Chester F. Budzynski

mrs. bud.

we are sorry for your loss. we all have lost a great man. he will be missed. our prayers are with you.

carl and gayle kucharek

I'm so sorry to hear about Mr Bud. HAVE though about ya'll on and off for years thanx for all that you & him had taught me love & God Bless.

Dear Pat, Becky and Jeff,

It overwelmed me when I heard of Chet's passing. What can I say about a man who was the most incredible educator I have ever worked with? He was a mentor, a role model and a friend. He always asked me "did you get them fixed?", with that smile of his. Although I am a licensed social worker and counselor, this man showed me so many useful things that work in my line of work that I always believed he was truly a Counselor at heart.

We ran in to each other as high school golf coaches last year and had some good laughs about my time at CLHS. He was one of my greatest mentors in my professional career and personal life. What a gift to life he was and still is.

Please know Amy's and my prayers are with you and the beloved community of Central Lake.

Mrs. Bud and family,



On behalf of all the Ricciardi kids that went through CLHS, I wanted to pass on our condolences for the loss of Mr. Bud. He was a great principal, leader and all around good person. We hope the family is holding up well. Take care.

Pat, Becky and Jeff, My heart just sank when my parents called to tell me of the tremendous loss of "Mr. Bud." I spent a long time chatting with my parents about our fond memories of him. I will always remember his kindness, concern and care for all of us at C.L.H.S. He was a leader, a friend a motivator. Someone who made a significant impact on my life! He will truly be missed. We will be praying for your family as you go through this difficult time. Brenda (Clark) Campbell & the Clark Family, Estel, Inez & Terry.

Pat, as I revisited Chet's book, I could not help but be encouraged and uplifted by the entries! What a remarkable man and educator he became....of course, which of us doubted!?!?



I wish we could have been in closer contact through the years, but God had other plans.



You have been in our prayers! If I can be of any assistance to you, please contact me.



Hope you can be at the Class of '66 Reunion in September. It would be great to see you.

Mrs. Bud, Becky, and Jeff:

I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Bud's passing.



The news brought back a lot of memories of Mr. Bud and of CLHS. He touched the life of every single student he had contact with at CLHS. Those times will never be forgotten.



All of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Pat, Susanne and all the family, It is hard on all, I know, Chet being so young. But, God has his plan and with His Love He will give you strength to get through the void that Chet's passing leaves.



I went to school with Chet K-12 and 2 years of College at NMC. We shared rides back and forth to TC with Dan and others from our area. Time has a way of slipping by us and it doesn't seem possible that it has been that long. Love and sympathy to all, Sharon Stark

Dear Pat, Becky and Jeff: Johnathan and I were so sorry to hear about Chet's passing. While many former students have posted, I know that for Johnathan, Chet was mentor, supporter and a great leader. He often spoke of his immense respect for the way in which Chet led the students and staff at CLHS. We hold you close in our prayers and are thankful for the many blessings and happy memories that Chet's life brought to so many.



Becky - Hope you are doing well. Thankfully we're not washing golf carts anymore! God Bless.



Johnathan and Amy Lein

Pat, Becky & Jeff,

If you ever doubt the impact that your husband/dad has had on other people, walk the halls of Central Lake High School and look at the class composites. Look at how many of them include Chet's picture. All of those students, and undoubtedly their parents, have stories and special memories of how "Mr. Bud" touched their lives. I wish we could write those all down for you.

I like to think that our class, the "Class of '74" broke him in!:) He was our class sponsor the first year he came, when we were in 9th grade and he stuck with us all through high school. This in itself is a testimony to Chet's patience and endurance, as I don't think there was another teacher who wanted to spend that much time with us!? He tolerated a LOT of bad jokes and bad behavior!

To be able to have Chet as a colleague and as a principal and coach to my own children has been a blessing. His love of children, his high standards for education, his acceptance of everyone, his "small town boy values" and of course his sense of humor all worked together to do so much for so many.

May you feel God's peace and love in the days ahead. My family and I will keep you in our prayers.

