TAIT: Harry Buddle devoted his life to helping others

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

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If ever there was a life that embodied this profound question, it was Harry Buddle’s. On Sept. 3, Edmonton lost a truly magnificent soul, a man whose 85 years were a vibrant tapestry of unwavering generosity, quiet strength, and a humanity so deep it touched everyone he met. Lung cancer may have claimed his body, but his spirit, his legacy of giving, will forever echo softly in the hearts of those he enriched.

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I can still see him, that cool fall morning in the United Way office. The air was thick with the weight of a fundraising shortfall, the media gathered, microphones poised. Harry, then the new CEO of Capital City Savings — now known as Servus Credit Union — sat at the end of the table, a gentle smile playing on his lips, saying little.

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But when his moment came, what an announcement it was. He presented a cheque, a single act of profound kindness that instantly met the United Way’s 1987 goal, meaning thousands of Edmontonians who need a boost, simply, got it.

It was more than a donation: it was Mr. Buddle’s Edmonton welcome party.

That day, as I interviewed him for a newspaper piece, and later, on the drive back to The Edmonton Journal building, I was utterly captivated by his character.

His generosity, his grace, his sheer humanity — and oh, how he could make you laugh! Over time, our professional acquaintance blossomed into a cherished friendship, a bond forged in mutual respect and admiration. Harry understood community leadership not as grand, sweeping gestures — but as a consistent, heartfelt commitment to making a difference, one person, one act of kindness at a time.

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His dedication flowed seamlessly into his personal life. Alongside his beloved wife, Judy, the Buddles built a home overflowing with love, raising nine children, including four adopted kids. It was a testament to their boundless capacity for love and inclusion.

My wife and I were even blessed to share a Christmas dinner with them, a memory I hold dear, a tableau of warmth and belonging. Harry’s integrity and kindness were so powerful, so genuine, that I even switched banks because of him — a small act, perhaps, but a profound reflection of the trust he inspired.

Harry’s thirst for knowledge and his unwavering commitment to his work were equally inspiring. He was pursuing his studies at the University of Alberta while simultaneously leading Capital City Savings, a feat that would daunt most.

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He once shared his secret to time management amidst his many responsibilities: “eating when you do them.” Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he pulled an apple from a small brown paper bag, taking a bite as he effortlessly transitioned to another question in another interview. It was a simple yet profound insight into his practical, grounded, and utterly human nature.

But perhaps the most poignant example of Harry’s boundless compassion unfolded during a visit to his cottage north of Kelowna. After we landed, he insisted on a detour to a lumber yard. There, without a word, Harry bought enough lumber to build a wheelchair ramp, ensuring that I, in my wheelchair, could easily access his cottage.

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, he handed me a cold beer, then began hammering nails. By nightfall, a ramp stood complete, a tangible symbol of his thoughtfulness and immediate action.

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This act, so simple yet so profound, was Harry in a nutshell — always thinking of others, always ready to lend a hand, and always, always with that genuine, heartwarming smile.

We honour Harry Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church.

Harry Buddle’s passing leaves an undeniable void in the hearts of many, but his legacy will continue to inspire. He taught us that true leadership isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about enriching lives, building communities, and doing it all with a compassionate heart and a good sense of humour.

He will be deeply missed, but his memory will undoubtedly live on as a beacon of kindness and service, a gentle reminder to us all to always ask ourselves, “What are we doing for others?”

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