“Uncle Bud was always full or praise and excitement while being updated on current events at Brant Aero. Despite being retired, Bud was in and out, training apprentices, “twisting wrenches” and assisting with test flights and missions to pick up and deliver aircraft. Many don’t know that my family grew up with Bud and his daughter Roberta, living all together while Brant Aero was just a fledgling start up. He was like the cool older brother that would split the cost of a 45 rpm record for 0.53 cents – so we could enjoy the latest top 40 hits in the house. He was a dog lover like all Fields and for years one would have thought the love of his life was Katie – but she was collie mix that went everywhere with Bud. My father passed away in 1986 so Bud was that guy I needed some affirmation from. Bud was great to spin yarn with. He was forever getting into adventures and would render an audiences full attention going through the details, to build the story vs get the facts out. This was a trait of Grandpa James H– ( a true master). James H did with precision whereas Bud did it with drama. I have been blessed with a second chance at Brant Aero, to carry the torch so to speak. I was rewarded with some very sincere and gushing approvals by the man that I came to seek affirmation from, so long ago. Rest in peace, Uncle Bud.”
–Blaine Field (Nephew and Brant Aero President)
“There seems to be a common thread through all of the condolences, that we have received. He was a gentleman, and always smiling. Bud was not only my brother, flying buddy, and friend, but we worked together for 48 years in aviation.
Although his passing is very sad indeed, our family takes solace in the fact that Bud lived every moment to the fullest. After his first hit with cancer, to the amazement of his doctors, he bounced back, almost as if nothing had happened. He had such a positive attitude right up to the last 2 weeks. I am pretty sure his outlook had a huge influence on his initial 2 cancer battles. Unfortunately, when the third one came around, there was nothing left in his body to fight with. He often said, without your health, you have nothing.
He had been fighting cancer on and off for 2 years, but he still managed to fit in ski trips, southern island trips in the winter, an adventure out west in our Bullet to Palm Springs, and other flying escapades. The last time he flew as PIC, was Mar 4th of this year, shortly after he had received the bad news. As we were flying along, he commented to me, ‘you have no idea how great this makes me feel. Each day is truly a gift, and this day was perfect. Blue skies, smooth, and flying!’
As my dear brother often said ‘live your life to the fullest, as you never know when it will be your last day on this earth’. He certainly did that, and now he finally received his wings!”
-Pat Field (Brant Aero)
“Bud was a rare breed. He was an incredibly inspiring, gentle, kind, and thoughtful person, who always made time for you if you needed it, and always gave you his undivided attention. It’s uncommon to meet someone (let alone your boss) who would always do everything they could to prop you up, help you learn, encourage critical thinking, and bring out the best in you. Bud did that with everyone that walked through the doors at Brant Aero, regardless of whether you were a customer or employee. As a young pilot and AME, I can’t articulate how much I owe him and how much of a boost he gave my career by simply encouraging me to be better and giving me the opportunity to do so. I’ll always remember his genuine love for aviation and memory like a steel trap. On the off chance he couldn’t remember a name, he would default to ‘Whistletrigger’ which I find myself saying when I also can’t recall a name, so I have that to thank him for as well. I will miss him.
Blue skies and tailwinds Bud.”
-Josh Pegg (Brant Aero)
“BUD, his name says it all. He was a Buddy to all who knew him.
I had the pleasure of working with him for almost 10 years and right from the beginning he made me feel like family. I’m sure most people here at Brant Aero felt the same way. He took the time to really get you know you and your family.
Almost every morning, he’d stop into the stockroom to say good morning us and exchange stories of the previous evening’s adventures. Mostly, he would speak of the dinner he’d eaten the night before. It may have been a new restaurant he and Jane tried or the dinner parties they’d been to with his ‘supper club’ (I think he should have been a food critic on the side). You would have thought he weighed 400lbs. by how much he loved to talk about food and eat it.
He will be missed for sure.”