Dear Budzynski family:



Whether it is a memory of endless hours of basketball across the road followed by a jump in the lake or those 'ever knowing eyes' in the hallway I have nothing but positive memories of Mr. Bud. He was a great family man, father figure, coach and leader.



During my senior year, Mr. Bud called me into his office where we proceeded to have what I consider now to be one of those life-changing conversations. Although I was not having any academic difficulties, Mr. Bud shared with me the great concern he had for the direction my life was taking. Although reassuring in tone, he made it very clear that he saw trouble ahead for me if my perspective on life and the way in which I pursued my goals did not change. Mr. Bud stressed to me that academics was only part of the means to an end. To succeed, I needed to be both strong in academics and strong in character. He also told me he would be very disappointed if I failed to live up to my potential. Although this was not the first time someone had shared similar concerns, I truly took it to heart when it came from Mr. Bud's mouth. I had too much respect for him and your family in general to let him continue to worry about my future. Since then, I have worked very hard to live up to his expectations. His words and the lessons taught will never leave me.



If all of us, who's lives he touched, can live to be half as great as Mr. Bud we should feel blessed and priviledged. Central Lake has lost a great leader and friend but his wisdom and guidance will forever walk the halls of CLHS.



Although I never had the chance to say it face to face....Thank you for everything, Mr. Bud; I will not let you down.



The thoughts and prayers of my entire family are with you all.

Chet was not only one of my best friends,he was the best golfing buddy a man could have(even though he took a lot of my money on the course). We had many great times together

He will be missed so very much - he was a good friend and a great coach, both in life (for all of us)as well for the children.

Our hearts and prayers will be with Pat and all of Chet's children.

Mrs. Bud and Becky and Jeff,



Mr. Bud had respect for and from all of his students. He also cared about all of his students while they were in his care at school, and also after they had graduated. When I saw him over the past few years, he seemed genuinely interested and even proud of what I was accomplishing and I know that he had this same reaction to others' accomplishments as well.



He was a wonderful, caring person and as you can see from all of these entries, he will be greatly missed and fondly remembered throughout the country.

As you can see Mr. Bud left a legacy across the United States. This can show you the power of make people feel significant through your involvement can not only change one life but starts a ripple in the generations which carries your purpose through life. I can remember many times that Mr. and Mrs. Bud’s attention to detail in my life have made me a better person today. I in turn have used those values to affect my daughters.



My heart goes out to the family’s loss, but I must say that their loss might be small as they have gained a great deal by the years that he gave them and all of his students. It is now our job to continue his legacy by giving of ourselves as he gave to us.



My Thanks and Love goes out to the Budzynski Family. May God bless and continue to watch over you in this challenging time.



Cary Gallop class of 1986 Central Lake High

Your family is in my thoughts & prayers. Chet was not only courageous in his battle with cancer, but a compassionate & wise collegue to those of us who were fortunate to work with him.

Dear Pat, Becky, Jeff, Julie & Chris-

What a beautiful service today, celebrating the life of a person that, for those who had the pleasure of knowing him, touched us all in some way. Chet's love for his family was shown today through your beautiful words, your tears, and your kindness to others. We have all been blessed. Jeff-many of us today had not thought about the "yellow pad" in years, what a fun way for us to remember your dad!

Love & Prayers to all of you,

Kim, Cecil, Gabrielle & Sydney

Mrs. Bud and family,



I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Bud's passing.



It brought back a flood of memories from my time @ CLHS. Mr. Bud was one of the best in his field and will be greatly missed by all.



My condolences and prayers be with you all.

YOUR FAMILY IS IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. MR. BUD WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.

Mr. Bud left such a legacy at Central Lake High School. To put into words what he did seems impossible. The lives he touched, it's countless. Many of us would not be where we are today or who we are today if it werent for his guidance. He truly cared about all of his students and we all knew it. He fought a hard battle for so long, may be peace with him.

Mrs. Bud, Becky and Jeff- you must be so proud of the life Mr. Bud led. May God bless you all, my thoughts are prayers are with you always.

Love,

Sarah McPherson

Mrs. Bud,

My deepest sympathy for your loss. I remember Mr. Bud during his first two years at CLHS mainly as my track coach. He had a great sense of humor and related well to we students. I remember you, the Larsons, and the Richardsons being new teachers just out of college, bringing a new experience for us at CLHS and giving us role models that were much easier to relate to then the “typical” CLHS teachers of the time.

