October, 2005, Sacramento, California:

The Pacific Crest Trail and Pacific Crest Trail Association have lost a good friend. Eugene F. ("Bud") Reid, of Carpinteria, Calif., passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2005. Bud served on the PCTA Board of Directors for six years (1997 - 2002) and was the PCTA's Treasurer for a number of years. Bud's contributions and dedication to the Association, its future, and the future of the trail were great and have been recognized through various PCTA awards, including a 2004 "Above & Beyond Award" and, in 2002, an "Honorary Trail Gorilla suit" (among the PCTA's highest honors) from Pete Fish, PCTA S. California Regional Coordinator.

Bud was a very generous PCTA supporter, particularly during lean early years when it was unclear that the organization would survive. "Until Bud came along," says Pete Fish, "it was like the PCTA was in a dark tunnel and we weren't sure whether we were looking at the light at the end of the tunnel or a train coming straight for us. Thanks to Bud, it was the light and not the train." Bud's contributions allowed the PCTA to not only stay afloat but to expand its role to include advocacy efforts that have proved critical in helping to protect the PCT and its environs from actions what would detract from hiker and equestrian experiences. Additionally, Bud instituted the first PCTA Board of Directors Directory, a publication that allowed Board Members to get to know one another and helped put the PCTA in better a position to recruit other talented, dedicated individuals. "Bud was instrumental in helping the PCTA to mature into the effective organization it is today," says former Trail Programs Director, Joe Sobinovsky. "He was a natural leader," adds Pete Fish, "he provided ideas about where the organization should be headed and the funds to get it there."

Throughout, Bud recognized the importance of an efficient PCTA business office and made contributions to support that office. He funded a phone system, copy machine, membership tracking software, and the Association's first financial audit. "It's easy to overlook the back office but Bud knew how important the business of running the PCTA was and he made sure we had the tools we needed," says Liz Bergeron, PCTA Executive Director. Bud's office contributions have helped to ensure that the PCTA is able to pursue its mission in a proficient professional manner. Another of Bud's important contributions was his sponsorship of the beautiful and popular PCT map brochure, which is produced in cooperation with the Forest Service and used consistently to promote the trail and the value of its preservation.

"He was a quiet giant," says friend and former PCTA Executive Director, Bob Ballou, "not only to the PCTA, but also to the Boy Scouts of American, international Scouting, and Pyle's Boys Club. Bud didn't spend a lot of time on the trail but he wanted to be sure it would be there for young people in the future. Outdoor opportunities for young people were very important to him."

Bud became involved with the PCTA because of the interest of his longtime friend Pete Fish. "I think he liked the idea that the PCT was available to young and old from all over the work, I think that's why he supported it."