Herbert (Bud) Lawrence Waggoner

Herbert Lawrence (Bud) Waggoner, 88, born on April 18, 1929 in Medford, Ore., passed away on Nov. 9 from complications of congestive heart failure, following two weeks of compassionate care at the Odd Fellows Home on Boyer Ave. in Walla Walla.

Raised in Spokane, Wash., and graduated from both Gonzaga Prep and Gonzaga University, Bud brought his family to Walla Walla in the spring of 1968 to work at Cummins Athletic Supply, a sporting-goods store he bought from the original owner, Scotty Cummins, becoming partners with Scotty’s son, John. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Waggoner family’s move to Walla Walla.
Bud was married to Patricia (Dunham) for 67 years. They met at a high-school dance in Spokane. He is survived by his wife and 5 children, sons Christopher of Walla Walla; James (and wife Judy) of Staten Island, N.Y.; Patrick of New York, N.Y.; and William of Walla Walla; and daughter Kim Marie Hatfield of Sunnyside, Wash.; a sister, Kay Small of Long Beach, Calif., and 6 grandchildren, Andrew, Amanda and Daniel Waggoner of Staten Island; Matthew Hatfield of Seattle; and Beatrice and Leo Waggoner of Walla Walla. He was preceded in death by beloved grand-daughter Lauren Hatfield in 2002.

Bud had a zest for life that encompassed a wide range of interests including golf, historical novels, wine, crossword puzzles, the WSU Cougars, Gonzaga Bulldogs and Seattle Mariners, and any activities involving his children and grandchildren. That passion included a sharp and ready sense of humor filled with laughter. He particularly enjoyed films and satiric comedy such as old Saturday Night Live episodes.

“He had a warm and friendly way about him, which helped foster relationships in business and his personal life,” said son Patrick. “He enjoyed people and would see the good in them.’’
He was a standout football center and baseball catcher at Gonzaga Prep and was active in the student drama club, among other activities. He spent his first two years of college at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif., before transferring home to Gonzaga, where he earned a degree in History. He had earned his Eagle Scout certification in 1943 at the age of 14.

He was a lifelong member of the Roman Catholic Church and Democratic Party, the latter affiliation tracing back to his admiration for fellow Gonzaga graduate Thomas Foley, a classmate whose career in politics rose to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Bud moved to Spokane as a youngster and lived with mother Irene (O’Neill), and adopted cousin Kay, whom he always regarded as a sister, in a walk-up apartment directly across from St. Augustine’s Church on the South Hill, where he also attended grammar school. He worked for Bill Hatch Sporting Goods following college, after the proprietor stopped him on the street one day and asked if he’d be interested in a job, and later became a co-owner of Olympic Sports with Bud Adams, prior to relocating to Walla Walla.

He led an active life and enjoyed all of his favorite activities and friendships until the final weeks when he was hospitalized. He continued to show up for work at Cummins Athletic Supply until that time also.
Bud will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

There will be a Celebration of Bud’s life on Sunday,November 19, 2017 from 1-3 PM. at the Walla Walla Country Club. Food and refreshments will be served. All of Bud’s friends are welcome. A private family prayer service will be held.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home 315 W. Alder Walla Walla, WA. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook www.herringgroseclose.com.