Herschel Glenn “Bud” Burgess

HERSCHEL “BUD” BURGESS

July 16, 1935-July 1,2026

Bud Burgess was born in Silverton, Colorado to H.G. and Thelma Jenkins Burgess. H.G. was a mine superintendent at the time but moved the family to Utah when he saw Bud walking to 1st grade with tears freezing on his face. Back in Colorado after a short stay, H.G. decided to buy the Columbine Ranch in Hotchkiss and raise cattle.

Bud spent summers alone watching cattle on the Muddy with his dog, Gun, and a fishing pole. H.G. would bring him home the day before school started. Thanks to a wonderful dedicated English teacher, Kathleen Wheeler, Bud and about 70% of his graduating class headed for college. Bud attended Colorado A & M and graduated from the first class of C.S.U. with a BS degree majoring in Animal Husbandry and minoring in Soils. During his junior year he and Busy (a Freshman) were both tricked into a blind date by a mutual friend. Apparently, it worked because they were still together when Bud died-just 14 days short of his 91st birthday.

When Bud left for college H.G. sold the ranch and moved to Delta where he worked for NuMar Uranium Company. Bud joined his Dad during summer breaks. Together with Bud’s Uncle Tom they re-opened the old Augusta Mine in Crested Butte (before the town became famous). Bud spent his spare time running up and down the slopes. On the weekends, when they decided to go home to Delta, Bud and his Dad would pick up Busy at the Almont Resort where she had a summer job. Bud spent a short time after college mapping soils in Grafton, N.D. and serving in the Army at Fort Leonardwood, MO. When his dad bought a 480-acre ranch east of Eckert, Bud and Busy moved onto the ranch and were there for 53 years.

In 1971, with the help of his beloved mother-in-law (Busy always told people that Bud married her for her mother’s cooking!), they were able to buy the ranch. Together they raised 4 children. As much as Bud loved his family, he loved his cattle even more. He was always trying to improve the herd and, with the help of 3 highly qualified vets and with special testing, culling, breeding and feeding, he was able to develop a prizeworthy herd of South Devon cattle, using home grown feed, to produce a quality product from birth to table. Along with the cow business, Bud was actively involved on water Boards and water projects.

Bud’s life wasn’t all work and no play. There was Bell Choir, Mariners, trips to Denver for the stock show where Bud enjoyed the animals and Busy went shopping. Also, Vegas for the National Rodeo Finals where they both enjoyed the rodeos, Dinner Shows and Busy went shopping; houseboating on Lake Powell; a trip to Disneyland; a cabin on Grand Mesa; Community Concerts, Sweet Adeline shows and many other fun times.

A first stroke on his 80th birthday left Bud’s vision impaired, but a 7 day stay at Montrose Acute Rehab sent him home stronger than when he went in!

Ten years slipped by with a move from the ranch and cattle east of Eckert to a smaller ranch house west of town. Bud chose to limit his outside activities to short car trips–Busy driving. At home he enjoyed Sudoku games, TV, occasional Cribbage with a special friend, and computer solitaire games by the hour until called for a meal. His automatic response to the summons was, “I’ll be there as soon as I finish the game!”

Bud finished his final game on July 1, 2026, just 14 days shy of his 91st birthday. Thanks to the extraordinary, loving care of HopeWest team, he was able to stay at home for all but his last four days when he was moved to the beautiful HopeWest facility in Grand Junction for special 24-hour care.

Bud is survived by his wife, Busy, and 4 children-Michael, Stephen, David, and Holli; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, and other relatives.
Son, Michael (wife Lynn) and grandsons Brad (wife Holly) and Tanner (wife Arica and children Wyatt, Stetson, and Maysa) have all played a special part in brightening and enriching Bud and Busy’s lives. They continue to do so-God Bless!

Thank you all for helping celebrate Bud’s life.

Contributions to Hope West or to the Presbyterian Mountain Echoes Bell Choir would be gratefully accepted.