Ralph D. 'Bud' Leaman

Bud Leaman was, in the eyes of his family, their super hero. He was very skilled with his hands, self-taught and a jack of all trades . . . and also comfortable cruising in his motorhome across the country with his loving wife of 57 years. They also traveled throughout their native Canada and also shared a passion for classic country music and traditional southern gospel hymns.

Ralph D. 'Bud' Leaman was born on October 9, 1942 in Little River, New Brunswick, Canada, a son of the late Leonard and Ida (Stewart) Leaman. A graduate of Salisbury High School in Salisbury, he also earned certification from Oulton's Business College in Moncton, New Brunswick. On June 27, 1964 he married Sharon A. Goddard, and they immigrated to the United States the same year.

Bud died at home on Wednesday November 3, 2021 from a long and complicated chronic illness with his family by his side. He fought valiantly for seven years. He was 79 years old.

Professionally, Bud worked as a service manager in the automotive industry for over 22 years, namely at the Porsche-Audi dealership in Natick. He then traded in the automotive tools for the tools of a builder. He enjoyed a successful and rewarding career as a Working Foreman for Ken Eisner at Countryside Builders for over 25 year and retired in December, 2007.

Bud and Sharon traveled extensively. They enjoyed many friendships from memberships in the 'Good Sam' and 'NAFC' Camping Clubs. Among his most favored trips were to Alaska, the Smokey Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Camping was a passion and hobby that he instilled in his family. It gave them the opportunity to enjoy vacations and planned destinations together, creating wonderful memories. Bud and Sharon also enjoyed the dance floor at numerous square dances, and were members of several square dance clubs. Bud was also an avid Red Sox fan. He was a classic car enthusiast for cars from the 1950's and 1960's. He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Lexington.

In addition to his loving wife, Sharon, he leaves his children, Lori A. Kearney and her husband James, of Palmer, and Chris D. Leaman and wife Dawn of Shirley; his grandchildren, Andrew Regan (Erica Shea), James and his wife Karissa Kearney, Brett Kearney (Jennifer Henry), Olivia Kearney (Jeremy Harmon), Christopher Leaman (Jessica Turbyfil), Trevor and Jerrica Leaman, and Frank and Vanessa Ciccarelli; his great-grandchildren, Dillon, Ella Rose, Leora, Chace, Connor, Adrianah, Aubrey, Riley, and Carmela; his siblings, Patsy Hayes, (Garry) of Quebec, Linda DeMille (Sherman), Phyllis Leaman, all of Salisbury, N.B. and Anna Stewart of Riverview, N.B. and several nieces, nephews and their families.

Bud was also a brother of the late Richard (Flora) Leaman and Donald (Angela) Leaman.

Family and friends will honor and remember Bud's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday November 7th from 2 to 5 p.m. His Funeral Service will be held Monday November 8th at 11 a.m. in the First Baptist Church, 1580 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Those wishing to view Bud's services may do so via this link at 11a.m. on Monday morning: https://my.gather.app/remember/Ralph-Bud-Leaman

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bud's name to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, or to Massachusetts General Hospital, Development Office – Vernon Cancer Center, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114.