Palmer Jr., Walter E. (Bud)
Walter Elliott Palmer, Jr. (Bud), passed away peacefully on April 25, in the comfort of our home. He was born June 16, 1941, grew up in Tolland and attended local schools. Bud worked at United Parcel Service retiring after 32 years of service. After retiring, he also worked in other capacities at Travel Centers of America, Garden Barn Nursery, and ECHN. Bud was an avid sports fan, enjoying baseball, basketball, hockey, and football and supported the UConn Huskies, Yankees, Red Sox, and the New England Patriots. Bud took great pride in his yard, and enjoyed hiking, bowling, croquet, cribbage and doing puzzles. He also traveled to various parts of the country and enjoyed scenic tours.
Bud leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, three sons, and five grandsons. He also leaves many relatives and friends who knew him and loved him throughout the years. He was predeceased by his father, Walter E. Palmer, Sr. and his mother, Gina Palmer.
We had many wonderful years together, our life was filled with good times, great friends, and cherished family. All who knew him enjoyed his company. Bud always had a kind word and a smile for everyone he met, leaving lasting impressions with his sense of humor. Bud was formally diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2009 and together our journey began, seeking medical care and support. We were given many tools along the way and Bud continued to do his absolute best to fight this relentless disease. Bud had strength, courage, and determination.
We are grateful and thank the many individuals that helped us along our journey to research and learn to live with Parkinson's Disease. Healthcare professionals Dr. Shih, BIDMC; Dr. Scott, Duke; Dr. Browner and Jessica Shurer, UNC; Dr. Machado and Amanda Brill, Hartford Healthcare; Dr. Simmons, Hospital for Special Care; Dr. O'Shea, Boston Medical Center; and Dr. Gomperts, MA General; along with many other professionals in those healthcare groups, provided us the tools, therapy, exercise programs, (including Rock Steady Boxing), and support we needed throughout our journey.
Also, we especially thank, Dr. Mikolaenko (and staff), Jennifer McCaughey, and Susan Lather of Hartford Healthcare, for their continuous kindness, compassion, and concern. And to the Vernon and Ellington PD support group members for their friendship and support, we thank you.
Bud was a kind, caring person, and his wish to be an organ donor was granted, by donating his brain to the MA General Brain Donation program for further neurological research. We thank Dr. Champion for her kindness and assistance in fulfilling his request. A heartfelt thanks to his sons Curtis and Jason, and his cousin Dave for their love and support through Bud's final days. He loved and appreciated all of you for being there and will remain in your hearts forever.
I am blessed to have had Bud with me for 40 years, he was my love, my partner, my life. We fought this fight against Parkinson's disease together as a team for many years, then on April 25, Bud took his fight up to another level, and he won the final battle. He is now free of PD and has found comfort and peace. Until we meet again, my hero, I love you dearly, you will always be in my heart, you did a great job and won, my “Sweetheart”.
A celebration of his life will take place at a future date. For those who wish to donate in memory of Bud, please consider the APDA CT Chapter, P.O. Box 248, Shelton, CT 0648, or at www.apdaparkinson.org/ct , which provides support to individuals with PD and support groups locally.
For further details, please visit: www.carmonfuneralhome.com .