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Location

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South Bloomfield, Ohio

Circleville and SOGPG grower Buddy Conley passed away earlier today after turkey hunting. My heartfelt condolences to his family and partner Karen Wiget.

Buddy was just about the nicest guy anybody ever met. He had a great sense of humor, a calm and pleasant demeanor, and would help anyone out. We will all miss him dearly.

5/1/2009 7:29:08 PM

Cologne Brescia Italy

Condolences, my prayers are for the family

5/1/2009 7:40:07 PM

canal winchester ohio

You summed it up right Joe, It's going to be a strange feeling this coming season without Buddy & John as well.
I'm still in complete shock.

5/1/2009 7:46:02 PM

ordinary,VA

my deepest Condolences to the Conley family and friends..

5/1/2009 8:04:55 PM

Western NY

Buddy was a class act, and this is truly a sad day for anyone who had met him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Karen and the rest of his family.

5/1/2009 8:15:29 PM

Columbus,ohio

I am in shock. My condolences go out this his family.

5/1/2009 8:24:48 PM

Frankfort Ohio

my condolences go out to the family i just met buddy a short time ago and ever question i asked he just shot out an answer good guy willing to do anything to help someone out

5/1/2009 8:34:37 PM

Frankfort Ohio

Thanks Joe ! When I got the Call at 3:00pm I was in shock I was told to sit down and as my wife told me Karen had call to say Buddy had died I said no way I felt numb like I said Buddy was the one that got me into growing Giant pumpkins 13 years ago he was a mentor to me .I traveld everywhere with Him And Kare Wiget patch tours ,club meetings and even trips out of the country I will greatly miss him as will alot of other people in pumpkin growing He was like a big brother to me my prayres go out to his family Thanks to every one with there blessings.

5/1/2009 8:37:50 PM

Prestonsburg,ky

My condelences go out to Karen and his family. I met Buddy and Karen at niagara this year, he sit and talked to me like he had known me forever. I feel luck to have meet Buddy he will be greatly missed.
Dwight

5/1/2009 8:55:51 PM

Northern Cambria, Pa.

Buddy was a great guy. He will truly be missed. Our condolences to Karen and the Conley family. Larry & Gerry

5/1/2009 9:00:25 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

My condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

5/1/2009 9:09:36 PM

Ohio

Wow, I'm speechless and can hardly believe the news. My condolences to Karen and his family.
One of the nicest growers I have ever met. I'm sure gonna miss him, and seeing his name up on the weigh of boards.

Rest in peace Ole bud.

5/1/2009 9:34:08 PM

Sparta, NC

Karen and his family are in my prayers.

5/1/2009 9:37:24 PM

Salem, OH

Our friend will be fondly remembered because of the person he was. I often speak of how we all start out to grow the biggest pumpkin we can but something happens along the way, we meet wonderful people, become friends and develop relationships that last years. Buddy Conley was one of those people for the Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers and myself. Karen , Our condolences to You , his family and SOGPG . Tim Parks and The OVGPGA.

5/1/2009 9:40:07 PM

Somerset,Ky

My condolences go out to Karen and family! God Bless.

John Van Hook

5/1/2009 9:48:00 PM

sad news .i only met buddy one time in person but was real nice guy, he will be missed

5/1/2009 10:08:16 PM

Dundee Michigan

Buddy was as nice of a guy as you could ask for. Always friendly and ready to carry on a nice conversation. My thoughts and prayers to you Karen. John Harnica

5/1/2009 10:14:57 PM

Another great loss in the community sad to say. When I finally got in touch with Buddy during the winter of '07 we spent over 2 hours on the phone, typical of the best growers in the country. Willing to help and answer questions from anyone wanting to ask and listen.

My thoughts go out to Karen and the family,,he will be missed.

Dan Bowles

5/1/2009 10:24:46 PM

Saegertown Pa.

I'm still in shock since I got the phone call this afternoon about Buddy's passing, I can't imagine not talking to him at are winter meetings, patch tour's and Niagara. My heart goes' out to the family and especially to Karen, they made a great couple. When I started growing pumpkin I never realized I would make so many great friends and buddy was one of them, he will be greatly missed.

Quinn

5/1/2009 11:08:34 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

Our prayers are with his family. buddy was a great guy. He often kidded me about the naked pumpkin run. He will be missed.

