Masonry Industry Loses a Leader
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For over three decades Bud Anderson, of Anderson Masonry, Bigfork Montana, provided guidance and leadership for the masonry industry. "Bud always understood the importance of giving more to your industry than you take," said Kevin Krebs, Executive Director of the Masonry Industry Promotion Group, "If he was needed at a contractor or promotion meeting he would pound the pavement between Bigfork and Spokane to be there regardless of how busy he was with his own company".
Bud, who started his masonry career in 1968, died on May 18, after a valiant struggle with a rare illness. He was 60 years old.
After serving in the Air Force as a second lieutenant, Bud took over the family masonry business in1968 after his father suffered a heart attack. With his brother Don, and later partner Tom Arvidson, Bud built the company into the successful construction and retail business it is today. Anderson Masonry, the only union mason contractor in the Flathead Valley, has retail branches in Kalispell and Missoula, Montana and construction projects spanning all of Montana and into Idaho and Washington.
Bud was committed to providing quality workmanship and was particularly proud of his company's work at Montana State University and the University of Montana. Also dear to Bud's heart was Anderson Masonry's ongoing historic work in restoring the natural stone guardrails on the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Anderson Masonry's Washington projects include the Northtown Mall, Fort Wright Mukagawa, Washington State University and current work on the Spokane Convention Center
Bud served as Past President of the Mason Contractors Association of Spokane, the State Chairman for the Mason Contractors Association of America, representing Montana, and was the Co-Chairman of the Masonry Industry Promotion Group for the past 10 years. Bud was also a participating member of the Washington State Conference of Mason Contractors.
Perhaps most telling of Bud's character and personality are words from his competitors in the industry. "Bud was a good competitor and a good friend", said Tim Spilker. "Anybody who knew Bud knows what he has done to improve the masonry industry. He will be greatly missed". Les Albert said," The first time I met Bud I could tell he was an honest, sincere person who would be a great asset to our industry. And from Lyle Johnson, "Bud was a great guy for the masonry industry. He was always positive and had a great spirit about him".
Kevin Krebs, who has worked with Bud for almost 30 years, adds, "You can't replace a Bud Anderson. The masonry industry lost a true leader, but more importantly, those of us who knew him lost a great and true friend."