Thomas "Bud" Dallas Marchand

“I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.
That all men are created equal and that everyone
has within himself the power to make this a better world.”

This quote was from the TV and Radio Show The Lone Ranger- part of the moral code of that character. This also was a character that Tom Marchand watched and listened to for most of his entire life. Fitting for the start of this tribute to a life here on this earth.

“Tom-Thomas-Bud-Buddy-Pip-Pipster-Dad, SageBrush, Mister” Marchand let go of his worn-out shell of a body and is now out on a mission to find all the good auction/construction sales, Polish sausage shacks and silver queen corn stands, reading copious amounts of Louis L’Amour books and cruising in his boat on some river.

When he left, at age 77, he was surrounded by his adoring partner in life, Renee, when he decided to let go. They had recently celebrated 50 years of marriage this past June. Bud had numerous close family members, friends and extended family, too numerous to mention but you know who you are. His two children: Kelly and Brett and Brett’s wife Lauren; His Grandkids: Luke, Dallas, Braxton and Jason. His very close best friend and cowpoke, Mr. Dave/Gene. His passion was his family and friends. He also had family and friends in Michigan.

Bud and Renee would sometimes read the obituaries as the years went by and see family and old friends there and it bugged them all the time when the cause of death wasn’t revealed. And while that doesn’t really matter, we know some of you may want to know. Bud had some medical problems over the years, but none took him out more than the most recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. It took something that strong to come in fast in the bottom inning and knock this old bird out for the count. And there you have that small part of this story.

Bud worked for decades as an engineer with the Federal Government and had been enjoying a well-earned retirement for many years…but he never really retired and kept busy. Bud was an artist, an inventor, true Jack-of-all-trades and was always tinkering and on the go-building and fixing things was in his blood. It was his life. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or do…. besides roofing - he hated heights. Or plumbing - he didn’t like that either.

Next time you ski on water or snow, swing a hammer, use a bungie to strap down a way oversized load of stuff - in the back of an overfilled pickup, crack into a steamed crab, see a bald eagle soar, eat a cookie or slice of processed kraft cheese (the kind in the little plastic wrapper), or have a scoop of butter pecan ice cream…. let out a “Hey there, Bud!” He loved food…especially salted and heavily buttered silver queen corn. And if you are at an Orioles game…grab his favorite - bacon on a stick!

Bud had the best sense of humor, sparkling blue eyes, did anything for anybody, always there to lend a hand along with his toolbox. A true gentle man. Too much more to say here and the list could go on about Bud, but happy trails to you all, until we meet again. …. soar high sweet spirit on eagles’ wings

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Thomas (Bud) Marchand Memorial Go Fund Me account set up on Bud’s behalf https://www.gofundme.com/f/tom-bud-marchand-memorial-baseball-fund/share?member=8910404&utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_email%2Binvitesupporters All donations will be going to the Emmorton Recreation Council and are earmarked for the baseball programs for young ball players. Bud was a lifelong lover of baseball and coached little league all through the late 70’s and 80’s.

We also would like to encourage you to share a memory, a story or two of time you shared with Bud as I’m sure you have some.