Observer mourns loss of Ronald A. (Bud) Peterson (77)

When my wife and I moved to Evansville in 1990 with a newborn and two children in Evansville schools, we had a home purchase surprise. The chimney at the home at 255 East Main was disintegrating. This was a problem that we did not need. In checking around, I heard nothing but horror stories about how much masonry repair of this type could cost. Finally one Sunday at church, I asked a tool guy if he knew anyone who was honest and did good work who could repair this for me. He said, "Well, there is only one guy like that, and he has retired. " I was crushed. Then he said, "Well, if you called him and begged him, he might come out of retirement, but I doubt it."

I called Bud Peterson and he promised to stop by and look at it. One afternoon I looked out and I saw a white haired gentleman walking, with hands outstretched for balance, straight up the ladder to the roof. He was 62 at the time, and I am still stunned when I think of it.

After inspection, Bud explained how he could shorten the chimney stack and then went over how he could repair it. He gave me a rough estimate and I told him to go ahead.

After he completed the job, he gave me the bill. After looking at it, I said, "That's not enough. It has be more than that. " "No," he replied, "It was just labor, and that is the amount I need. "

Not wanting to argue more than two times, I paid him quickly. Over the years I heard other stories about his integrity and craftsmanship. I have often wondered whether I would ever again argue with a contractor that his bill was not enough. No, it has never happened since.

He was a legend and a fine craftsman. We will miss him greatly.