Tribute to Bud

FAREWELL BUD!  WE WILL MISS YOU!      


by Susan Tyner

“Bud” the Golden Eagle,  usually seen with his human companion, Martin Tyner,  has left this earthly world to soar among the angels forever.  The West Nile Virus has finally made its way to Southern Utah, including locations where Bud has lived and hunted for the past 15 years. The first symptoms of slight tremors and weakness hit Bud suddenly on Tuesday evening, September 6th, and although treatment began immediately to try to save him, he lost his battle Friday evening September 9, 2005.

Bud , who died at the age of 16 years, has been a member of our community for the past 15 years.  His story is unique and he has touched the lives and hearts of hundreds of  thousands of people in his 15 years of service.

Bud was the first eagle in the United States to be legally trapped for the purpose of falconry and educational purposes.  He was considered  depredation, (a threat to livestock) and was trapped with permits issued to Martin Tyner through the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service,  the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.  Bud was approximately a year of age at this time.

After this sudden change in his life,  Bud soon came to trust his new human companion.  There developed a rare and unique relationship between Man and Eagle, which could easily been seen by just observing the two of them together.

Bud has provided service to not only to our community, Cedar City, but has also been the highlights of educational programs provided regularly throughout all of Utah, and Clark County, Nevada. He has traveled as far as Phoenix, Arizona,  Roswell, New Mexico, El Paso, Texas, and most recently, Cor D’Alene, Idaho, and Augusta, Montana.

Bud was the highlights of the Utah Shakespearean Festival, Green Show, for many years. He assisted in a class taught by Martin Tyner on “The Art and Craft of Medieval Falconry” at Southern Utah University.  He has participated in Cedar City’s  annual Midsummer Renaissance Faire for the last 15 years. Just last winter, Bud was an invited guest of the State of Utah, House of Representatives, whereas, he joined Martin Tyner in receiving a Citation for their unselfish educational service pertaining to birds of prey indigenous to the State of Utah.                     

Bud has become not only a teacher, a symbol and mascot, but an ambassador  for the Southwest Wildlife Foundation,  a non-profit organization created to provide wildlife rescue and rehabilitation to Utah’s native species wildlife and provide wildlife educational programs to the schools, scouts and other organizations. He has appeared at hundreds of schools,  giving thousands of children the opportunity to see a live eagle close up, helping to teach a greater appreciation for our native wildlife and environment.

Bud has appeared at hundreds of Boy Scout Eagle Court’s of Honor where he and Martin compare the superb qualities of an eagle, with that of the eagle scout, commending the Eagle Scout for his accomplishments and challenging him to live up to a life time of high standards.  They have also challenged and inspired many young boys of scouting age to set high goals, including achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

Bud  convinced the new owners of Utah Power, Pacificorp (now Rocky Mountain Power) a few years ago, to donate 22.6  beautiful acres of canyon property on Highway 14  in Cedar City, to the Southwest Wildlife Foundation for the purpose of building a world class wildlife rescue facility and nature center. He inspired a gift of $25,000. from Fred Lampropolous, CEO of  Merit Medical Systems, towards this facility and although Bud is no longer on the earth with us, I am sure he will inspire those that can help to reach our goal of $300,000. for the first phase of this facility to begin construction.

In 15 years, Bud has provided educational programs to more than 300,000 people with the greatest impact and focus on children and scouts.  In his last few of years he has participated in  over a hundred programs a year, reaching well over 20,000 people annually.

He has given his complete love and trust to his best friend and companion, Martin Tyner for 15 years and he has given the most noble service, teaching, and inspiration, to thousands.

   

BUD, YOU HAVE BECOME A MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY, AND OUR COMMUNITY.    YOU HAVE TOUCHED OUR LIVES AND  HEARTS. WE WILL MISS YOU DEARLY.

   

Donations in Bud's Name can be made to:
Southwest Wildlife Foundation
P.O. Box 1907
Cedar City, UT 84721-1907
(435)586-4693

TRIBUTES TO BUD

     "Please, please know how very sorry I am at this news. I cannot, in any way, take away the feelings you are both experiencing, nor can I readily place into words comforting enough my own sadness.

      I will always know Bud as something more than an eagle who I happened to see a couple of times around town. I saw him enough, I think, to feel a special kinship and understand a side of him few were blessed to see. He still soars in my heart.
      I will never forget looking into his eyes and wondering what he thought of this stupid human who stood there, jaw agape, pondering his splendor. He was, perhaps, the most beautiful creature among nature's many beautiful creatures. He had strength, tranquility and, I think, a sense of humor. He also had a sense of place. He knew who he was and what he was.  His picture hangs on my wall. I selfishly thought of him like I do my own animal companions and am deeply saddened.
      I also know that he is soaring again in that special place God saves for the creatures who comfort us in this world. I cannot imagine that his journey has ended. It is, I truly believe, only beginning. He joins a couple of friends of mine who I, too, have lost over the years who left indelible marks on my soul.
      I will be eternally grateful for you allowing me to meet him and become so close to him.
      Bless you both at this time. I know how it feels, I truly do, and my heart goes to you both".     Ed

