Cranbrook has lost one of its greatest icons.

Four days after his 98^th birthday, P.H. (Bud) Abbott has died. Bud passed away peacefully on January 30, surrounded by his family.

From his birth Jan. 26, 1921 and his roots in Britain to being a Second World War fighter pilot to arriving in Cranbrook in 1960 and establishing himself as a caring and giving community member who helped make stage performance such an established and vital part of this city’s history and fabric, Bud Abbott leaves behind a legacy almost a century long.

“He will be lovingly remembered as Cranbrook’s most beloved citizen. Bud was a fixture in the Cranbrook theatre scene for decades, an active Rotarian, a member of numerous choirs, a volunteer extraordinaire a great friend and a wonderful father and grandfather,” his obituary begins.

Please click here to read the full obituary

A Celebration of Bud’s life will be held 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 2 at the Heritage Inn, followed by a gathering at the Legion.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Cranbrook Community Theatre or Cranbrook Hospice.

Lead image: Bud Abbott, centre, doing what he loved, singing up a storm on the stage at the Royal Canadian Legion during his 95th birthday celebration.  e-KNOW file photos

e-KNOW

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