Samuel C. Buda, Jr.

Samuel C. Buda, Jr.

October 20, 1947 – January 11, 2023

SAMUEL C. BUDA, JR., 75, of Ocean View, Hawaii, passed away of cancer on January 11, 2023 at his home.  Sam was born in Omaha, Nebraska on October 10, 1947, son of the late Dr. Samuel C. Buda and the late Mariam D. Buda. Sam is survived by his spouse, Shelli Buda. He is also survived by his brothers Joseph D. Buda (Julie Buda), James J. Buda (Tina Buda) and sisters Linda Buda (Gary Goldstein), Marilyne Buda-Evans (Dan Evans). He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends – all of whom meant so much to him!

Sam graduated from Creighton Prep High School in 1965 where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. He was recruited by Coach Bob Davaney, and accepted a full football scholarship at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln (UNL), which he attended. Later, he attended University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and completed his Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services.

While living in Omaha, Sam enjoyed ministering to and helping troubled youth during the late ’60s and ’70s working with the Christian Brotherhood and Soul Concern. Sam moved to Kona, Hawaii where he worked and retired as a Safety Manager for an Earth Moving company.

Sam was a master storyteller and gifted in music. He loved playing his guitar and singing with his ukulele friends on the Big Island Hawaii. He was nick-named the Big Kahuna and was very well loved there.

Sam also married Shelli Johnson in Kona, Hawaii on the beach. There was just going to be a couple of friends witnessing the marriage, but word got around to the locals. They showed up with food, ukuleles, and good wishes. It was truly a celebration not to forget! That is what Sam loved about living in Hawaii, it was truly his second family.

When he retired, Shelli and Sam built a house in Ocean View, a rural area where they could see the ocean afar from their porch. They had many animals, from pigs, chickens to goats as well as their beloved doggies.

Sam touched many people in many different ways. Each memory that is held by them will keep Sam alive in their hearts. He will be greatly missed.

Cards or donations can be sent to Shelli Buda P.O. Box 6991 Ocean View, HI 96737.  No Services are planned at this time; a Memorial is pending.