Bud Smilanich

In loving memory of Bud Smilanich, beloved husband, father, grandpa, papa, brother, uncle, and friend, who soared through life with the adventurous spirit of a pilot. He earned his Commercial Pilots license at a young age. He had the opportunity to fly many aircraft, including WWII B-17's, TBMs carrying fire retardant, and most recently his Cessna, he referred to as his mid-life sports car. Whether transporting passengers, seeding fog, flying the Idaho Back Country, or tinkering with engines, his love for flight knew no boundaries.

Bud could repair any mechanical challenge. He could build just about anything and he enjoyed helping friends find solutions to most any fix-it conundrum.

Bud spent his early years working in the family business, Idaho Aircraft, in Boise, ID. He attended the University of Washington while continuing to work for the family business, and for the Bon Marche's Camera Department. He graduated from the UW and was a proud Husky Alumni. After moving the family to Washington, he spent most of his working years as an Ad Specialty salesman, selling to Fortune 500 Companies. This provided him the opportunity to travel around the U.S., and abroad. In his retirement, he was the Treasurer for the Washington Pilots Association, for the advancement of general aviation.

Bud was an avid boater, fisherman, hunter, skier, bicyclist, and handyman. Years of being on the water, in the air, and in nature helped him teach his family the value of hard work, integrity, resilience, and adventure, leaving his mark on each generation.

A talented professional photographer, Bud had a knack for capturing life's moments, preserving memories for generations to come. He used his skills to do aerial mapping and custom photos.

Bud Alan Smilanich was born to Milton George Smilanich and Edith Marian (Hansen) Smilanich, December 23, 1945, in Los Angeles, CA., and passed away February 23, 2024.

Bud leaves behind his best friend and devoted wife, of 53 years, Chris (Walton) Smilanich; two daughters, Dakari Smilanich, Daphnee (Smilanich) McCloud; two sisters, Mary Welton (Jim), Ann Smilanich Arbuckle (Roger); six grandchildren, two nieces, two great-nephews, two great- nieces and countless loving friends.

Bud will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew and loved him. He will forever be in the hearts of his family, friends, and the aviation community. A Celebration of Life will be held later this Spring.