Robert Budda

Robert Charles Budda, born May 1, 1950, passed away Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, at his home in Lewiston, as a result of injuries sustained by exposure to Agent Orange during his military service from 1968 to 1970 as a U.S. Army crane operator in Vietnam.

Robert was born the son of Ronald and Bobbie Jean (Danner) Budda in Martinez, Calif. He attended Pittsburg High School and Loma Linda University, both in California. During his life, Robert lived in California, Washington and Idaho. He was a heavy equipment operator, a member of Operating Engineers Local No. 370 in Spokane, and worked for Santa Cruz Public Works in Santa Cruz, Calif., for many years until he retired on a medical disability in 1996.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Budda.

He is survived by his mother, Bobbie Jean Budda of Vallejo, Calif.; his son, Ezekiel (Sierra) Budda of Chapel Hill, N.C.; daughter Roberta Elmore of Washington state; brother Ronald (Inez) Budda of Lewiston; sisters Cheryl Jones of Orcas Island, Wash., and Patricia (Paul) Budda-Elberts of Mount Shasta, Calif.; grandchildren Jason and Abigail Budda of Chapel Hill, N.C., Amber Hirst, Zachariah Campbell and Melanie Elmore; three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces; nephews; and close friends including his former wife, Gail (Harvey) Budda.

Robert recently attended Living Word Missionary Baptist Church at 707 Preston Ave., Lewiston, where a memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday. All are invited to attend. There will be no viewing or burial.