Myron H. "Bud" Center Jr.

Jan 3, 1932 -

Mar 2, 2024

Myron H. "Bud" Center Jr., 92, died at his home near Bandera, Texas. He was born in Cambridge, N.Y.

Nicknamed by a hired hand when he was just a little guy, Bud worked the family farm in upstate NY.

At 16, Bud talked a reluctant banker into loaning him money to buy a combiner, hired himself out and proudly paid off the loan that first season.

He married Eleanor Rojcewicz, started a family, and moved to Anchorage in 1961. He took over A.L. French Co, a small wholesaler, built up the company and made many longtime friends through employees, vendors, and customers.

Bud was an adventurer at heart. Soon after their son, Michael, died in an accident at 16, and realizing life was short, he learned to fly. He loved taking others flying, fishing and hunting, and often flew to the family cabin at Nancy Lake. In early retirement, he and Eleanor were referred to as the "cute, old couple in the little yellow boat."

Bud's keen memory, how he attracted "characters" and knack for telling stories made for a lifetime supply of great conversation.

For the last 20 years, Bud and Eleanor felt very at home on their small ranch in Bandera. People often marveled at how Bud devoted himself to caring for and loving his wife of 68 years, whom he referred to as his "Polish Queen." Eleanor died in 2022. A profound loss, but Bud enjoyed visits from family and friends and found much solace driving the old John Deere tractor right up until the last month of his life.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary Cartwright (Gary), Stella Josephine and Ruthie Glynn (Daniel); grandsons, Michael R. Center, Wes Cartwright, Chris Cartwright, Peter Cartwright and Jarek Halat; granddaughters, Kelsey Riemenschneider, Anna Bailey, Caley Garcia and Rachel Glynn; 11 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and longtime friends.

A graveside service will be held at a later date. Condolences can be sent to stellaak@gmail.com.