Kenneth Richard Buda

February 2,1943 - October 14, 2020

Ken Buda, 77, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, October 14. Even in the final stages of frontotemporal dementia, Ken still won the hearts of all who met and cared for him with his contagious laugh and smile. His family and friends will remember him for his magnetic charm, generous hospitality, and buttery smooth dance moves with signature hand clap.

Ken was born to Frank and Angela Buda and spent his early years in Euclid, Ohio, working the front counter of his family's Italian Market, crafting an unbreakable work ethic and charismatic personality. The jokester of his family, he could always be counted on for keeping the mood light with his three siblings and customers. Hospitality became a specialty.

Ken went on to attend Ohio University where he was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta and a breakneck fullback on the OU Football team. Upon graduation, he quickly landed a sales position with Cleveland based Parker Hannifin.

The early years with Parker found this Ohio boy shedding the cold winters for Southern California sun, sailing and skiing (mis)adventures. The height of 1970s in LA, there was the infamous waterbed store, a boat named the Red Baron, and rumored platform shoes.

His bachelor years later came to a close when he met his first wife, Kathy. His iconic 'stache was born and later so were their two children, Christopher and Jennifer. Both quickly became his greatest joys. Coach Buda spent the weekends on soccer sidelines, clipboard in hand, or roasting s'mores by the campfire on an Indian Guides/Indian Princess adventure.

Parker transferred Ken and family back to Ohio where as the VP of Sales and Marketing, he traveled the globe bringing that same front counter charm and hospitality to his work. Eventually returning to the West Coast, after 39 years of service, Ken retired in 2005 to find ample tee times, bike rides and most importantly his wife, Kate and her extended family. The pair loved hosting family and friends and were no strangers to travel and adventures. Desiring a home-base closer to their families, they eventually settled in Ashburn, Virginia.

Ken is survived in death by his loving wife Kate, his son Christopher and daughter Jennifer and grandchildren Phifer and Smith. He is also survived by Kate's children, Kelli and Brian and grandchildren, Alexia, Julian, Valentine, Cordelia and Percival, his brother Frank and sisters Patricia and Barbara.

Ken's wishes were to be cremated and his ashes be spread out over the ocean he loved. A memorial Mass and celebration of Ken's life will be planned upon safer times to travel and congregate. In lieu of flowers, his family kindly asks donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN, in his honor.

The Gospel according to John, Chapter 14: Verses 1-3

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3: Verses 1-4

There is a time for everything, and a season for every thing under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.