Avalon Lions Club Members, family and friends of Bud Smith, dedicated the Avalon Lions Club Memorial Plaque to Bud Saturday March 22, at the Airport in the sky.
The plaque is located on the right side of the walkway coming off the tarmac into the Conservancy exhibit area. The bronze plaque features a picture of Bud standing beside a DC-3 at the Airport in the Sky with the following inscription:
Avalon Lions Club Members, family and friends of Bud Smith, dedicated the Avalon Lions Club Memorial Plaque to Bud Saturday March 22, at the Airport in the sky.
The plaque is located on the right side of the walkway coming off the tarmac into the Conservancy exhibit area. The bronze plaque features a picture of Bud standing beside a DC-3 at the Airport in the Sky with the following inscription:
“Bud was born and raised on Catalina Island where he attended Avalon School. From 1943 to 1945 he served as a flight instructor in the US Army Air Corps.
After the war, Bud began a 37-year career as a pilot for United Airlines.
He flew a United DC-3 into the Airport in the Sky on occasion. Bud kept a Cessna 182 at the airport in the Sky to commute to LAX. He was type rated in nine different aircraft, culminating his career as a Captain on a Boeing 747.
Bud’s love for Catalina and interest in politics led him to become involved in Avalon’s City Government. He was the first chairman of the vehicle review Board, served on the Planning Commission, and was acting City Manager.
In addition Bud served on the Avalon City Council for 22 years, 13 years as Avalon’s mayor.
Bud was devoted husband and father. He and his wife, Marie, were married for 65 years. They had 5 children, Thomas, Sheili, Denise, Charmaine and Michael. Bud pursued his lifelong passions for family, flying and Catalina Island to the fullest.
Bud was a man of Catalina Island who, after years of traveling, reminded people that there is no finer place on earth.
This plaque was placed here by the members of the Avalon Lions Club who will always remember Charter Member Bud Smith as one of their own. During the dedication ceremony Bud’s Son, Tom Smith, a retired airline pilot, shared some stories about his Dad as did Roger Meadows, Doug Bombard and Rudy Piltch. Everyone enjoyed a champagne toast to Bud as the plaque was unveiled to the delight of those in attendance.
Thanks to Bobby Machado of the Connolly Pacific Quarry for the selection and donation of the rock. Lion Tom Jordahl for his help with his truck and mounting the plaque on the rock, Lion Jamie Hmielak at CIVR for the champagne, George at the Airport in the Sky for logistical support, The Catalina Conservancy for the location, and the Avalon Lions Club Board of Directors for the financial support.
