On behalf of our family, I would like to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers over the last several weeks.
I know that I don’t have to tell you how special a person that he was to so many –husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, co-worker, manager, confidant. He left is his mark on each of us in different ways.
He was dedicated, hardworking, and kind. He saw the good in everyone, and led by example. Whether it was helping someone find something in the store, stocking shelves, running a register, take groceries to a customer’s car, listening to a complaint or suggestion, checking the fluids in your car, delivering donuts or providing food for various occasions, offering advice or gentle guidance, a warm smile. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, share laugh, or a joke….he loved a good joke and couldn’t wait to share them!
His took great pride and joy in his family, in Green Hills – and all the employees and associates that he worked side by side with each day, his mentor and great friend the late Keith Hawkins, and his Irish heritage.
And you know, as I think about his life and the lives of the people he has touched and the influence that he had on so many, I am kind of awestruck.
If you think about it, over the last 60 years a great percentage of the young adults from the Valley, Nedrow, South Onondaga, Jamesville, LaFayette, Navarino, Tully, Marcellus and all places in between, held their very first job at Green Hills. It was a right of passage. To wear the Green Apron. He had nephews from as far away as Liverpool and Fayetteville come to work their very first job for Uncle Bud, who else?
Really, he played an instrumental part in shaping the work ethic, loyalty and perseverance of so many. Not just Buddy and I, and our children; but thousands of others who got their start under his leadership at Green Hills. These folks are now spread across the country and in other countries - successful businessmen and woman, nurses, teachers, technicians, scientists, carpenters, plumbers, doctors, lawyers, professional athletes….I could go on and on. So many who have credited their foundation to the lessons they learned at Green Hills. I just cannot tell you how many people I have heard say, “Bud, what a great guy”, they have fond memories of working at Green Hills, the Valley and the lessons they learned.
Dad, Buddy and I just want to thank you for the time we had; for our heritage, for your work ethic and sense of responsibility, loyalty and perseverance which you instilled in us and so many others. This we have passed on to our children and they will pass on to their children; as will the thousands of lives you have touched over the years with your gentle guidance.
We know that you will be here with us in spirit to guide us for the rest of our lives, and we want you to rest in peace knowing that by your example, you have lit the torch in so many and your legacy will live on forever.
That is what I call a life well lived!
Lauri Kennedy Eipp