Albert W. "Bud" Rice

Albert W. "Bud" Rice
March 21, 1925 - November 7, 2013
Resident of Santa Cruz
Long time Santa Cruz resident, Albert W. "Bud" Rice died at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz in the early morning hours of Thursday, November 7. Bud passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He was a very young 88 years!

Born in New York City on March 21, 1925, Bud and his family moved to San Mateo, California for high school. Bud was a WWII veteran, serving in the army for three years before returning to California to attend Stanford University, graduating in 1948 and receiving an MBA in 1950.

While at Stanford, Bud met native Santa Cruzan Saralee Canfield, and they married in 1950. Bud joined his father-in-law, Laurence Canfield, at C.E. Canfield and Son. Bud and Saralee raised four children; Jeffrey Rice, Janet Carnahan, Julie Kadavy and Nancy Bradley.

Bud later married Lisa Cox in 1979, and became the step-father of Nicolette Gordon and Camilla Cox. They were married 29 years until Lisa's death in 2009.

Bud's long involvement in the community included Rotary Club of Santa Cruz since 1954, including serving a term as President. Bud was also a founding member of Cabrillo College and remained an active supporter of the school. Additionally, Bud served on the board of directors at the Santa Cruz Seaside Company for sixty years.

In addition to his passion for Santa Cruz, Bud played tennis until age 85, and enjoyed bridge, politics and socializing. He loved to dance, enjoyed good jazz, and used his quick wit and charm to entertain all. He loved nothing better than morning coffee with "the boys" or a crisp glass of wine with neighbors. In recent years, Bud spent time with his special lady, Robbie Dunton, enjoying much love and laughter together.

Recently, Bud faced a series of medical challenges, which he handled with grace and strength of spirit. He overcame each setback with determination and positive thinking. As a Life Master, he won a duplicate bridge tournament during his last week at home. Bud was a true champion and an inspiration to all! To know him was to delight in the company of a larger than life personality, truly a one-of-a-kind man. He was loved and respected by his family and friends.

In addition to his four children and two step-children, Bud is survived by twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They include grandchildren Karl Rice, Lauren Byrne, Courtney Borus, Scott Carnahan, Annie, Alison John and Lauren Kadavy, Megan Bradley, Ryan, Annika and Ella Gordon. Great-grandchildren Kaden Rice and Reid Borus were the newest delights in Bud's life.

The family sincerely wishes to thank Bud's many friends who assisted him during the last four years. We thank you for the kindness, loving support and patience you provided, along with the countless rides! We especially thank Monica Espinoza for her devoted care.

A "Celebration of Life" service will be held for Bud on December 26, 3:00 pm at the Cocoanut Grove. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Cabrillo College, Hospice of Santa Cruz County or Rotary Club of Santa Cruz.