Merritt E. Lord Jr.

LORD, Jr., Merritt E. (Bud)


On September 25, 2007, a great father, husband, and man entered into the divine mystery. Bud was born October 20, 1928, in San Diego, CA, to Merritt and Ethel Lord. Between these years, he lived his life to the fullest; he completed his journey, after a long battle with declining health, at home in the loving arms of Norma, his wife of 57 years. He fought the good fight right to the very end.

Bud's greatest joys were, first, his adoring family; and he also had a deep love for the outdoors, which he passed on to his children, and was an avid hunter and fisherman as a young man; a cyclist, camper, hiker, and wood-cutter extraordinaire in his later years. He spent many weekends and vacations with his family camping and exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains and Anza- Borrego desert. He was a self-taught World War II history buff, and could hold his own on any topic. Bud always liked a good story and a ribald joke, especially at his own expense; he loved traveling and had countless adventures throughout the western U.S.

Bud and Norma met in junior high and were sweethearts at Sweetwater High School, where he graduated in 1946. He then enlisted in the military and was a proud Fighting Marine, serving in Guam and Okinawa. Bud and Norma later married and raised their family in Chula Vista, CA. He and his dad owned Silver Seal and Model Dairies in the 1950's; he was later employed for many years at SDG&E as a heavy-equipment operator, and also worked weekends at the San Diego Union-Tribune. Upon taking an early retirement in 1981, he and Norma relocated to the northern Califomia town of Pioneer and, along with supportive family members, undertook the lifetime dream of building his own beautiful log home in the mountains.

To be closer to their children, they later moved to South Lake Tahoe, where he was employed by Caesar's Hotel; they moved to Sacramento in 1998.

Bud was all about laughter, love, and a heart as big as the world. He will be so deeply missed by his wife, children, and grandchildren, and by all who knew him over the years. He was a man who befriended people from all backgrounds and beliefs, and would gladly share whatever he had with friends in need.

He is the treasured father of Merritt III (wife, Concha), Marilyn (husband, Doug), and Mark (wife, Debbie) Lord, and Sandy (husband, Joel) Lord-Craig; and is the beloved grandfather of Merritt IV, Spencer, Mackinna, and Emilia. He is also survived by his sisters, Patsy (husband, Jay) Hollister, Ginger Cocklin, and Jackie Westcot; and brother-in-law and best friend, Jack (wife, Betty) Anderson, and many nieces and nephews.

Bud had a zest for life and lived for every minute he was given. His two dearest wishes were to spend, in his old VW bus, a summer in Alaska with his eldest son; and to build our log home. Our good Lord granted his dreams.

At his request, there will be no formal services, and our family will celebrate his life on his birthday weekend. The family would appreciate donations being made in Bud's memory to the SPCA of your choice to honor his many furred and feathered friends, especially his beloved companions, Phoebe and O'Shaughnessey.