Hobby Loses Legend - Ed Budnick Passes

[Tim Zwick]

Sadly, long time Detroit area collecting legend Ed Budnick passed away on Saturday Jan 11. Ed has touched virtually anyone that has spent time in our hobby since the early 1970's in the Detroit area.

Ed and my paths first crossed in the early 1970's either at a Detroit area show (Statler Hilton?) or at Charlie Brooks card store on Detroit's east side. He always helped us kids out by selling us something we wanted at a great price or trading it to us for something he really didn't need. He was friends with many other Detroit area legends - Frank Nagy, Dick Reuss, John Ramirez to name a few along with other longtime hobbyists like Jay Barry, Will Johnske, Bob Wimmer, Charlie Conlon, Gary Sawatzski, SCD founder John Stommen and especially young brothers Mark & Jim Dehem.

Ed amassed a very large autograph collection that not only included many museum quality sports signatures but also all of the U.S. Presidents and last I knew, all but one First Lady. While he did collect some cards over the years, his main focus besides the autographs was game used equipment, books, publications, photos and other sports memorabilia. He was also always a regular vendor in the front of the room at virtually every National Convention for over 25 years.

He will be missed by all of us that he may have known or touched. God Speed my friend. Our family sends it's deepest sympathy & condolences to Dolores and the rest of the family.


May God Bless,
Tim

[Hot Springs Bathers]

I bought a lot of media guides from Ed back in the 1980s! Nice man

[Myachelydra]

Rip

[nickedson]

I met Ed as a 17-year-old kid setting up for my first show at the Troy Hilton in the summer of 1972. He was very kind and he always had unique items for sale at very reasonable prices. Later, as a columnist for Baseball Hobby News, I interviewed Ed for a story about his collecting interests over the years. A hobby giant, in my book.

[brian1961]

This is very sad news. My sincere sympathy to his family, and may he truly rest in peace.

I also was privileged to meet Mr. Budnick at the big Detroit Show in July of 1972. I was but 18 back then, but serious about the hobby, and I was touched that Mr. Budnick would treat someone so young with dignity and respect.

I may very well have bought some publications from this gentleman back then. Though I cannot recall a definite conversation or purchase, I still remember him well and in a positive way.

God bless his soul and memory.

[ethicsprof]

my condolences to family and friends.

with sympathy,

barry