Lawrence 'Bud' Joseph Ring, 79
Lawrence "Bud" Joseph Ring died Jan. 23, 2009, in Spokane. He was 79 years old at his time of death. Bud was born June 28, 1929, to Walter and Eva (Campbell) Ring in Edmonton, Alberta. During Bud's early teenage years, he worked alongside his mother, who was a well-known trainer/jockey, at the local horse-race track, training horses and occasionally racing horses as a jockey.
He immigrated to the U.S. at age 16, making his home in Kalispell, where he met his future wife, Florence DiGiovanni.
He served in the U.S. Army, earning his honor as a U.S. veteran, and became a naturalized citizen.
Bud married the love of his life, Florence, on Nov. 12, 1955. They later moved with their family of five children to Spokane in 1972.
Bud's lifelong career was as a journeyman lineman, building power lines throughout the Northwest and Northern California. He was a proud member of IBEW 77 for more than 55 years.
Bud is remembered as a great storyteller. He loved to take his sons elk hunting in Montana. Many summer days were spent on Bud's boat, the Lucky 7, with family and friends.
After retirement, gardening and lawn care were his hobbies, prizing his tomatoes and raspberries. Bull riding and horse racing were his favorite TV programs to watch. Bud's sweet infectious smile and humor will be forever cherished in our hearts.
He is survived by his five children and their spouses, Jay, Thomas and Terri, Donald and Debby, James and Sherry, and Susan. He has 10 grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Annie Mae; and his wife, Florence, in 2005.
The family would like to thank the staff of Clare Bridge and Hospice for the wonderful care and love shown to him.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Jan. 29, at Hazen and Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 1306 N. Pines Road, in Spokane Valley, Wash.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell.
A tribute fund has been set up for the Inland Northwest Chapter of Alzheimer's Association at http://act.alz.org/goto/ring; 910 W. Fifth Ave., Suite 256, Spokane, WA 99204.