Norm and Dolores
We will always think of Bud as a quiet, gentle man. When we visited he greeted us warmly as though he was very glad to see us, giving Dolores a hug and Norm a firm handshake. When all of us were together he was generally quiet, but listening. He would e sure to serve us glass of wine, although he never drank.
We admired his intellect and his choice of books to read. Each time we met Norm asked him what book he had been reading and knew that he would like to read those same books.
The amount of time he devoted to his volunteer work at the L.A. County Arboretum was remarkable, especially his important mapping of the grounds and its collection of exotic trees. We know he was honored for that work.
At dinner at Bud and Mary’s he proudly brought food to the table and made sure we filled our plates.
We had the unexpected pleasure of running into Mary and Bud on the boardwalk at Cambria and subsequently enjoyed lunch with them across from the ocean with our other friends, Kathy and Bud! We were delighted to see that there’s a picture of him along that boardwalk on your memorial page.
Recently, because of the pandemic we were not able to see Mary and Bud. We missed them, especially his handshake and gentle demeanor. He will remain in our memory.
Kathy and Bing
Bing's thoughts:
I can remember going to Greenville with Bud driving, and having a great time fishing. Since this was the first time I had fished, Bud helped me get set up. To this day, I really enjoy fishing. And another time we all went to Oxnard for a military air show, which was a first for me.
Kathy's thoughts:
Bing and I have been so lucky to be among the many friends who have been welcomed into the Keber/Conrow family circle. Seeing Bud sitting on the floor in front of the TV in the Keber front room playing Adventure with all his kids, on their new computer (maybe a Commodore 64?), a Christmas gift, was my first introduction to the Conrow family. And for years thereafter, it seems as though we always saw him in the midst of his children, very happy. Clearly, his love for them was deep and joyous.
The years went by, the children grew up, and when Bud retired, we both were involved with volunteer activities at the Arboretum. There I got to know "Tom's" personality. Seeing him interact with adults, with no children around, showed that he was genuinely the same quiet, focused and friendly person, ready with a humorous comment at any time. And always, always dependable; no matter how tedious the job was, Tom was there doing it every week.
Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, their spouses, more family, and friends such as Bing and I, have been welcomed into Bud and Mary's lives. And until the very end, Bud continued his optimistic love for each and every one.
Thank you and we love you, Bud.
Bing and Kathy
John Keber
Bud was walking across the front lawn of our house in San Gabriel when I first saw him. His walk was brisk but not hurried, resolute but not arrogant, measured but not hesitant, alert but not wary. To these seventh-grader's eyes the qualities of his walk seemed indices of the qualities of his character. These first impressions lasted. Experience confirmed them. So I shall always think of Bud as walking as I first saw him all those years ago. He much preferred walking the walk to talking the talk.
Mike
I met Tom when I joined the mapping crew at the Arboretum in 2008.. He welcomed me and made me feel one of the team. Later, Tom realized that I wanted to do more than record mapping data and he would insist that we take turns using the optical telescope to map plants. Several years ago, he turned over the duties of chairman to me and I hope to be the leader he was. One of my favorite memories of Tom's warm humor was his response when I would tell him his efforts setting up the telescope were "perfect." He would always say, "No one is perfect except your heavenly father." Well, Tom, I am sure you rest in that reality. I miss you.
Gina
Tom Conrow was one of the kindest, sweetest men I know. He had many interests and was always broadening his great knowledge through reading. I'm so grateful to have known him. RIP, Tom. Love from Gina
Richard
For all of us here at the Arboretum, a favorite memory of Tom will be his important role on our volunteer plant mapping team, always bringing his terrific work ethic and kind ways to the task of mapping our new specimens. Tom will be missed in so many ways, a truly wonderful human being.
Richard
Richard Schulhof. CEO. Los Angeles County Arboretum
