A Tribute to Bud Peyen
By Xavier Sanchez (The News reporter)
Peyen, Bud. (1973)
The following pages are a tribute to our dear friend, Bud Peyen.
The Ferry
The Gentle Giant
Bud was depicted as a gentle giant. He was tall and strong, standing 6' 8. He was a man of few words, and spoke only when necessary.
There was a time when Lloyd Loonskin ran off into the woods and Hank (Ian's father) and Bud were looking for him. Lloyd was hiding from a man during the time he was out in the woods, the mans name was Sixtoes Mitchell, he was considered to be very terrifying and was armed with a rifle and seemed to be heading in the direction in which Lloyd was hiding.
He eventually got so close that it scared Lloyd so he ran off and Sixtoes fired a shot missing Lloyd. Bud and Hank heard the gunshot and had an overwhelming fear of hopelessness and sadness. It was too much for Bud and being the giant with a soft heart he sat down and started crying, tears pouring out of eyes like a waterfall. This shows that Bud Peyen has emotions just like everyone else and it really shows that he cares for Lloyd after expressing emotions of sadness.
Bud is also easily intimidated especially by white people who have authority over him. Bud feels he isn't intelligent enough for white people and will often not express his opinion, example can be Joe Beck. When Joe Beck confronted Bud he was yelling at him demanding to turn the boat around and all Bud was doing was mumbling under his breath. It was not until Hank came in that the argument converted over to him.
The Giant
Intimidated
Soft Heart
The Native Prince
Bud was talented when it came to music. He could change the lyrics to any song, he could practically pick up any instrument and play it without a problem, much like Prince who suddenly passed away this year in 2016. He also has a very powerful voice. He sang songs and even after his accident, which really damaged his brain, Bud was still able to sing one of his songs. Ian recalls one of his songs as being the best he's ever heard, it went a little something like this:
"Country girl, yes she was
Like wildflowers, on the plain
She needs a country
Needs the rain"
Bud Peyen was able to win every talent show he entered, although he was always decent enough to give away the trophy to someone else, someone who came in second. Bud could also change the lyrics to any song even when he was in the middle of singing one, he knew many songs and Ian would call him the Human Jukebox.
This just shows that Bud isn't just some native, he is someone with gifts and talents in which he does not take for granted as he will view himself as something less but the people of Fort Vermillion will always see him as greater person that Bud had seen in himself.
The Guitar Genius
The Native Prince
The Voice
The Loyal Giant
Even after when Hank was gone he still helped Ian's family out, he knew that they were low on food so Bud would bring whatever game meat he had to Ian's family.
Everyday Bud would bring food for Ian's family and he would ask Louise on Hank's whereabouts, the answers in which would receive would be dissatisfying for Bud. He missed his friend so much and really wanted to see him.
Hank was gone for so long that he eventually forgot who Bud was. The news hurt Bud Peyen as he wanted Hank to visit him but he put that aside an still accepted him as a friend.
The Generous Giant
Bud was Intelligent
Bud could also pick up almost any instrument and play it without a problem, he could also sing. Even after the accident Bud was still able to perform his music piece in the Legion Hall even after his bad car accident that permanently brain damaged him, he took first place and that was his last performance before his passing.
His Accident
The last time Ian and Hank saw each other the conversation went the following:
"Hank?"
"Yes,Bud?"
"You know, you're the smartest fellow I ever met."
"Thanks, Bud, that means a lot."
"And Hank?"
"Yes Bud?"
"We're friends, eh, me and you?"
"Sure"
What this shows is that Bud still remembers Hank's name, despite his accident and everything he's been through.
Isolation and Abandonment.
Bud died in an isolated place during the winter season, he forgot where his house was and sat on a log trying to remember. It eventually got too cold and Bud froze to death in an isolated part of the woods on a snow bank.