Thomas “Bud” Gerald Findlay, born in San Francisco, February 2, 1927, died October 17, 2023, at 96 years old.
He was in the Navy from 1943 to 1946 during World War II. Bud was on a destroyer, circling the globe to bring supplies to our troops. He traveled around the world several times in 2 years, eventually returning to his home in San Francisco. Anne and Bud met in 1946, they were married for 57 years.
Bud worked on a Dreger, on the San Francisco Bay, for over 30 years, digging for depth to allow ships to come in.
He and his wife, Anne Hertz Findlay, moved to Deer Lodge in 1991. He volunteered for numerous things in the 30 plus years he lived there. He became an Elks member, helping with dinner, decorations, and seating tables. He and Anne delivered food for the Deer Lodge Senior Center for several years and he helped his wife during her volunteer hospice work. His happiest times were repairing everything and fishing the Clark Fork River.
He is survived by his wife, Anne; his 3 daughters, Lori Gale, Linda Maeding, and Vikki Gentry; his son, Christopher Findlay; his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Memorials in honor of Bud are suggested to Immaculate Conception Church, 605 Clark Str., Deer Lodge, MT., or to a foundation of the donor’s choice.
Funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday October 27, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Church, 605 Clark St. in Deer Lodge. A reception will follow at the Elks Lodge #1737, 230 Main St. in Deer Lodge. Rite of Committal with Military Honors will be held at 3 p.m., following the reception, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Bud.
Axelson funeral and cremation services has been privileged to care for Bud and his family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 27, 2023
Immaculate Conception Church
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Reception
Immediately Following
Friday October 27, 2023
The Elks Lodge #1737
230 Main St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 27, 2023
Immaculate Conception Church
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Reception
Immediately Following
Friday October 27, 2023
The Elks Lodge #1737
230 Main St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59701
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Kyla Maeding says
I remember my Grandpa for his rascally humor and whispered “secrets” – slyly passing me a forbidden cookie as a kid or mumbling an inside joke with a conspiratorial wink as an adult. He was lots of fun. He was also bursting with love and support for all of us. I’m so glad I got to hang out with him in both SF and Montana; I have so many good memories…didn’t he have a Snoopy and Woodstock phone? Anyhow, I’ll remember him with lots of love and a smile.
Lori Gale says
I remember our dad bringing us candy after yelling at us or giving us a spanking, back when that was the normal form of discipline. He was a scary guy when he wanted to be but everyone knew he had a heart of gold. His sense of humor right to the end will be missed.
Jordan Smith, great granddaughter says
Grandpa Bud was always a fun time, either because he’d set up fun adventures for us, like fishing at the cabin or teaching us poker, or have an wild story. HE always felt easy to talk to as kid.
Erick Maeding says
It is hard to narrow down what a blessing it has been to have Grandpa Bud as a grandpa from when I was a kid all the way through memories of him with my kids as a great grandpa. My kids quickly learned that Gpa Bud’s often serious expression hid a big softie. He patiently taught each of my kids how to fish at his Montana cabin and made sure each of them caught a fish. He taught them how to play poker and got a kick out of watching little Sammy turn into a card shark. I think we all loved that his “love language” was to mess with you a little. You had to pay attention to notice it, but he was always looking for ways to make each person enjoy themselves and feel special. His impact on myself and my family, while not as frequent as I would have liked, was a powerful one. We have been, and will continue to be, blessed to have Grandpa Bud in our lives. I know I will think of him every time I play poker or see my kids fish or his 49ers beat my Rams.
The Cochran family says
We are deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Grandpa Bud, but what a life he lived. We will always remember his wicked sense of humor and telling things just as they were. Wishing him peace and hoping he is up there catching some big fish. All of our love to Anne, my mom, Aunt Linda, Aunt Lori and Uncle Christopher.
Chris Findlay says
My fondest memories of Dad were fishing in Montana both around the Deer Lodge area and at the cabin. Working with Dad on the cabin each year was hard but fun to learn with him. He was always supportive of the sports I played in school especially soccer. He taught me a lot about fixing stuff around the house which I have used quite a bit. I believe that he is at peace now, and I happy about that.
Samantha Lotzenhiser, Great Grand Daughter says
One of my favorite Christmases was in Montana to visit Grandpa Bud and Anne. It was my first white Christmas and we had so much fun. I remember Grandpa Bud being fun and mischievous with me as a 12 year old. He gave us a swear jar and we got to collect a quarter from him every time he swore. Leaving that trip I thought I was rich! He taught me how to play poker and I loved it so much he gave me this special poker dealer button that I still have to this day. When I wasn’t playing poker, I got a kick out of being bartender in their den and getting drinks for the adults. I feel so lucky to not have only known my great grandpa, but also have super fun, special memories with him. Rest in peace Grandpa Bud, I love you very much!
Beverly worford says
I have fond memories of my Uncle Bud, we visited him and Anne in San Francisco and they took us to the nicest restaurant I had ever been too, I remember having abolone and being amazed at the whole experience. We also enjoyed visits to Montana and the cabin and having great family time. Rest easy Uncle Bud and have a cocktail with Clyde and Frances up there.