Bud Yoho, a dear friend and colleague of many in our community, passed away peacefully on Sept. 27. He was surrounded by those he cherished most: his family, loved ones, and clergy. Though his passing saddened all who were fortunate enough to know him, the rich life he led ennobled all.

Bud was born Charles Wesley Yoho, Jr. in Washington, D.C. on June 21, 1938 to Charles Wesley Yoho, Sr. and Melva Theresa Yoho (née Cross). His father was an engineer for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; his mother a preservationist of local historical architecture. Though young Bud didn’t realize it at the time, the echoes of the freedom and excitement of the railroad, the scholarly pursuit of preserving history would bear fruit in his own life. In his teens, Bud and his family relocated to Rockville, Md. After high school, Bud proudly served in the United States Coast Guard.

Soon after, Bud married and moved to North Hollywood in 1958. Living in the heady days of the old Hollywood and the nascent rock music scene, Bud found himself surrounded by show business and soon found its lure irresistible. Under the stage name Buddy Chambers, Bud found success as one of Los Angeles’ local rock pioneers. His interests soon took him to the cinema where he became a stuntman for the Corriganville Movie Ranch.

Eventually Bud moved to Glendale. One of the places he worked for at this time was the Glendale Parks and Recreation Department. Bud assiduously worked at enriching himself by going to school. He would earn several degrees from Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and California State University, Los Angeles. Bud also earned a master’s degree from Pacific Oaks College.

At this point, a friend asked Bud to visit the College View Developmental Center in Glendale. It was here that Bud saw the path that would lead the rest of his life. Beginning as a substitute teacher, Bud would devote nearly 30 years at College View until his retirement last June.

While he worked at College View, Bud became a tireless advocate for people with disabilities. The work he wrought on for those that needed help most earned Bud various awards including, “Teacher of the Year” from College View and the Masonic award for outstanding service to public schools and education. He also fought passionately on behalf of teachers’ rights and the protection of their benefits.

His twin interests in history and helping those less fortunate were joined in collaboration with his friend Peter Fischl, a survivor of the holocaust, to tell Peter’s personal story of the horror he witnessed in Europe. Titled, “The World Who Said Nothing” the book became an important tool used in classrooms across the nation to teach children the value of tolerance and to never forget the tragedy of the holocaust.

Bud was also a devoted and active member of the Montrose/Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce and served proudly on its board of directors. The entire chamber appreciated his presence and good works. His legacy will live on always in the Montrose/Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce.

The last 19 years of his life were spent with Patricia Vakian Yoho, his beloved wife and best friend. Both of them shared and thrived off of each others’ shared interests in children, family, travel, and advocacy for people with disabilities. Together they were also active members of the Light on the Corner Church in Montrose.

Bud is survived by his wife, Patricia; son and daughters; grandchildren;
one great-granddaughter; and his two brothers.

A gruff and powerfully built man, Bud’s heart had a gentleness that belied his formidable exterior. The goodness and joy he radiated will never be forgotten by those who knew him. He will be dearly missed.

Services were held at Forest Lawn
earlier this month. In lieu of flowers,
Bud’s family requests that you please make a donation to College View’s
Teacher Bud Fund. The Teacher Bud Fund will support students in the
transition-aged classrooms by funding transportation to community-based
activities for students in this program. This effort was always dear to him. Please contact College View School at (818) 246-8363, Principal Jay Schwartz for more information.

  Charles Wesley, Obituaries