Stewart (Bud) Matthew Laitinen passed away in Kamloops, February 26, 2012 at the age of 82.

A long-time resident of Kamloops, Bud was born in Salmon Arm to Vera and Albert Laitinen. He spent his early career years throughout B.C. with the B.C. Forest Service and resided in Kamloops for the past forty-eight years. During his long retirement he enjoyed skiing, hunting, fishing, travelling, golfing and spending summers at Shuswap Lake. Bud was loved and respected by friends and family alike.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Caroline; his children Maureen (Ron) Lefebvre, Sharon McBeth, Vicki (Roman) Gehring; his step-sons Rob (Nan) Robertson, Chad Robertson, Kenny Robertson, Ian (Kelly) Robertson; his sister Lois Cunningham; his brother-in-law Don Ross; 23 grandchildren; 6 nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife Marianne, his sister Yvonne Ross, his granddaughter Jamie-Lynn Robertson and his nephew Norman Cunningham.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Valleyview Bible Church, 2386 Trans Canada Highway.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kamloops Hospice would be greatly appreciated. (72 Whiteshield Crescent South, Kamloops, B.C. V2E 2S9 (250)-372-1336).