George Maurice Smolens

On Saturday, October 27, 2018, George Maurice “Bud” Smolens passed away at age 84.

Bud was born on March 29, 1934 in Richfield Springs, New York to George Pierce Smolens and Audra (Brownell) Smolens. In 1956 he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Union College in Schenectady, New York. The following year he married Margaret Eliot (Peg) Smolens. They were married 50 years. They raised two sons, Scott and Michael, and one daughter, Cynthia.

Aside from his family, Bud’s lifelong love was the Air Force and flying, where he served several years as a fighter Pilot. He lost friends while he served, and at his wife’s request, he gave up flying because she felt it was too dangerous. Though he made this sacrifice for her, he maintained his love of flying throughout his life. He and Peg moved to Phoenix in 1963, where for decades he was a successful realtor in the city of Phoenix. Bud will be remembered by many, including his children, for his honesty and integrity. Bud was a warm and friendly person, a great husband and father. He was also the epitome of someone you could count on. He will always be loved and missed by those who knew him.

Bud was preceded in death by his father, George, his mother, Audra, and his wife Peg. He is survived by his three children, Scott, Michael, and Cynthia.