My friend Bud Moore

Today is my friend Bud's birthday. We're been friends a long time. I met him when he came to Fountain Valley to take over the division of ARA I was working at, and he was in charge of the three So. Cal divisions. I was the division secretary. His first words to me, and about the only words he said to me for a couple of months were: "I've never had a secretary and I don't need a secretary!" Eventually, he saw the error in that pronouncement. (This photo is of Bud and I at his son Micheal's wedding.)

ARA was a manufacturer of aftermarket automotive accessories, (try saying that fast 3 times). When Bud (his real name is Algie Luther Moore, Jr., which is why he's called Bud), discovered I could run the office and do just about everything needed, he had me start working in the shop, too. In addition to my office jobs, secretary, cashier, accounts payable, etc., I was now helping on the service drive, writing service orders and diagnosing problems.

My diagnostic skills were limited to listening to what the customer said was wrong, and telling the customer what the problem probably was, based on common sense, giving an estimate, and getting the approval to work on the vehicle. Later I was promoted to oversee my own division (this means a garage) of the company.

Bud retired early, he was in his 40's, due to health problems. When he retired, he went back home to Waco, TX. Today is his 69th birthday.