W.H. "Bud" Griest, Jr.

Bud Griest passed away peacefully on Christmas evening 2024 with his wife Betsy by his side. He was born in Pasadena, California, on May 7, 1933, to Bill and Nancy, who raised him to be the extraordinary man he became.

As a teenager, he was already paying for his first car by delivering the Los Angeles Times in the predawn hours for his father’s agency.

Educated in Pasadena schools, Bud then graduated from the University of Texas School of Architecture. He was an architect in Pasadena for more than 40 years, working for Culver Heaton, AIA, and others, and for his own firm. His diverse portfolio included commercial buildings, medical buildings, the Montrose Sheriff Station, and distinctive churches in the Pasadena area, Porterville (CA) and other cities. He was especially proud of his design for the Rose Room addition to Tournament House (the historic Wrigley mansion). Bud loved good design; he also wanted whatever he designed to work for its intended purpose. His public service included three years as Director of the Pasadena Housing Advisory & Appeals Board.

Bud volunteered in Pasadena for many years. He was a member and past president of the Pasadena Junior Chamber of Commerce, the AIA Pasadena & Foothill Chapter, the University Club and the Optimists Club. After decades as a member-volunteer, he became 1995-1996 President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and a Life Director.

Bud loved golf – the game, the courses, the friendship and camaraderie with the other players. He was an active member of Glendora Country Club and the Federated Seniors. Playing was pure pleasure – especially when he made that hole-in-one at San Clemente.

Bud was also an avid fan of University of Texas Longhorn football, dubbing their epic last seconds win over USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl /NCAA National Championship Game “the best game ever!”

In 2005 Bud married his high school sweetheart, Betsy (Josi) Byers, and was happy to share her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They loved their visits which invariably brought lots of fun and laughter.

Bud is also survived by his daughter, Terry Griest. He was preceded by his wife, Mary Lou (Thompson) and son-in-law, Carl Piplick, Jr. whose daughter, Morgan survives.

Bud enjoyed his life, his family and his friends. A congenial, unpretentious man, he genuinely liked people and they liked him back. Throughout his life, through sunshine and sometimes shadow, he lived his life with strength, perseverance, grace and good humor. He was a loving husband and father, a caring friend. Fun to be around.

It is hard to believe that he is gone, but we’ll hold him in our hearts and memories, forever and always, and see him later…