Monday, October 29, 2012

Bud L. O'Toole

Bud in a show on May 1981 in his Splinter outfit


                            Photo: Bud O'Toole

Bud L. O'Toole



This is the one of the two photos I have of my friend Bud, in another pic he wore a big cowboy hat made a dark shade on his face.



How we knew each other? Back to the 80s the other source to search for the goodies was the small classified advertisement on the Guns & Ammo magazine, always found some individual dealers of the period items, one of them was named Bud O’Toole, he was hand printing repro Heer and Waffen SS camo fabric, after few trades  we started a friendship for decades, and he came to my home during his Asia trip, (he was carrying a suitcase of V8 juice as his main diet, he survived by V8 and bread during his trip as he didn't trust Asian food, lost 16 lbs when back home.) as he was wondering how on earth a kid in the east was so keen on German stuffs, we wrote inch thick letters, discussing uniforms and camo details, however later years I was busied on my Army training, business, divorce and chasing women, and too lazy to write to him, but when I tried to contact him all letters bounced back, and he was not using internet at all.
Later form one of the forum feedback to me that Bud was very old and unable to recognize people. Oh that’s hurt; I was not used to lost friend in this way and not notice that we are getting older and older everyday. 


Here is my request for Bud's new on Axis History Forum:
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=102332

Then I got a feedback for the forum member:


Re: Bud L O'Toole

Sent: 04 Jul 2007 04:49 
From: Conley 
Simon - Hope all is well - sorry to say - Bud O'Toole at last report was in BAD condition and did not know people he was in his 80s .This was at time of post. I was looking for information on Camo fabric - from him - Thank You, Conley


Another discussion on SS camo, the writer warn buyer beware of Bud's camo in 70s, may selling as original.
http://www.atthefront.com/german/uniforms/farb.htm

http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=271989


The Wehrmacht Award forum of Bud's camo, and said he was killed in a car park after the show, but not matching the message I received. Photos of his hat and helmet cover in case of not log in.
http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=385288


Photos from Wehrmacht Award forum



People don't like him and call him a new Nazi, as he was sending Hitler birthday cards to people.
This is the Hitler card he sent me, I lost it together with other stuffs.
I just missed him a lot, want to show him my collection today.

But he should be passed away now. 
Life is short. 
He had a good life in his beloved hobby and hope him rest in piece.

Any news from his is always welcome and appreciated.


Below is the last photo he sent me in his golden years at 1987 still fit and strong.


                                                           Photo: Bud O'Toole

                                                           Photo: Bud O'Toole




                                                    

3 comments:

  1. Simon,

    Bud OToole passed away approximately 4 years ago! The lady is the picture (Irma) is my aunt! Some of the articles he still had were left to several of the his nephews including myself!

    Rod

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rod,
      Was Bud O'Toole ever in the Seattle area? I am trying to find someone by that name that did kendo (Japanese fencing) in Seattle in the 60's. We are celebrating 100 years of kendo in Seattle soon and would like to know more about your uncle.
      You can contact me at dougimanishi@hotmail.com. I don't check my g-mail account.
      Thanks,
      Doug Imanishi

      Delete
    2. I believe he was in either Seattle or Tacoma! We are celebrating IRMA Otooles 85th birthday tomorrow! I’ll ask her some more questions regarding the fencing!

      Delete