Lawrence "Bud" Post

Lawrence E. “Bud” Post, 87, of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed peacefully in his sleep on December 17, 2020.  Bud was born on August 11, 1933 in Grand Rapids to the late Lawrence Meng and Jenny Woodruff Meng. His father passed away at a young age and Jenny soon married William Post, who adopted Bud as his own. Bud spent his early summers at his grandmother Woodruff’s farm in Culver Indiana and later at Culver Military Academy. He started high school at East Grand Rapids High and graduated from Leelanau School in 1950. After a year at Purdue University, Bud joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to a Nike missile battery in New York City. In his spare time, Bud began taking flying lessons at City Island Seaplane Base where he earned his private pilot seaplane rating.  After receiving an honorable discharge, Bud took a bus to the Cessna factory in Wichita, KS and flew home his first airplane: a shiny new Skyhawk. Soon afterward, he went to work at his parents’ company, North Star Bus Lines, where he worked his way up to eventually become President/CEO. While on an assignment at the company office in Traverse City, MI, Bud met Doris Randolph, and the two were married on March 10, 1967. The newlyweds purchased a house in Grand Rapids Twp., and in 1971 Doris gave birth to Lori Ann Post (Florian). After his successful tenure at North Star, Bud sold the business and retired in 1980. Doris passed in 2003 after a lengthy illness.  In his retirement years, Bud let no moss grow under his feet. He captained the charter boat “Flying Fresian” for several years out of Grand Haven, spent a great deal of time at his deer camp in the UP, shot competitive pistol and skeet, flew thousands of hours in various aircraft, volunteered his time flying trips for Wings of Mercy, and hunted all over the world. He was a member and officer of Safari Club International Michigan Chapter, as well as the Kent County Conservation League. He was also a member of Ye Ancient and Secret Order of Quiet Birdmen and the Scottish Rite Freemasons. Needless to say, with his wide circle of friends and propensity for travel, Bud always had a whopper of a story to tell. Most seemed so outlandish they bordered on fiction; but upon further investigation these tales were often verified as truth!  Bud is survived by his daughter Lori Florian, Son-in-law Rob Florian, grandchildren Stephen and Kaitlyn Florian, and very special, close family friends. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Green Acres of Lowell and Kindred Hospice for the excellent care they provided.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Wings of Mercy (www.wingsofmercy.org). Due to the ongoing pandemic, services will be limited to immediate family only.

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