October 5, 1951 - July 17, 2022
Lester Ross Budgell was born in St. Anthony on October 5, 1951 to Fred and Dora Budgell. He was one of ten children that grew up scouring the rocks and ice pans on Fishing Point. In 1975 he met the love of his life, Donna Richards and they celebrated 40 years of marriage on August 4th of last year.
Lester and Donna settled in St. Anthony, where they had 4 loving children. Lester was a teacher and guidance counsellor in St. Anthony for many years until retiring in 2004, touching the lives of many students along the way.
Lester was a true gentleman with a kind, generous spirit who lived to help others and exhibited a deep love for God and Family. He was a fixture in the Salvation Army church and significantly contributed to the St. Anthony Corps as a band member, worship team leader and frequent vocalist. He enjoyed cooking, snowmobiling, boil-ups, music, hockey and especially spending time in his fishing boat or the salmon river.
Under the caring hands of the staff at Curtis Memorial Hospital and after a lengthily, courageous battle with declining health and family by his side, Lester peacefully passed away on July 17, 2022.
Lester loved to entertain, and especially loved visits with his children, grandchildren and friends. Lester will always be remembered with deep love and affection by his soul mate, Donna and their 4 children Justin (Joanne), Timothy (Stephanie), Chrisoula (Jordan), David (Caitlyn), as well as 7 grandchildren Reed, Rohen, Brie, Emilia, Brian, Mya, and Joseph.
The Budgell family gratefully acknowledges all individuals who offered medical, spiritual, emotional and physical comfort during Lester’s period of illness, especially medical professionals at Curtis Memorial Hospital and the Health Science Center in St. Johns.
Visitation to take place from the Salvation Army Citadel in St. Anthony beginning 7-9 on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 and continuing on Wednesday from 2-4 pm and 7-8 pm to be followed at 8:00 pm by a private family service. The funeral will take place on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 2:00 pm with Major Stokes officiating. Interment to follow. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Lee Nippard, Funeral Director.