Preston's cousin passed away in May..........

Braidon Budd



On Friday, May 11, 2007, Braidon Michael Budd returned to his heavenly home at the tender age of 21. Braidon was born Oct. 4, 1985, in Page to Brady and Teresa Budd.

In August 1986, when Braidon was 10 months old, he moved to Catalina Island with his parents, where he would spend most of his youth until returning to Page in August 2000. While living on Catalina and growing into a young man, Braidon discovered a great passion, love and appreciation for the ocean. He was a certified junior lifeguard for Los Angeles County for two years of his teenage life.

There was not a day that passed, winter or summer, when Braidon would not hesitate to find the time to go fishing, snorkeling or just be on the water. Braidon owned his own boat at an early age and would spend almost every early morning on the ocean while it was smooth as glass; with as many friends as he could get wakeboarding, fishing, or just cruising the harbor checking out the chicks.

At the age of 3, Braidon received his first drum set and would spend an hour every day after pre-school making music. It did not take him long to discover that he had a natural talent and passion for music. Braidon never took music lessons of any kind but learned all he knew by himself, by ear. If he heard it once, he could play it.

At the age of 6, he participated in his first local search for talent where he won and continued competing in many more contests. He went all the way to the finals, representing the Southern California district and competing against the winners of the western states.

After a few years of competing, Braidon formed his own band, in which he was the youngest, only 10 years old, playing with boys that were in high school. They named their band “Group Therapy.” They were a hit on the island, playing at many local functions and parties. Braidon’s love for music continued through his entire life.

When he moved to Page, he was very instrumental in getting the local band together called “Discipline,” where he started as the band’s drummer but soon became their lead singer. Braidon sang with his whole soul.

Braidon played baseball and played it well. He played the position of catcher, first base and pitcher. Braidon lived life on the edge and to the extreme fullest. He rode motorcycles and raced in many motocross races. Being an extremist, he would jump over anything you put before him. He was an extremely good skateboarder and helped his mom open Havoc Board Shop when they moved back to Page.

At the time of his death, Braidon worked as a chef at the Dam Bar and Grille.He was very creative in the kitchen and loved his job. Braidon did nothing that he did not enjoy. He would say, “Life is too short for me to be working and doing something I don’t like. “ He was full of life!

Braidon was a loving son, a loving brother, and a loving father of his 4-year-old daughter, Jaiden Kalie, while excitingly waiting for the birth of his second child in October.

Braidon is survived by his loving companion, Kayla Lee of Page; his 4-year-old daughter, Jaiden Kalie Budd of Flagstaff; his parents, Brady Budd and Teresa Budd of Page; two sisters: Brendyce Budd and Asarae Budd of Page; his brother, Daran Budd of Page; grandparents Judy and Cecil Mowbray of Page, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Mary Hunka, and two grandfathers: Michael Budd and James Hunka.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center in Page. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the National Bank of Arizona in Braidon’s name on behalf of his surviving children.