Dear Budzynski family,

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Bud was a class act, and I just wish that those of us who butted heads with him learned to appreciate his wisdom sooner rather than later. He was a fair and honorable man, and I'm so glad he touched my life. I'm also glad I had the ability to make him giggle, which always shocked the students around at the time, who swore they had never heard him laugh! I will miss hearing that giggle.



May God bless you and keep you during this sad time, and know you are in my heart and prayers.

Hugs,

Mary (Runk) Okas

Dear Mrs. Bud, Becky, and Jeff,



I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences.

I can only say that Mr. Budzynski was a crucial part of many lives as he helped guide us through our High School careers. He will be missed and will always have my sincerest respect and admiration.

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Bud. Its been so long since the last time I saw you two. He meant so much to the Class of "74". Mrs Bud you and your family are in my prayers.

God Bess you



Tim Stott

CLHS (Class of 1974)

Pat,Jeff,Becky- you are in our thoughts and prayers...Just know with the thought that god has a bigger plan for Chet!

He truely cared about his "kids",and was a great friend to those of us he touched! nothing i can say will ease the pain you are feeling now, but with time,you will know! Truely missed he will be. Susan (potts)(kiessel)(pardee) henry and jason and josh kiessel

Mrs. Bud, Jeff and Becky,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Chris Hoag and Margo Davis

THANK YOU, CHET, FOR TAKING CARE OF OUR CHILDREN THROUGH THE HARD YEARS FOR PARENTS. YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN BY ANY OF US. JEANETTE, ALEX, HOWIE, ARRON & KYMBERLY

I will always remember Mr. Bud as much for being a friend as I do for being my principal for 6 years. He had a great way of making a person think, of making them get the most out of themselves. I appreciate all the talks we had over the years and owe a lot to his insight.



My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Budzynski family. We are all better people for knowing Mr. Bud.

Mrs.Bud,Rebecca and Jeff, I am deeply saddened to hear about your loss.Mr. Bud was such a kind,warm man who was a joy to be around.

He is now at peace,and an angel in the sky,please accept my condolences,and God Bless,David Runk

Mrs. Bud, Becky, and Jeff,



As all three of you know, Jason wasn't the greatest student Central Lake ever had pass through its doors, but when he heard that Mr. Bud passed away, his words to me were, "I would never have graduated from high school if it weren't for that man. He wouldn't accept failure from me!" You may never know how many students Mr. Bud touched in this way, but please know there are many of us mourning the brevity of the life of a truly wonderful human being. Whether you were a good student, poor student, committed student, or lost, Mr. Budzinski made you believe in yourself.



Our thoughts are with all three of you, and with the entire community of Central Lake.



Jason, Stephanie, Bridgette, and Brandon Rainey

Mrs. Bud, Beccky & Jeff

How very sorry I am for the loss of Mr.Bud. He was a wonderful man. I hope you find great comfort in all your memories. The community has suffered a great loss and he will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I remember my first day at Central Lake High School - meeting "Mr. Bud" in the hallway. He had those piercing, all-knowing eyes. Those eyes let us know that he was there as both authority and that he turly cared about us. He was a wonderful man. I am so very sorry to hear about your loss.

My thought and prayers are with you all.I feel your loose of a very good and respected man.He is someone that Central Lake Schools and the community will never forget.

Sincerely

Katie Ager(Russell)

Pat, Becky and Jeff,

My sincere, heartflet sorrow is with all of you during this time of loss. I also feel peace in knowing that Chet is finally home where God intendes all of us to be. His pain and suffering is done! God will now guide you through your pain and grief. Whenever I think of Chet, I remember the many fund raisers we did as a Youth Group and how he, and all of you were right there pitching in. We were standing in the kitchen at St. Luke's after one of our "fabulous" pancake breakfasts. Chet and I were doing dishes discussing the pros and cons of having a dishwasher. Chet stated that some of his best times and best conversations were with his kids as they did dishes. Sometimes we don't have to look any further than our kitchen sink for quality time with our loved ones.

