Burton E. “Bud” Bard Jr. passed peacefully on Sept. 5, 2026, in his home state of Washington.
Born in 1933 at Swedish Hospital to Burt and Elois Bard, Bud grew up in Federal Way, where his family lived in a farmhouse on Steel Lake, and later in Kirkland. Of Swedish, Danish, Irish, and English heritage, he carried a lifelong deep appreciation for international relations, celebration of diversity, culture and history. He attended the University of Washington, earning a Master of Arts in Slavic Linguistics with a minor in Higher Education.
Bud met his late wife, Molly Bard (Longmoor), on a blind date, and they were married in her hometown of Twisp. After a months-long journey exploring Europe, they settled in north Seattle. Bud began his career in title insurance before moving into international education, serving as Executive Director of the Foundation for International Understanding (FIUTS) from 1967 to 1972. He later joined the Seattle-King County Convention and Visitors Bureau as Director of Visitor and International Programs.
A dedicated civic leader, Bud founded and directed the American Cultural Exchange (A.C.E.) which was devoted to language training and promoting cultural exchange programs to foster international friendship and relations. Bud was founding president of the Ethnic Heritage Council in 1980, serving twice as president, and remaining active for many years. He also served as Washington State Coordinator for Washington Sister Cities International.
In 2019, Bud was honored with the Order of the Rising Sun, one of the Japan’s government’s highest distinctions, recognizing his lifelong commitment to international understanding.
Bud is survived by his children, Suzanne Pierce and Eric Bard, and five cherished grandchildren and extended family. His legacy is one of love, kindness, cultural connection, service, and global friendship.