-Bonnie & Jody Roberts (Brant Aero)
“He Loved food, flying, the gang (family) at Brant Aero, and of course Jane.
He made many friends, who became customers, and many customers who became friends. He was just one of those people.”
-Pat Field (Brant Aero)
“He loved his hockey, no matter how the day was – good or bad – we both had a smile on at Tuesday night hockey.”
-Mitch Callaghan (Brant Aero)
“Hi All, I just read about the passing of Bud. Linnea and I are very sad to hear the news. I always enjoyed seeing Bud in the morning. His bright smile was always welcoming. I still to this day, many years since the last time I saw him, hear his whistle along with his voice saying ‘break’ echoing in the hangar when I stop for my lunch at work. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathies. Please pass our message of condolence along to his family and friends.”
-Gille & Linnea LeBrun (Brant Aero)
“I want to share a few of my memories of Bud, but first and foremost, I want to extend my greatest condolences to Bud’s family and friends. I knew him only through work, but from what I knew of him, he was a great man and had a lot of character.
My first experience of Bud would have been about 4 years ago, starting at Brant Aero. He had the friendliest gestures to go along with the brightest smile, to make you feel welcome, and begin the long work days with positivity.
My most memorable moment was our trip to Geraldton in 2016 in old Foxy. Our flight was re-routed along the way there to stop in Marathon, as the airspace around the Geraldton airport had suddenly been closed, during our flight, due to fires/fire combating in the area.
It was a dreary cloudy day as we descended from the clouds, using IFR, down to Marathon. Our co-pilot was directing Bud on the glide path down through the thick cloud cover saying over and over again, ‘You gotta be lower, you gotta be lower!’ as she had just been to that strip not a week or 2 prior, but flew VFR. I could see the stress building up with both pilots, but I knew I was in good hands. Finally we popped out from below the clouds and within milliseconds of being able to see, we were-what appeared to be-almost scraping the tops of the trees, and the plane was in a sideways crab that I had never experienced before, due to the heavy crosswind. I remember Bud manually winding down winding down the flaps, pushing this control and that control, with what seemed to be pure precision, all within a matter of seconds. It seemed all so fast for me, someone with no pilot experience, and for being my first flight in a GA aircraft.
Finally we landed and I told Bud that I didn’t know if that was what he considered a ‘hectic situation’ and if what I just experienced was normal, as I am sure Bud had flown in worse conditions, but his answer was so humble about the situation, that I had to even ask Pat about it weeks later to find out. Pat said if his face was beet red it was most likely a tricky endeavor hahaha. I was left awe struck by his skills and would have even more respect for this mentor.
It was difficult to see this great man’s health on the decline, but even through this, on his short visits at work of late, he wouldn’t complain and would give the same great smiles as before. I was sad to hear him pass, but I am sure that there is now light and warmth where he is now.
I hope that the days to come shine Bud’s light bright for his loved ones and his memories can be celebrated in joy and laughter.”
-Bryce Nutt (Brant Aero)
“I am so thankful for the many memories I have with my dear Uncle Bud… There are the ones we can all appreciate – from his countless tales of food adventures, to his famous speeches at our Brant Aero Christmas dinners; from his standing guard in the lunchroom with the fly swatter, to even one time saving us from a spider crawling on the table (‘splat’ with his big hand – nevermind the fly swatter when your ‘big mitts’ do the job just fine!) But there are a few things I will always remember, that really stick out in my mind, as they had a real impact on me…
Every year at Christmas, even when times were really tough at Brant Aero, Bud and Pat would make sure everyone got some kind of bonus. As grateful as I was for the financial gesture, I looked even more forward to the Christmas card it came in. Uncle Bud took time every year to write in detail to each employee, expressing his appreciation and encouragement. I so looked forward to reading those thoughtful, caring words – it reminded me of the whole reason I was there. It gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I have kept every one of those cards to look back upon.