5/1/2009 11:29:17 PM

Frankfort Oh

I guess I would like to start like Tony,I too got into this hobby over 8 years ago,when I met Buddy at the Circleville Pumpkinshow,He then introduced me to the SOGPG group,as well as the Canfield group where we have been members ever sense,Buddy always talked highly of the mother club as he would say,BUDDY WOULD HARDLY EVER miss a patch tour,and would go and learn the tricks of the trade and come back and share them with anyone who wanted to listen,and beleave me I listened well,I can`t say enough about him,he was really a buddy to me as well to anyone who knew him,I almost don`t even want to grow right now but ,I know buddy wouldn`t have it ,So I`m going to grow one in his honor,1245 Conley going in the patch!Miss you already Buddy like hell,and as mentioned before it won`t be the same,I pray you rest in peace,Love your buddy Rob

5/1/2009 11:41:04 PM

[email protected]

Wow what a shock to the system, I've met Buddy a few times, and had nothing but good feelings about the man, He will be truly missed.
Eddy

5/1/2009 11:50:10 PM

Sophia WV

My heart is broken to loose such a dear friend Buddy helped me out every year with advice never had a bad answer or suggestion will be truly missed Great Gentleman! Robert and Sandy Treadway

5/2/2009 12:23:30 AM

Mill Creek West by god Virginia

weve lost one class act, may god bless his soul and god bless all who came into contact with buddy.

5/2/2009 1:08:02 AM

Ohio

I will never forget the trademark cowboy hat and cowboy boots Buddy always wore, if you seen Buddy, he was wearing them. What a great loss of a friend, the guy was a class act if you ever had a chance to talk to him, he never had a bad thing to say about anyone. A great loss to this hobby for sure.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=58808

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=58244

5/2/2009 4:26:33 AM

Leicester, NY

We lost a part of our pumpkin community that can’t be replaced. My thoughts and prayers go out to Karen and the rest of the Conley family.

5/2/2009 7:08:41 AM

New Bremen, Ohio

He was just one of those guys when you walked up to him you knew you were going to be met with a smiling face and have a good conversion. The guy was awesome. What a shock. My condolences go out to Karen and family! God Bless.

5/2/2009 7:43:29 AM

Dummer Twp - Ontario

Never had the chance to meet the man but from the responses here the Pumpkin world has lost another great ambassador. Our thoughts go out to the family and all of the friends that are feeling the loss at this time.

Kirk Chenier - GVGO

5/2/2009 7:46:27 AM

Rhode Island

ron and i knew buddy well. we communicated manty times over the years. a sad day to be sure. to young to be called up.
our hearts go out to buddy and his family.

5/2/2009 7:57:45 AM

Coventry R.I.

My Condolences,,,go out to the faimly.

5/2/2009 7:59:52 AM

Sheridan . NY

I DONT HAVE ANY WORDS --BUT SHOCKED--!!! ME AND BUDDY talked hunting and pumpkins --over the years for hours --a good friend--I will miss him very much---Karen im so sorry--all my thoughts are with you---craig lembke

5/2/2009 8:11:41 AM

Mocksville, NC

Our Heartfelt Condolences go out to Buddy, and his wife, and family.
The Reinsvolds.

5/2/2009 8:38:12 AM

no.scituate R I

Words can't say how Sue and I felt when we heard the sad news about our friend Buddy. Our hearts go out to Karen and the Conley family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in this time of sadness. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Joe & Sue Jutras

5/2/2009 8:42:44 AM

Team Munson

When I heard of the news about Buddy I could not believe what I was told, he and Karen have been long time friends. Niagara, seminars, patch tours, cruising our paths crossed frequently and I was always better when they did. I will miss the smile, encouraging words, with the love of life and big pumpkins. We will miss you Buddy and wish Karen the strength to persevere through this time of tragedy.

Dave & Carol Stelts

5/2/2009 8:52:45 AM

South East

Our condolences to the conley family, may he rest in peace.

Tina and Frank Finders

5/2/2009 9:28:09 AM

Columbus,ohio

I never met buddy, I don't even know if I ever talked to him. I was around him and he always was smiling with his cowboy hat. Always giving out good info. Sad day for his family and the pumpkin growers world.

-chris

5/2/2009 9:43:03 AM

West Sunbury, PA ([email protected])

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Our condolences to Karen, and the Conley family.
Chip, Heidi, and Ander

5/2/2009 9:47:24 AM

Indiana

I don't even know where to start. Buddy and Karen have been so good to me. They were the first pumpkin growers besides Kelly that my now wife ever met, and they showed her we were all crazy in a good way. Buddy will be truly missed. He was a champion for the hobby and a good friend. His smile, charisma, and personality were infectious.

Thank you for the memories Buddy!

Tom Beachy

5/2/2009 10:03:14 AM

Ireland

Sincere condolences from the Irish family of pumpkin growers.

