By Rose S. Prinzi
The years rush by; and, at times, there may be an unexpected, fleeting thought of treasured friends and family members who have long passed. It may be an article, a joke, a forgotten photo you may come across in your drawer that triggers the interlude. But who else remembers that person you hold so dearly to your heart?
To the over 300 memorialized funds held at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, be assured that your loved ones are remembered. The Foundation works diligently to maintain the highest standards to meet the intent of all funds established. Annually, scholarships are awarded to deserving young adults seeking to pursue their educational goals. Each year, students are assisted by a variety of scholarship funds created by family and friends in memory of a special person or organization.
One such memorial fund established in 1992 at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation is the J. Emerson Weaver Scholarship Fund. Since its inception, the fund has issued over 19 awards to Chautauqua County students who have attended Grove City College, Bud’s Alma Mater. But it is not about the numbers. It is about remembering the person the fund is named after and the assistance it continues to give to its recipients.
Just like in life, J. Emerson Weaver, better known as “Bud”, touched the lives of many people and will continue to do so. His memory will live on for generations through the fund his family established.
Bud was born and raised in Jamestown. The youngest of three children, he was the son of John and Romaine Weaver. After graduating in 1952 from Grove City College with a degree in Economics, Bud entered the service and was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ. On a weekend pass home at Christmas time, Bud married his
high school sweetheart, Helen Wahlstrom. After his discharge from the service in 1954, Bud and Helen returned to Jamestown to help Bud’s father run the Cake Shop. Always interested in community affairs, Bud served on City Council for three years. In 1970, he became the Labor Relations Administrator for the Board of Public Utilities of Jamestown.
Through the years, Bud was active in a variety of community service organizations including the Rotary Club, Jamestown Area Safety Council, First Presbyterian Church Boy Scout Committee, and Masonic Groups. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and the Little Theatre of Jamestown. His involvement in sports as a youth led him to continue his participation into adulthood, officiating at high school basketball and football games, as well as Midget football.
Bud was a very competitive, warm, friendly person with a great sense of humor and easy smile. He always thought of others before himself. His work with the BPU, City Council and sports all affected our city and the individuals who resided here while he was alive.
In August of 1992, while traveling to his favorite vacation spot, Bethany Beach, Delaware, with his wife, Helen, and granddaughter, Molly, Bud was killed in an automobile accident.
Today and into the future, Bud will be remembered. His influence will be felt by the students who annually receive financial assistance through the J. Emerson “Bud” Weaver Scholarship Fund. Through this scholarship, Bud will not be forgotten.
For more information about the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, call 661-3390 or go online at www.crcflonline.org.