Alfred "Bud" Largent

TRAVERSE CITY - Alfred Joseph "Bud" Largent, 85, of Traverse City, passed away on January 29, 2016. Bud was born on June 19, 1930 to the late Alfred J. and Cecilia (Long) Largent in Cadillac. His family moved to Traverse City in 1936. Bud graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1948, the same year he began a 38 year career with Traverse City Light and Power. He began work as a meter reader, studied hard at night while working during the day to earn eventual promotions from lineman to Superintendent of Distribution, a position he held until his retirement in 1986. On June 17, 1950 Bud married the love of his life, Caroline (Weber) at St. Francis Church in Traverse City. Together they raised a beautiful family, sons Ed and Robert and daughters Linda, and Sherri. There are many happy memories of their lives together in the house that Bud built on Kinross street; followed later by much laughter and fun at the cottage he built on Spider Lake. Bud had a lot of interests and hobbies including fixing anything and everything, helping friends and family whenever in need, building, cartooning, camping, hunting, traveling, fishing and square dancing. Bud definitely liked to stay busy. Bud was strong in his faith and was a life long member of St. Francis Catholic Church and honoured to be an Extraordinary Minister and usher. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Boy Scout leader, and many other organizations in a life spent in service to others. Bud held the position of County Commissioner for Grand Traverse County for 12 years. Bud and Caroline wintered in Dade City Florida for 20 years, enjoying the sunshine and new friendships. They were the shuffleboard champs for several years running. Summers were spent on Spider Lake, tinkering, boating, fishing, and swimming. Bud was one of the kindest, loving, most giving men you could ever hope to know. He would do anything to help someone in need. His contagious smile, devious sense of humour, and larger than life presence will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Bud is survived by his wife Caroline, daughter; Sherri (Jeff) DeRushia of Traverse City, son: Edward Largent of Traverse City, son-in-law Carl Stachnik; sisters; Theresa (Jerry) Kuhlman of Traverse City, Joanie Thayer of Traverse City, Barb (Jerry) Brief of Portage and Janet Blake of Maple City, four grandchildren; Dan DeRushia, Corey DeRushia, Toby Stachnik and Kallie Stachnik, as well as three great grandchildren; Lillian Green and Annika and Ella DeRushia. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, his son; Robert Largent, daughter; Linda Stachnik and two brothers; Tom Largent and Jim Largent. Friends are welcome to visit with Bud’s family on Tuesday February 2, 2016 from 4 until 8 p.m. with a rosary being prayed at 7 p.m. at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Bud will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday February 3, 2016 at St. Francis Catholic Church 1025 S Union St, Traverse City, with Fr. Kevin Francis presiding. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to the Mass at church. . A luncheon will immediately follow mass. Bud’s final resting place will be Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Those planning an expression of sympathy may choose to make a memorial contribution to, St. Francis Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Alfred "Bud" Largent

June 19, 1930 - January 29, 2016