Georgia Wilderness Society
2025 Annual Picnic and Bud Queen's Celebration of Life
October 4, 2025
Bud Queen's Celebration of Life took place Saturday, October 4, at the Pavilion at Lake Juliette prior to the annual GWS picnic. It was wonderful and moving. There were 51 family, friends and GWS members in attendance, including Niki. . . an awesome turnout. This speaks highly of Bud. He meant a lot to GWS.
Dave Gardner, President, did an excellent job of putting together the service. Thank you, Dave. Thanks to Peg Jones, Past President, for the flower arrangements, also a big thank you to Curt, Irene and Bonnie for donating money to pay for some of the family guests' parking passes, and to everyone who brought food to share. A brief business meeting was held prior to the service.
Bud Queen's Celebration of Life
Terry Ross read a beautiful verse that he had written:
Old Friends and Memories
Year by year our time on earth slips by,
Leaving us to wonder How, When, Where and Why,
But old friends and good memories can lessen our fears,
And bring a fresh summer breeze to our winter of years.
Dave played recordings of three beautiful songs. . . Vince Gill - Go Rest High On That Mountain; John Denver - Poems, Prayers and Promises; Ronan Tynan - Last Full Measure of Devotion. I, for one, heard a little bird singing along during one of the songs.
Many people wanted to share their memories of Bud. They told how he helped so many people in GWS and in the community, his commitment to the environment, trips he led, funny moments and his love for Niki.
Gina Hunter, Bud's sister, was very appreciative. In her words, "GWS did an excellent job. It was lovely. . . .Thanks again for all that was done for us." Gina later added "Thank you so much! You guys did a wonderful job representing Buddy and Niki enjoyed her day. It was so nice to have her out with all of you. Her smiles said it all. Lots of hugs your way!"
Following the Celebration, everyone partook of the delicious spread and enjoyed the fellowship.