One particularly difficult year led to the lay off of an employee. I remember finding Bud in his office later that day, weeping. I ran over to give him a hug, and he said, ‘What right do I have to take someone’s livelihood from them?’ He always cared about all of his employees as if they were family. His ‘lads’ were so important to him. And he wore his heart on his sleeve.
My last memory of Bud was 2 weeks before his passing. I had arrived at the house to visit him outside. Everyone had warned me to expect a drastic change in his appearance due to weight loss. But the first thing I noticed was not that at all – it was his big, wonderful, welcoming smile. Despite the hardships he had endured, he was still smiling. He had recently told me ’Sometimes the breeze doesn’t blow in our favour, but there is a plan!!’ and that ‘Every day is a gift’.
I still can’t believe I won’t get to see that big friendly smile again, but at least that is how I will always remember him.”
-Jennifer Pryde (Brant Aero)
“Sending my sympathies, he was a great guy in any dealings I had with him.”
-Sherry Kerr (Participation Support Services)
“Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear about Bud. He was a pilot’s pilot and a gentleman without fail. I will miss his firm handshake and unfailing good humour. I always liked flying with Bud, one of the few pilots with whom I could actually relax as a passenger.
It was never hard to tell when Bud was talking to Toronto Centre because he was unfailingly polite, and he pretty well got to do whatever he asked for! This was always a lesson in courtesy and professionalism that was heard and appreciated by so many.
This is a big loss to the family and to the company. We will all miss our friend and mentor, Bud.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. “
-Paul Briggs (Brant Aero Customer)
“Condolences from the McIntosh family. Did not know Bud that well; however, seemed he never treated anyone as a stranger. I’m glad to have met him.”
-Jeff McIntosh & Family (Brant Aero Customer)
“Deeply saddened upon hearing of Bud’s passing, he was a wonderful and accomplished man who celebrated life and family in the manner others could aspire to. His smile was infectious and set the tone for any meetings we had. Thinking of you, Pat, the entire Field Family as well as the Brant Aero team who understandably are grieving his loss.
The fond memories of the time spent with Bud will remain with me. Please pass along my condolences to Pat. Thank you.”
-Jim Quin (City of Brantford)
“I was very saddened to here about your uncle Bud , as you know we worked together for over 25 years , I had nothing but respect for him as a business man and a person. The last I had heard was he beat the cancer so this was a bit of a shock to hear he had passed. I’m so glad you and your uncles got back together as a family. I do know he was very happy how it all turned out and loved his part flying clients and their planes without the stress of running the business.”
–Terry VanTilborg (Tom’s Upholstery)
“It is with sadness to hear of Bud’s passing; I met Bud twenty plus years ago and always held him in high regard. He was a pleasant, honest, and very accommodating man to deal with. My deepest sympathy to the family and the Brant Aero organization. He will be missed.”
-Moe Hanif (Brant Aero Customer)
“BUD was a really extraordinary person! RIP our BUD, ahhh…
A long time ago when Bud took my C404 with the tug and extremely measured all distances of that plane fitting properly, I recognized huge aviation experience in his observation, and I said: Sir, I noticed …guessing, by how you’re operating the tug, you have 30 years in aviation according to my foolish estimate ….BUD just replied: ‘Yes, at least 30’ with gently self-congratulatory smile regarding hangar routine. Even today I checked 3 times out of car and measuring wing door clearance. And always thought Bud would do that in one shot easy!”
–Duzan “Dooley” Studen (Brant Aero Customer)
“He was a wonderful person, one of the best.”
-Brian Dorr (Brant Aero Customer)
“He was an icon in aviation and always a gentleman. I appreciated getting to know him through the years and will long remember his kind words to me as a young aviator/insurance guy!”
-Tim Crawford (Utter Morris Insurance Brokers)
“He was a real gentleman and it was a pleasure to know him and it has always been a pleasure dealing with him.”
