Island Oasis

04/21/2020

The island is buttoned up now as we stay but here’s a wish for better days to come.

04/10/2020

Just found this gem.

10/06/2019

Heirlooms from Bud, on a porch in Lapointe.

04/30/2019

Vintage Oasis photos from our friend Debbie’s funeral. She was a great friend to Bud, often bringing him dinner during the busy summer, and sometimes substituting behind the bar when he needed a break. So great to see his smile again.

06/24/2018

Pastor Marina Lachecki helped us say goodbye to Bud today with a beautiful memorial overlooking the lagoon.

06/22/2018

Bud drove out to the north end of the island before sunrise one summer morning to catch this peaceful scene. I'll be thinking about him, gazing out on the lake he loved so much, when we celebrate his life on the shore of Big Bay Town Park at 10 a.m. Saturday.

06/14/2018

A memorial will be held for Bud on Saturday, June 23. There will be a ceremony at 10 a.m. in Big Bay Town Park, down by the water, with pastor Marina Lachecki presiding. All are welcome to attend. Or, just stop by the Oasis later that day, when we will sharing stories of Bud and maybe a beer or two. (BYOB.)

06/12/2018

Bud took care of this fawn after its mother died. He named it Candor.

05/14/2018

This was Bud’s favorite sunset spot — the winter approach to Bayfield. He’d head down on his bike to catch the last rays, drink in the evening peace and maybe pick up a little driftwood for the bar. Tonight the lake is quiet. A couple of loons cruise past, diving for fish. Somebody down the shore is playing blues guitar. The sky looks like fireworks. A perfect Bud night.

05/01/2018

04/27/2018

This is Bud’s friend, Tim. I have some sad news. Bud has passed away.

He learned earlier this winter that he had colon cancer. It was advanced, and rapidly metastasized. Treatment was not able to arrest.

Bud was fortunate to be in Florida with his family, who cared for him until the end, and he was especially blessed by the recent birth of his grandson Abel.

There will be a memorial on the island in the coming weeks, details to follow. It was Bud’s wish that he be cremated and buried with his mother, Leona, and brother, Mike, in Greenwood Cemetery on Middle Road.

I learned the news this afternoon on the ferry and went straight to the Oasis, popped open a beer and rang the bell in his memory. When I arrived, there were two deer on the lawn, waiting for their old friend. It will be a sorrowful time for all of us island creatures who were welcomed to Bud’s home.

If you have memories you’d like to share, please feel free to leave them here.