Your family has always been special to me in your examples of faith and your togetherness. We all will miss Chet!

Much love, prayers and blessings to you and your family during this time!

Barbie Smith, former HS Youth Minister, St. Lukes

Dear Jeff, Becky and Ma Bud -

Please know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Love, Donnie and Melissa

I only knew Chet through high school sports, working as a basketball referee for Central Lake High School for many years. Our crew always looked forward to our two yearly trips to Central Lake and much of the enjoyment was from seeing Chet. His quiet sense of humor and gruff, no-nonsense style were always refreshing. It was obvious from his interactions with both the students and fans alike that he truly cared for them and was deeply respected in return. He was genuine and a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He will be greatly missed by all. May God bless Chet and all those who loved him.

Dear Pat, Becky, and Jeff,



What do we say when you as a family and we as a community lose such a wonderful man far too early in life?



Chet will be remembered as a person who genuinely cared for each individual whose lives he touched. Even though Chet spent most of his years with Central Lake Public Schools as Middle School and High School Principal, he is not to be remembered as an administrator, but as a master teacher. He was always teaching us how to strive to do our best, to not accept failures but learn from them and be a better person.



The Central Lake area has indeed lost one of its true gems.



We will all dearly miss Chet, for we have been blessed with his presence and have benefited greatly from the living message of his faith.

I will remember Mr. Bud as a great coach and principal. As somebody who was always there to help and lend advice. He has left a lasting impression on so many. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

My heart and prayers are with Mr. Bud's family. It has been years since I have seen either one of you but thinking of the time you spent with us as students seem like yesterday. He was a great teacher and class sponsor.

My sympathy goes out to Patricia, Becky, and Jeff in your time of need. Mr. Bud will not be forgotten, he was a very kind, and genuine man who touched many lives. I will always remember him as a great man who truely cared about his students and their futures. God Bless you in your time of need, and may your love for one another help you through. Thanks Mr. Bud for all you've done.

Jeff,



I am deeply sorry to hear the news. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Please accept my sincere sympathy on your loss. Chet always saw the best in everyone. He treated all with respect and caring. We will miss him.

Pat and family: I have many fond memories of you and Chet, my classmates at MCE. He was a true friend to all, never a "bad word" for anyone, as I recall.



Pat (Kuebler) and my prayers are with you. God is called many things; most appropriately for you right now is "the God of all comfort." (II Cor. 1:3) May you experience His comfort!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in these days ahead. May you cherish and share the many wonderful memories you all have of Chet and celebrate his life.

May you rest in peace Mr.Bud. You were the best princapal I had & a good friend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

As my principal and baseball coach for 4 years, Mr. Bud left an impression on me that will last my life time. He saw the best in everyone and would always help you try and see it yourself. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have wonderful memories of Mr. Bud as a teacher and principal during my years at CL High School!

Pat-Chet was a joy to work with and a joy to know. My thoughts are with you and your children. Love, D'Ann Runk

My heart goes out to you at this time and the days ahead. I have many wonderful memories of my days at Central Lake High School and Mr. Budzynski was a big part of those memories.



Sincerely, Kathleen Turner and Joseph Ross

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Patricia, Becky, and Jeff,

Chet's gift of giving of himself to the Central Lake community was derived from his love of God. Like the Holy Father, Chet's depth of love for others was an abundant water supply whose "cup runneth over" (Ps 23:5). In Chet's life we witnessed a person who stood tall and strong against the storms of life, which was a testament to how we each need to dive deep into the stream of God's love. We are saddened by your deep loss and grieve with you. Often when we feel lost, the words of this song helps us, "I don't know about tomorrow, but I know who holds my hand." God held Chet's hands as he holds each of your's and ours. May God always be with you.

Pat,



My thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family during this difficult time. You have a strong network of support surrounding you, allow them to comfort and care for you now.

Chet was a wonderful, caring and generous man, all who knew him were touched by his genuine thoughtfullness, compassion and humor. He will always be remembered by his former students as great teacher/principal/coach, but also as a fantastic role model, mentor and friend.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Please accept my deepest sympathies.