"One of the most memorable times of my life involved meeting Martin and being introduced to the wonders of Parowan Gap.  It was an experience so powerful it brought tears to my eyes.  Visiting the Gap was not the only sacred experience I was to have that day.  Before we left, Martin opened the back of his van and introduced me to the mysterious creature that I had heard but not yet seen as we drove around that day.  I didn't know what to expect.  Martin told me "Bud" was the source of the noise, but I didn't know what Bud was.  When I saw Bud, I was captivated.  I can hardly articulate the emotion that moment inspired.  It was awe-inspiring and humbling.  One of THE most profound moments of my life.
Thank you, Martin.  And THANK YOU, BUD!  You have given me an exceptional gift.   With honor, respect, and gratitude",   Joy"

I am so sorry for your loss. What a magnificent bird he was! He will be missed by many. Know that he had a positive impact on many people and that he will be remembered. Take care".  Jane

"We are so sorry to hear of this.  Our condolences.  I remember the first time we saw an Eagle presentation with Martin and our son Trued was able to have a picture when he promised to become an Eagle.  He was 8 then.  At age 13 he received his Eagle and we had Martin come back to his Eagle Court of Honor.  Since then Trued's gone on to earn 51 merit badges, the Varsity Denali award, among many other awards.  I attribute his determination to that first picture.  Thank you!!!  Our best wishes",  Jerald, Lesa & family

"Sorry to hear about Bud.  It was a pleasure to have seen him the past two years in Parowan at the soaring contest. My children still talk about having gotten to see an Eagle up close and how amazing he was. It made a difference in their animal life. Regards",  Alfonso

"Sorry to hear of the loss of one Bud. It has been a truly inspiring and educational experience every time we have seen you with him. Your loss is our loss and our heart goes out to you. May God grant you a new friend such as Bud to replace him soon.   All our best to you".                    Dave,  Debbie &  family

"We all have a big heart space for the wild birds who bless us with their presence, so we can all feel your sadness.  How fortunate you were to have known him.  The photos that I see on the email show a handsome, noble bird.  Our hearts go out to you".  Suzanne

"Thank you so much for thinking to send me this lovely tribute to Bud.   He was magnificent bird and I really enjoyed learning about him and photographing him.  He was so beautiful.  Animals are a big part of my life and loosing one is horrible ... but aren't we just so very fortunate to have had the wonderful experience of having them in our lives?  I have always tried to think more about that and let my grief drift away as quickly as it can. 
Again, my deepest sympathies.  He was special and will be missed by all that had even a small encounter with him".   Noella

"I am so sorry to hear of Bud's passing.  I know that he could have not been in better care than with you all these years and that he, in turn , was a blessing to you and all those who were fortunate to meet him and share in his beauty.  The heavens in deed have a new angel, may he soar with our hearts in tow. I'll be in touch.  Take good care",   Bonnie

"Thank you for including me on your mailing list.  The hours spent with Martin and his "friends" in as part of an intergenerational, Elderhostel trip in Kanab were very special ".   Lee

"I am so sorry for the loss of Bud.  I saw you and him at the Utah Sky Trials at the beginning of the year, and you were very inspiring.  I will mourn your loss with you.  With sorrow" - Summer

"I am sooooooooooooo sorry for your loss of BUD.  He accomplished his mission here on earth.  But still the LOVE and loss of a great friend is devastating . There is nothing to say, that you did not so eloquently put in your announcement.  Words cannot express the sadness I feel for you.  I would like to donate to in memory of BUD.  Thank-you for notifying me".   Shirley

"I cried when I received your message about the passing of Bud.  I am so so sorry.  I know he must have been close to both of your hearts!  My prayers will be with you both at this time of your loss.    Thanks for keeping me posted - I feel it a great honor to be included".   Linda

"I am sooooo sorry!  I am totally choked up about this.  We too are avid bird lovers.  
Our condolences"!    Lori and Richard 

" I am absolutely heartbroken to hear of your losing Bud.  
I appreciate the fact, however, that you took a bird which would have surely 
been shot or poisoned his first year and gave him 15 years of quality hawking 
and companionship. 
 Obviously, his life, and what you have done with him, has helped create a legacy  
which is only just beginning to be realized.  His life and your hard work has lasting value,                                                          
appreciated deeply by myself and countless others. 
I'm going hawking this season and will spend many quiet moments out in the desert thinking of you and Bud.    
Thank You for Your Example, Martin and Bud",    Mark

"Thank you so much for including me in this email.  I've seen Bud a number of times, I think.  At the Festival and Boy Scout courts of honor.  It is sad that he was taken by West Nile Virus and there seems to be so little we can do to keep it out of southern Utah.  Accept my
condolences.  Sincerely",  Janet

"Oh dear, I was so surprised to get this news.  I am deeply sorry to hear of this loss.  I know he was a treasured member of your family and I and my family want you to know that we are saddened by Bud's passing.  Call or come by anytime",   Harold

"Sorry to hear about the loss of your buddy. I know how you feel from the way you interacted with him.
 I had a similar disaster 15 years ago when I was hacking some zoo-hatched eagles here at my place. One of them got electrocuted and I cried over his body for a long time. 1990 must have been about the time you and Bud got together.
 On the other hand you and Bud did a lot in the last 15 years, and in falconry that is a long time - way over the average".
 All the best,   Karl

"Thank you for sharing that.  Bud's departure is sad, but the way he has enriched this world is inspiring.   God bless".   Katarzyna

Those of you who saw Bud in The Spirit of Thunderbird already know that he was something special.  It was a blessing to witness his friendship with Martin - a reminder to make your life count...

Thank you everyone, for your kind and thoughtful words of comfort.

Southwest Wildlife Foundation
P.O. Box 1907
Cedar City, UT 84721-1907
(435)586-4693

swf@netutah.com