjoying regular dinners out with the A Group, good times in the NC mountains, golf and just hanging. (Bud was the designated driver on the mountain roads!).
Professionally Tom could consult with Bud - he was so knowledgeable about all city regs - the can & cants.
Our doggies were always friends...the Bentley dogs always the boss!
A life too short but so very well lived. It was an honor to know him.
Ginny & Tom Miller
Phyllis Bard
June 12, 2020
Kim and family I am so sorry for your loss.
Phyllis & Bruce Bard
Elizabeth V Holt
June 11, 2020
Bud truly was "one of the best", as I discovered during our years working together at the City of Fort Lauderdale. In addition to his professionalism, he was a thoughtful human being & had a great sense of humor.
Richard G. Clark
June 11, 2020
The community was so saddened to learn of the passing of our former town manager of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Those of us who knew and worked with Bud, both in Fort Lauderdale and Lauderdale-By-The-Sea were so privileged to benefit from his genuine and sincere character. He was thorough as an executive, passionate about making a difference every day, and truly exemplified the definition of a servant leader.
Bud treated everyone with respect. He always preferred to pass on credit to others, empowering them to assume their roles with conviction and authority. Likewise, Bud enjoyed the respect and admiration of the Commissions he served, always seeking compromise and unity among his elected bosses.
Bud was an intense listener, however, would also turn discussions into actions.
To his wife, Kim, we send our deepest condolences. Like Bud, since I first met her when she served as the executive of the Greater Plantation Chamber, years after my time in that role, and later years with JM Family she too was committed to public service, together making a huge difference.
Bud will be remembered as a gentleman, one who lived his life to benefit others. He passes into a place of eternal peace. We praise his work and mourn his loss. Rest in peace, my friend.
Showing 1 - 49 of 49 results
Make a Donation
in Ralph Bentley's name
Memorial Events
for Ralph Bentley
Funeral services provided by:
Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home and Cremation Center4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
How to support Ralph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ralph Bentley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