–Norm Paterson (Brant Aero Customer)
“He was a real gentleman and a great spokesman for your business… You are so fortunate to have had such a fine partner – in all aspects – for so many years. I have great memories of my visits to Brant Aero. Besides you being the only person in the GTA to fix over-boosting turbo’s on a Navajo, your avionics work was first-class. Part of the fun was always getting a ride back to YKZ with you and Bud in the 210 or 310 (where you could watch the landing on TV).”
-Colin Brown (Brant Aero Customer)
“I was surprised and shocked today (6/22/20) to hear of Bud’s passing. I had no idea of his illness and the battle he fought.
I retired from 42 years of flying in March 2018, when I sold my Mooney, one of three Mooneys which I had flown for over 40 years and especially over to Brant Aero, where Jim, (originally), Bud and Patrick took care of my aviation needs.
Bud was the epitome of a gentleman, always polite, giving, and no matter how busy he was, he always made you feel special.
When I would fly over to Brant Aero in need of airplane attention for anything and everything, Bud and Pat were always right there for me and all my concerns.
Even when I was headed into the avionics shop with issues, I would stop by Bud’s office to say ‘Hi,’ and Bud could be up to his ears in paperwork and phone calls, but he would stop everything he was doing and give me his complete attention, asking me how everything was going in my life, how my plane was doing and you-name-it. Bud was a generous and caring man whom I shall never forget. He made time for everyone and nobody was too small to him in any way.
When his brother Terry went missing over Lake Erie, with the love of his life beside him, I was devastated, because Terry had also become a kindred soul to me when he had first taken me up in 1976 for a test flight in the new line of aircraft he was selling. That event was the beginning of my lengthy association with Brant Aero and the Field family. The day of Terry’s funeral I drove over for the funeral service from Kitchener and all I recall from that day is that Bud and I somehow ended up outside, after the service, sitting on the curb–in an empty street–in our Sunday ‘best,’ commiserating with one another.
Bud was truly a gentle soul. There will be a large hole in the lives of many who knew and appreciated this generous soul.
I–and the world–will forever miss him.”
-Trevor Bennett (Brant Aero Customer)
“It was always a great pleasure speaking with him; he always had a smile on his face.”
-Brad Pryde (Brant Aero Customer)
“…I was saddened today to read that Bud has passed away after what seems like a hard struggle. Though it is mostly [Pat] that I have worked with at Brant Aero, it was Bud that I first met almost 11 years ago
. The way he took care of me made a huge and lasting impression on me, both in a business sense but in the human touch that makes some businesses so pleasant to deal with. As the years passed, as I walked down the office corridor, I’d look hopefully into Bud’s office, say ‘Hi’ if he was there. He would always greet me by name, with a big smile, and ask me about things. He was a true gentleman and I feel honoured to have known him. I am sorry for your loss, but grateful that you had such a wonderful brother all of these many years.”
-Steven McDowell (Brant Aero Customer)
“Pat I am very sorry to hear this. Bud and you are icons in the aviation industry and a big part of my aviation memories.”
-David Taylor (Brant Aero Customer)
“…I only met him once or twice but what a nice man. I am sure he will be greatly missed.”
-Guy Chamberlain (Brant Aero Customer)
“…Bud was a true Gentleman”
-Gustav Azari (Brant Aero Customer)
“Heard the sad news about your brother. I didn’t know him as well as I know you but he was a good man. Honest, and a straight shooter. I knew he had health issues but thought he was recovering. Sorry for your loss Pat, we’ll all remember Bud as a Gentleman.”
-Sandy Thomson (Brant Aero Customer)
“Bud found my first airplane for me, and he became a great pal to me. It was a privilege to call him my friend. Blue skies pal. We will miss you.”
-Dave Willcock (Brant Aero Customer)
“Our sincere condolences to Pat and family and the Brant aero family. He was truly a pillar in the aviation community and such a good person. We will miss his smile and amazing sense of humour”
-Nikki and Tim Anderson (Brant Aero Customers)