Valley County, IDGenWeb Project | |
Vernon “Bud” LaFay, 92, of New Meadows, passed away Sept. 5, 2012, at a care center in Weiser.
A joint graveside memorial service is planned for Bud and his wife, Marcia, at the Meadows Valley Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 11:30 a.m. with a dinner following at the New Meadows Senior Citizens Center.
Bud was born June 13, 1920, on his parents’ sheep ranch at the north end of Meadows Valley. His father had been a barber in Meadows before moving.
Due to the end of World War I and no market for their wool, the family was forced to leave the ranch and move back, this time, to the newly formed town of New Meadows, which recently celebrated its 100th birthday. There his father opened a barbershop and started the family business.
Bud was one of four boys born to Clarence and Fannie LaFay. Lamoine and Milton were born in 1910 and 1913 in the original town of Meadows and “Baby” Gene in 1922 in the new town of New Meadows.
Bud graduated from Meadows Valley High School in 1937 and joined his dad in the family business.
“LaFay’s Place” was a pool hall, barbershop, bathhouse and sometimes a restaurant. LaFay’s Theatre was across the street. Here they held school ballgames, dances, elections, roller-skating, movies and anything else the town needed.
In 1941, Bud married the daughter of another pioneer family, Marcia J. Wilson. World War II was raging and during this time their children, Mona and Buddy, were born.
In 1944, Bud joined the Navy and was stationed in Guam until his discharge in 1946. His brother, Milt, was accidentally killed repairing electrical lines at Pearl Harbor in 19.
In 1946, Miles, their third child was born. In 1955, Marcia joined Bud in the family business until they both retired in 1993. During those pool hall years, the “Bud LaFay haircut” was well known by young and old including some gals if they wanted it “cut off good - no styles.”
Bud continued to cut hair in his later years in the garage out back and the same rule applied - no styles. His boxing bag still hangs in that old garage along with his barber clippers. His son, Miles, is the fourth generation of LaFay barbers.
Bud was a boxer, trap shooter, hunter and an avid golfer. The LaFay boys grew up hunting and fishing. Salmon, elk, pheasant or anything else that moved didn’t have a chance on opening day.
Also, Bud and Gene were the opening round for their Dad’s smokers. Bud could still make his boxing bag sing well into his 80’s.
When Meadow Creek Golf Course opened, Bud found a new passion. He shot his first hole-in-one after his 80th birthday and played golf almost every day until he turned 90. When he had to start riding in a cart and then was slowly coaxed to the red tees, he balked but took it in stride.
It was like everything else in his life. He did what he had to do, no complaints, no regrets, love your family and care for your friends.
Bud is survived by his daughter, Mona Anderson (Tom) and a son, Milton ”Buddy” LaFay (Viki), all of Meadows Valley; and a son, Miles LaFay (Susan) of Lewiston.
In addition to his children, survivors include six grandchildren, Marcy, Toni, Stacy, Jacques, Molly and Brent; seven great-grandchildren, Justin, Bailey, Thomas, Caleb, Brady, Brendan and Alyse; twin great-great grandchildren, Trenton and Treah; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Marcia; his parents, Clarence and Fannie; and his brothers, Lamoine, Milton and Eugene (Gene).
The family would like to thank all who cared for Bud through the years and gave him their respect, friendship and love.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the New Meadows Senior Citizens Center, P.O. Box 399, or to the Adams County Historical Society, P.O. Box 352 both of New Meadows, ID 83654.
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