5/2/2009 10:35:30 AM

Hot West Tennessee

My condolences, to all his family.

Kreig Taylor

5/2/2009 11:07:04 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

I met Buddy at the very first Niagara convention I went to....Very Sorry to hear this....What a nice gentleman...I am truly saddened by this....May he rest in Peace.....

Condolences to the family

Gary and Celeste Grande......

5/2/2009 11:07:05 AM

Massillon, Ohio

All these messages are touching testimonials to this man, Buddy Conley. May he rest in peace.

5/2/2009 11:35:45 AM

Parker, Co

Our hearts go out to Karen and the Conley family. We met Buddy at Niagara and on the Pumpkin Cruise. Such a nice man. He will be missed. cindi and pete glasier

5/2/2009 11:57:16 AM

Ontario

This has been a sad post to read, my sincere condolences go out to the Conley family.

Bryan

5/2/2009 12:12:32 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

My condolences to all of Buddy's family and friends.

Doug Wallace

5/2/2009 12:19:41 PM

Sort of Sunny Sometimes, WA

Rest in peace Buddy.

5/2/2009 12:41:45 PM

Circleville ,OH.

It just goes to show how short life is. I was just at Buddy’s the day before talking pumpkins and turkey hunting and how he had just started this years seeds. Then yesterday I got the news it’s just like total shock, you just don’t think someone close to you will go that fast. He was a great person and a close friend who always had time to talk and help the growers out. Like Paul said our pumpkin community has lost two great people in Buddy Conley and John Pontious here in the last couple months.

All of us in the Circleville group and SOGPG will have an empty spot in our hearts for years to come. Both of these guys did so much to help our growers and clubs out that there will be something missing for years to come.

Rest in peace Buddy and John we will all miss you.

5/2/2009 1:01:42 PM

Woburn, MA.

My condolences go out to his family and friends.

5/2/2009 2:02:02 PM

Sancoins / Cher / FRANCE

Our condolences to the conley family.
Jean louis

5/2/2009 4:13:06 PM

Minnesota

Condolences to the Conley Family.

5/2/2009 5:34:12 PM

Coventry RI USA

Over the years I have enjoyed talking with Buddy and Karen on the pumpkin cruise and in Niagara. My condolences to Karen and the Conley family Buddy will be greatly missed.

Ron Wallace

5/2/2009 7:06:29 PM

Elk Grove,Ca USA

wow, a shock. I remember talking to Buddy, that big smile, hat, cigarette, standing outside the hotel in Niagara two years ago freezing to death. What a great guy. My thoughts are with you Karen and family
Ken
turkeyman

5/2/2009 8:07:46 PM

huntsburg,ohio

hard to figure what to say.Buddy was proably one the first guys i met from southern part of the state had to be close to 15 years ago.One great guy gonna be missed alot.Tours,seminars and picnics and the cruise,good times.Thinking of you Karen and family
Jerry and Kitty

5/2/2009 9:40:28 PM

Darfield, British Columbia, Canada

Deepest sympathy to the Conley family

5/2/2009 10:30:26 PM

London, Ohio

bud conley was a buddy to everyone he met. the weighoffs will not be the same without him. he would always pull up in that small little truck with the biggest pumpkins every year that made the truck look like a tonka toy. he will be greatly missed and always remembered.
dan kirts

5/2/2009 10:31:20 PM

Woodburn, Indiana

Buddy was a class act and will be missed. Not many can pull off the cowboy hat and boots but man did it fit him. All the best to Karen and the Southern Ohio crew.

Kelly

5/2/2009 11:00:43 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Condolences to Karen and the family.

5/3/2009 4:05:44 AM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Words cannot express the great sadness I felt when Joe told me the news after work on Friday. It just won't be the same without you Buddy. My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to you Karen, and the rest of the Conley family.
- Lisa

5/3/2009 11:16:24 AM

RIP buddy.

5/3/2009 12:58:17 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Altho I did not know Buddy, it is still very sad to loose a loved one. May God bring you comfort in your time of need.

5/3/2009 3:44:29 PM

Bemidji Minnesota

My Condolences, this is sad news. You are in a better place now.

5/3/2009 6:13:24 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Grow 'em big Buddy!

5/3/2009 7:14:04 PM

Massillon, Ohio

when i learned this news today it hit like a ton of bricks. i started crying, couldn't breath, and felt like throwing up. that is how shocked i was. buddy was an a one of a kind, one in a million guy. i cannot even put into words how bad i feel for karen. i am praying for peace for her and the whole family.

