Stanford "Bud" Miles

Stanford "Bud" Miles, age 82, a former resident of Pelican Rapids, MN, died on Saturday, December 8, 2007, at Fairview Northland Medical Center in Princeton, Minnesota, ending his courageous battle with Alzheimer's with his loving daughter, Julie, and devoted youngest grandchild, Jacob, at his bedside. His entire family gathered together at his bedside within the hour in honor and remembrance.Stanford "Bud" Milton Miles was born August 17, 1925 in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Milton Beal and Ethel Eunice (Stanford) Miles. Bud grew up and attended school in Pelican Rapids where he graduated from high school. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II and returned to Pelican Rapids after his discharge. Ironically, not long after his return from war, he was accidentally shot in the leg while hunting near his home, causing its amputation. In July of 1954 Bud married Betty Haugrud and they made their home in Oklahoma where he worked in a leather shop. In November of 1955, their only child, Julie was born. Shortly after, Bud's work took them to Texas where he started working for Tandy Leather Corporation. In early 1964 they moved back to Minnesota. Still working for Tandy Leather Corporation, he acquired a job as a store manager for American Handicrafts Company in Minneapolis. He worked there until his divorce in 1974, when he briefly returned to Texas. Within a couple of years, he returned to Pelican Rapids to care for his ailing father. Bud began working for the City of Pelican Rapids. He loved his job and could always be heard whistling around the town. After his father's death in 1980, he bought a little house in town. In his spare time he operated a thriving fixit shop called Bud's Repair out of his home and resumed his art of leather tooling. After retiring from the city he continued to operate Bud's Repair. In the late 1990's he started showing sign of Alzheimer's disease and in May 2000 could no longer live by himself. He moved to Guardian Angels Care Center in Elk River to be near his daughter, son-in-law, and 3 grandsons, where he resided until his death.Bud enjoyed fishing, gardening, reading, and beekeeping. He was a member of the Pelican Rapids Masons.Bud is survived by his daughter, Julie (Bob) Bram of Zimmerman, MN; 3 grandsons: Nathan (Krista) Bram of Elk River, MN, Matthew Bram and Jacob Bram, both of Zimmerman; great-granddaughter, Lexy; ex-wife, Betty of Anoka, MN; many friends; and faithful dog, Dawg.He was preceded in death by his parents.