Obituary
Arland B. Friend, 82 of Fort Myers, FL, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 17, 2024 with his wife, Judith, by his side.
Arland (Bud) was born in Defiance, OH on October 16, 1941 to the late Reverend Harland and Bertha (Needham) Friend. He graduated from Emmaus High School in 1959 and attended Houghton College in Houghton, NY. Later in life he returned to college and attended classes at DeSales University in Center Valley, PA. Bud owned and operated Bud Friend Auto Parts and Machine Shop in Emmaus, PA for nearly 38 years before retiring and selling his business in 2006. During his time in business he enjoyed his passion for speed, he built racing engines for many local and out-of-state friends over the years. He was always looking for a way to go faster and testing the engines he built on his Dyno was one way he could accomplish that. Of course, the neighbors were never happy during those testing moments at 2 AM.
He and his wife enjoyed spending time on their boat “Non-Cents” for many years on the Chesapeake Bay, and met many great people along the way. He served for 6 years in the Army National Guard, served with the local Jaycees, and was on the Board of Directors for several year with the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA).
He will be remembered by his wife, Judith, his sisters Theta (Dale) Fink of Simpsonville, SC, and Gwynna (John) Slough of Lebanon, OH, his brother-in-law, Jim Sperduti, of Macungie, PA, and his sister-in-law, Jeanne Laudenschlager of Allentown, PA. He also leaves behind an uncle, cousins, nieces, and nephew that he loved dearly. Services were held at the convenience of the family.
Donations can be made to your local animal rescue, Hope Hospice of Fort Myers, FL or the charity of your choice.
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