Arthur John Buday, age 94, went to be with his heavenly Father on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 due to complications preceding a stroke. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Helen Mary (Blohm) Buday, in 2014.
Born to Ignatz and Ella (Pallo) Buday in Chicago, IL, on January 27, 1924, Arthur’s family moved to Bendon, MI, at age 3, where he grew up. He lived briefly in Detroit and Chicago during his teenage years. Upon returning to Bendon, his younger brothers grew to think of him as a mentor on the family farm.
After proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, Arthur moved to Muskegon with his own family in 1949 and worked at Continental Motors. To supplement his income, Arthur sold produce from a simple roadside fruitstand at various locations throughout Muskegon County. In 1962, he established his business, O’le Henry Gardens.
Arthur knew how he wanted things done and never feared going above and beyond what was expected. It was a value he encouraged in his children. In 1982, he retired from Continental Motors to continue work at his business.
Arthur had a great love for the outdoors and enjoyed including his grandchildren in his many treks in the woods behind his house where they would often plant saplings and lunch at a campfire. His passion for the outdoors lent to his passion for gardening and the development and sale of his “Surprise” tomato plant and introduction of container gardening to West Michigan. He is also known for his spring bulb decorations on the hillside of O’le Henry Gardens’ on Seaway Drive by the Broadway Avenue overpass; particularly in 2002 he arranged several thousand tulip bulbs in the phrase “GOD LOVES YOU”.
Arthur was dedicated to his Catholic faith and said the rosary with his family every day. As a member of Sacred Heart Church for 66 years, Arthur volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister and taught Catechism for special needs children. He was a passionate and opinionated man who believed in the rights of unborn children and children of special needs.
For many years, he participated in the March for Life in Washington D.C. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Serra Club, the Eagles, and Moose Lodge. For fun, Arthur and Helen loved to polka dance and would attend festivals across the state.
He is remembered by loved ones for his dedication to his faith and family, which he cherished. He was also known for his philanthropy. He is survived by his children Cheryl (John) Meardon of Parker, CO, Julie (Brad) Walker of Spring Lake, Thom (Kathy) of Norton Shores, Tim (Cindy) of Muskegon, Mary (John) Barrett of Norton Shores, Jerry (Therese) of Roosevelt Park, Jeanne (Steve) Kruzona of Norton Shores, and Susie Buday, who lives with family members; as well as his 21 grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan, Jeffrey, Kristina, Jacob, Jessica, Rebecca, Sarah, Amy, Crystal, Katie, Jennifer, Nathan, Benjamin, Elliott, Jeremie, Christopher, Kelly, Stephanie, Jason, Andrew; 26 great-grandchildren, three brothers, and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Right to Life of Michigan, the Special Olympics of Michigan Area 21, or Sacred Heart Catholic Church. VISITATION will take place on Monday, January 21, 2019 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at The Walburn Chapel, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. (231-759-8565) with a Rosary to be prayed at 7:30 p.m. A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (150 E. Summit Ave.
) on Tuesday, Janurary 22, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with an hour viewing prior to Mass, the Rev. Fr. Norm Droski presiding.
Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Please feel free to sign the online guestbook at www. sytsemafh.com.
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