Maxwell Isaac "Bud" Light

July  22nd, 1931 December  22nd, 2024
El Cerrito, California
Maxwell Isaac "Bud" Light

To live from the inside out 
Rather than from the outside in
Is to begin
To live.

Obituary

Maxwell “Bud” Light
A son of artists; father and grandfather to artists, Maxwell Isaac “Bud” Light died at 93 on December 22nd in El Cerrito, California, surrounded by his loving family. A man who never met a stranger in his life, his passing will touch more hearts in more places than can be noted here.


Bud will be remembered for his words, his deeds, and the kindness he so freely shared. A writer by vocation and a student of many passions, he was a true renaissance man.


Born in Chicago, IL, on July 22nd, 1931, the second of three children to Leonard and Jane Light, Bud grew to find joy in mischief and maverick behavior. He was a boy who would regularly skip school to catch Cubs games and a man who went back to school to receive a Master's degree in PR, one of the first awarded by Northern Illinois University. No matter what he pursued, Bud always seemed to know where the best things in life were and how to experience them to their fullest.


A long-suffering Chicago sports fan, and a prodigious athlete himself, the greatest game he ever played was a round of bridge on a blind date where he met his future wife, Gail. They would spend the next 65 years together, traveling to undiscovered beaches and raising their family.


Bud had a long, successful career running PR for organizations including St Therese Hospital, the University of Illinois Medical School, and the Jewish Federation of Chicago. Alongside his work, art was always his first love. He was most proud of the founding of Opening Night, a prolific Broadway review troupe, and his own published book of poetry, Marking Time.

In his later years, Bud found the freedom to engage in his passions, particularly those meant to inspire young generations. A masters-level tennis player who took up the game when he was 50, he taught both youth and adults for more than 20 years. His ultimate wish was for his love of poetry, tennis, and service to reach many new minds. In his last few years, he was working on a second volume of poems.


Bud is survived by his wife Gail, his sister Linda, his children, Lisa and Jennifer, and his grandchildren, Cooper and Emma, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was an original, a light in name and being. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to remember Bud by donating to The Arbor Day Foundation or any wildlife conservation organization.

Gallery


Memory wall

Post your condolences or share your Memories.


December 29, 2024
My deepest sympathy for your family’s loss.
May your memories be great comfort 🥰
Karen
December 28, 2024
My deepest sympathy. My heart is with you and your family as you mourn and pay tribute to your wonderful dad, Bud. May his memory be a blessing always to all who knew him. Sending hugs.💗
Ruth Petersen Shorer

Favorites


What was Bud's favorite Travel destination?
Uncrowded beaches, wherever he found them.
What was Bud's favorite Color?
Blue
What was Bud's favorite Sports Team?
The Chicago Bears, though he often lamented it.

Service


Please join us in person or virtually to celebrate the life of a man who enriched all of ours. We come together in remembrance of Bud.
Location
Fernwood Cemetary
301 Tennesee Valley Rd Mill Valley, CA 94941 United States
Date/time
December 27th, 1:30 PT
Virtual event
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