5/3/2009 9:01:58 PM

Hanover,Ontario,Canada

Our sympathy to Karen and all the Conley Clan. Karen and Buddy have been long time supporters. We never know when our turn will come.
Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place,
Far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker,
For some the journey's slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
Together with the lord

Author unknown
Dave and Barb McCallum

5/3/2009 9:47:09 PM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

My wife and I have the family in our thoughts and prayers.

5/3/2009 10:12:59 PM

Santa Rosa, CA

I am stunned to learn of Buddy's passing. Buddy was very modest, however he was a world-class grower who knew crosses. Buddy was probably one of the few growers who did not use the internet. He told me that someone obtained information on him and started using his credit information.

He was one of the growers mentioned in Backyard Giants.

Two seasons ago he called me looking for Jim Martin's address. He told me he wanted to grow the 1092 Martin. In 2008 it was the pollinator on his 1145 Conley.

This past winter I saw where he was again on the Top 20 Growers list. Knowing that he couldn't look it up on the computer, I printed a copy along with GPC results from various weigh-offs and mailed them to him. I received an incredible thank you letter from him.

In my letter to him I mentioned that an 85-year-old grower wanted a special seed that might help him win a weigh-off. He sent me an 1177 to pass on. I drove to the grower's patch this morning and the 1177 Conley looks fine.

Buddy will be missed. My thoughts are with Karen and his extended family at this time.

Chuck Veader

5/4/2009 1:51:34 PM

San Luis Obispo, Ca.

So sorry!

5/4/2009 2:14:28 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Oh My, and only 54. Buddy good by!

5/4/2009 2:19:26 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Condolences and prayers to the family.
Chuck, Barb and Alex

5/4/2009 5:23:13 PM

wisconsin rapids WI

My condolances to the Conley's

5/4/2009 5:36:04 PM

Tenino, WA.

Our condolances to the Conleys and especially Karen. Jack and I met Buddy during one of the Ohio patch tours. What a great, kind person. Karen, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jack and Sherry LaRue

5/4/2009 10:09:33 PM

[email protected]

Belated condolences & Prayers to his family.

5/5/2009 2:17:53 PM

Goffstown,nh

I'll always remember the fun laughs we shared at Niagara...
So sorry to the entire Conley family.

5/5/2009 9:45:53 PM

Minerva,ohio

Our condolances to Karen and the family. . .
I fondly remember the day we met Buddy and Karen at a weigh-in in Barnesville, I had the pumpkin growing bug hit me and they both were so kind in giving me and my Dad so much information and giving me inspiration to go for it, such giving people, Buddy will be truly missed.
Karen and Family~ our prayers for your hearts to be comforted.
Michelle & Curtis Verhoff

5/7/2009 12:17:15 AM

Circleville, Ohio, Usa

I would like to express our deepest appreation for all of your thoughts and prayers. They have brought a smile to our faces in this tough time as we realize how rich Buddy was with all the friends he had made growing Gaint Pumpkins. As the line of friends and family streamed by to pay last respects, hour after hour, the comment was made, you could not buy this with any amount of money! he was so blessed to have friends like you all. Our Buddy leaving us so early has left a large hole in our family. Everything that buddy done was "gaint" weather it was growing pumpkins or just a smile to a new found friend. He gave it his all no matter what he was involved with at the time. Bud had convinced me to "attempt" to grow a gaint for the past 3 years without much success,I might add,"101 to date". I'll be tring again this year with just a little more dedication than I have in the past. Things will be just a little different now, but I know we will be re-united again some glad day on the other side, probably in a beautiful "gaint pumpkin" patch that I'm sure he's already working on! Thanks Bud for being a big brother I could always look up too,even if I was always taller than you.
we miss you so much!
your baby brother,Allen

5/9/2009 3:22:37 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

I don't believe we've met Allen, but that's a great tribute to your brother. I'd known Bud for the past eight years and never met anyone more enthusiastic about growing giant pumpkins. The off-season had to be excruciatingly long for him. Perhaps this is the season you become hooked as well.

We have a really close-knit Circleville and southern Ohio group very willing to help you out any time. We're just a phone call or e-mail away and you can generally find us out in our respective patches seven days a week until weigh-off day.......Joe [email protected]

5/9/2009 9:36:15 PM

No Place Special

So sorry to hear. Him and his family are in my prayers.

5/14/2009 10:55:04 PM

Warwood

Oh God! Just got the message, an awesome personality,He treated everyone like his friend, prayers to his beloved Karen and family. Will miss you Buddy........Don

5/16/2009 9:59:01 AM