[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 21]
[Senate]
[Page 28822]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING ROYAL J. ``BUD'' WOOD

 Mr. THUNE. Madam President, today I mourn the loss of Royal J. 
``Bud'' Wood, of Warner SD. Bud passed away on November 19, 2009, at 
the age of 87.
  Born and raised in Warner, Bud will be remembered as a man who 
committed his life to his family and community. Bud celebrated his life 
with his wife Dorothy, his 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 6 great-
grandchildren. His passion for his faith, family, and friends was 
unwavering as he spent much of his time at church and family 
activities.
  Although Bud was extremely dedicated to his family, he will also be 
remembered for his service to the State of South Dakota. I got to know 
Bud when his wife Dorothy managed Senator James Abdnor's office in 
Aberdeen. Elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 1966, 
Bud was one of the longest serving representatives, working for the 
people of South Dakota for 26 years. While a member of the State 
legislature, he served in many different capacities including: 
assistant majority leader, speaker pro tempore, speaker of the house, 
along with vicechairman of the Legislative Research Council and 
chairman of the Local Government Study Commission and Local Government 
Standing Committee. Bud also served on the Presidential Task Force for 
both President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush.
  Beyond his political career, Bud was a talented auctioneer at Hub 
City Livestock Auction for 25 years. He was on the board of directors 
for the South Dakota Wheat Growers, the Warner Elevator Board, and at 
one time a church council member at St. John's Lutheran Church in 
Warner.
  Bud was a man who was always willing and determined to help out his 
neighbor. A mentor, confidant, and friend, he selflessly impacted his 
community in a positive way.
  Today I wish to celebrate the life of an extraordinary public servant 
and leader. As we mourn the loss of this great South Dakotan, I extend 
my thoughts, prayers and best wishes to Bud's family, friends, and 
loved ones.

                          ____________________