Bud's Bench
a tribute to volunteerism past, present, and future
photo by Sally Passey
More About Bud Abbott
January 26th, 1921 to January 30th, 2019
Bud Abbott - A Life Well-Lived
What do I need to be a good volunteer?
Be reliable and committed to the task.
Proceed as if you were being paid.
Give your gift of service & skills freely knowing you are making a difference in your own community.
Cranbrook Artist, Paul Reimer, was commissioned to create Bud's Bench in May of 2022. Reimer's artwork can be seen in numerous places throughout Cranbrook and the Kootenay region.
The bench was mounted in front of the Studio Stage Door, 11 11th Avenue South, Cranbrook. A celebratory unveiling and dedication event occurred September 10th, 2022. LEARN MORE
"Bud Abbott's Song" written by Douglas Francis Mitchell of Cranbrook, BC.
Guitar and vocals, Douglas Francis Mitchell, Dave Prinn (Cranbrook) and James Neve (Wycliffe), with Randy Marchi (Kimberley) on trombone.
Audio recording produced by James Neve, Neve Media, Wycliffe BC
Video by Murray Hayward, Cranbrook, BC
Barry Coulter, Cranbrook Townsman, provided some historical fact and photos of Bud's life.
Other photos provided by: Elinor Florence, e-KNOW (East Kootenay News Online Weekly, Kimberley Bulletin, Cranbrook Legion Branch #24, Lorraine Hagel, Brian Clarkson, Murray Hayward, Janice Sommerfeld, Louise Abbott and Rod Wilson.
"The Great Train Robbery" performed in 2011 by Bud Abbott and Joel Vinge. Recorded by Joel Vinge.
In the latter months of 2021, multiple partners embarked on a new project fittingly named “Bud’s Bench” to pay tribute to volunteerism past, present and future. In 2022, their efforts were realized.
Mr. Bud Abbott set the example of what one person can do to make a community better by volunteering.
With the blessing of the Abbott family, a modern art public bench, with room for at least 2 adults to sit beside ‘Bud’, was designed and created by local artist Paul Reimer. The bench is six feet in length with a galvanized gray finish and a contrasting black cast iron life-sized outline representation of Bud playing his trombone.
This attractive bench, a symbol to proudly mark the many accomplishments of volunteers, enriches the City-owned property known as the Studio Stage Door heritage building with a contemporary element, and is destined to become a popular place for photos, arouse cultural curiosity and inspire others to volunteer.
Project Lead:
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Cranbrook Community Theatre Society, represented by Peter Schalk, President
Supporting Partners:
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Cranbrook & District Arts Council, represented by Yvonne Vigne, President
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Key City Theatre Society, represented by Galen Olstead, Managing Director
Contributing Partners:
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City of Cranbrook, represented by Councilor Ron Popoff
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Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce, Represented by Helen Baron, Executive Director
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Rotary Club of Cranbrook, represented by Leanne Jensen
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Regional District of East Kootenay, Electoral Area C, represented by Director Rob Gay
Additional Funding Partners:
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East Kootenay Community Credit Union
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Community Foundations of the Kootenay Rockies
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Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club
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Interior Trophies & Engraving (Interior Sports)
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Volunteer Opportunities
Add a volunteer organization to this list by contacting us.
250-426-2490
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