Past president for AIA Pasadena - Foothill (1982). He dedicated much of his career to community service, culminating via the photograph below, in the presidency of the Tournament of Roses.
Bud Griest, President of the Tournament of Roses for the 1996 parade, passed away in December at the remarkable age of 91.
The 1996 parade, with his theme “Kids’, Laughter & Dreams,” featured Kermit the Frog as Grand Marshal—the first non-human to host the event solo. Muppet-lover Bud had long dreamed of inviting Jim Henson to lead the parade, but when Henson passed away, Jim’s star, sidekick and best friend, Kermit the Frog, hopped up in his honor.
Bud joined the Tournament in 1967 and quickly became a major contributor to a variety of committees over the years. He chaired Television & Radio, Parade Operations, Queen & Court and a variety of other committees. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the success of many Parades, and his enthusiasm for the Tournament was contagious.
Professionally, Bud was an architect. He received his degree from the University of Texas School of Architecture in 1957, then returned to his native Pasadena to practice for more than four decades. Voluntarily, he was a member and president of the Optimist Club of Pasadena, the Pasadena-Foothill Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the University Club of Pasadena and the Pasadena Jaycees. Contributing to his community and the friendships he made while doing so were central to his full and laughter-filled life.
He loved the early Tournament years of staying out all night in the cold just as much as visiting the bands, riding down the Parade route, or awarding the Game trophy during his year as President. His favorite Rose Bowl Game, however, was not the 1996 game, but the 2006 game, when Texas beat USC in the final seconds in “The Best Game Ever.”
He is survived by his wife, Betsy, his daughter, Terry, and their families. Services were held at Tournament House on March 15 at 1 p.m. to celebrate by sharing memories of his life, his sense of humor and his heartfelt affection for chocolate chip cookies.
