By Jeff LeRiche – Contributor to the Herald
My friend’s grandpa, Bud Schneider, passed away earlier this month at age 97. His service is this week. He spent his entire life in Hillsboro and, for many years, owned the Hillsboro Farm Equipment Company. Some of you may have done business with him over the years. The Hillsboro Farm Equipment Company was located next to and on the east side of the old Dragon Fountain restaurant in West Hillsboro. It is an empty lot now.
Here is his obituary:
Ellard Eugene (Bud) Schneider was born on Nov. 15, 1927, and passed away August 4th at the age of 97.
Bud grew up on his family’s dairy farm near Twin Oaks, south of Hillsboro, Oregon. As Bud grew up, his family was very involved in the community and helped to shape Hillsboro into what it is today. Bud met his wife, Joann, at a church youth event. After spraining her ankle, Bud was the one to carry her to his car to give her a ride home. From that day on, they were inseparable. They were married on March 11, 1949, and had two children (Karen and Marvin). They were each other’s best friends until her passing on August 2, 2022. They spent 73 years together.
Bud joined the US Army Reserves in November of 1950. During his time, he served as a Motor Sergeant in Battery B, 387th Field Artillery Battalion. Bud re-enlisted in 1953 and finished his enlistment in November 1956 as a Specialist First Class.
Bud and his older brother, Herb, took ownership of Hillsboro Farm Equipment (IH/Kubota). Thanks to the community of farmers, it was a great success. These connections and friendships lasted the test of time. This success allowed Bud and Joann to travel the world. There were many stories and slide shows of their travels. After many great and memorable years, Bud retired after running the business for 25 years. He went on to get his financial advisor credentials to continue his relationships with the farming community.
Bud’s best memories were camping at Suttle Lake, where their family fished, water skied, and tried to toss the grandchildren off the inner tubes. But the best of all was the deer hunting trips at Red Dot and Little Hillsboro (if you know, you know). These times were spent with family and close friends. Bud enjoyed a good Schnicken at the coffee shop and s’mores with stories by the campfire. By doing these trips, he instilled a love for the outdoors in his children and grandchildren, who in turn passed it on to their children and hopefully to future generations.
Bud will be fondly remembered as a great businessman, a good dad, and most importantly, an amazing grandfather that anybody would be lucky to have.
Ellard Eugene Schneider is succeeded by Karen, Marvin, Rian, Robin, Eric, Erin, Jared, Ryley, Koa, Allie, Bodhi, Maverick, Kashtom, Johnny, and Declan.
If you knew this great man, you would have felt the impact on your heart and soul, and he will be remembered forever.
We love you very much Golden Eagle and are glad you were finally resting in peace with the love of your life.
Bud’s service will be held on August 21st at 12 pm.
Duyck & VanDeHey Funeral Home (9456 NW Roy Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116).
The public is welcome to attend.
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I had the pleasure of meeting Bud at the Fountain of Care Adult Home where my husband was also living before he passed away last October. Bud was always eager to greet and talk with me whenever I visited. He was always reading the newspaper or some other publication and his mind was as sharp as a tack. I am so sorry to read of his dying. I know he will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. You have my sincere condolences.