Bud was a true gentleman and eternally stoked on surfing and surfing culture. The quality of his surfboards was legendary and his artistry extended to resin paintings, furniture and anywhere his creativity took him. Bud was inducted into the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame in 2010 as well as the International Shapers Hall of Fame in 2014. Bud lived by his own advice “To ride great, to look bitchin’ and to be treasured for a long time”.
Surfed with him many a time, he was good friends with my wife, Jayne Hurd. He was a great shaper, man and fantastic surfer.
What a great paddle out for my friend Bud ! It was bitch’n! As he would say!
Very few people loved building surfboards, and being a part of this group, than my friend David “Bud” Gardner. Bud was the epitome of the True Craftsman. A true artist as well. Bud didn’t just live this life, he loved it. As sad as it was to lose this good friend, I was glad to see guys like Pete Dooley, Ross Houston, Ricky Carroll and many others come out for his beachside memorial. His wife Sue was able to see that outpouring of love, and I hope it helped ease her pain. Bud Gardner was “one of a kind,” and a dear friend. It’s been 7 years now that Bud’s gone. I still miss the guy. When you picked up the phone to talk with Bud there was a good chance you’d end up talking stories and having some good laughs too. Adios, old friend. We’ll see you down the dusty trail. – Joe Roberts, AKA “JR”