WILMINGTON, MA — Louis R. “Bud” Kleynen of Aiken, S.C., and formerly of Tewksbury, Mass., died unexpectedly on September 25, 2017, while doing the thing he loved, playing golf, in Scotland, with friends at the Western Gailes Golf Club.
Born in Lowell on May 9, 1949, the son of the late Louis L. and Margaret C. “Sis” (Hennessy) Kleynen, Bud grew up in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School. He and Nancy Ross of Andover were married in 1971 while Bud was serving in the Army in that era of the war in Vietnam. The couple moved to Germany where Bud was stationed and while there they became parents of their only child, Jodie Lynne.
Following his military service, Bud worked for the US Government and later began a career in the retail sector where he became skilled in information systems while working for a number of companies, including Lechmere, Ann & Hope, Star Market and B.J.’s Wholesale Club.
Following Bud’s retirement, he and Nancy moved to Aiken where Bud joined the staff of Palmetto Golf Club. He truly loved his job and the people he worked with. He and Nancy quickly made new friends in the area and Bud was known as a good neighbor who could solve computer problems. Bud loved to travel; he looked forward to family vacations and the “group trips” that he organized with friends.
An avid golfer, he played as often as he could on as many courses as he could but he enjoyed none more than the days he spent playing with and teaching his grandson Jake.
Bud will be fondly remembered by all who knew him for his great sense of humor. He always loved a good joke, even the silly ones made up by his granddaughter Molly. But he will be remembered most for being a kind, generous, great guy who was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. He will forever be in the hearts and minds of those who loved him.
Bud was the beloved husband of the late Nancy (Ross) Kleynen, devoted father of Jodie L. McDonough & her husband Sean of Tewksbury, loving “Pa” of Jake and Molly McDonough. Cherished son of the late Louis and Margaret “Sis” (Hennessy) Kleynen, dear brother of Patricia Kleynen of Wilmington, John “Jack” Kleynen and his wife Debra of Haverhill and the late Kevin Kleynen. Bud is also survived by a niece, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Family and friends will gather for a visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62) in Wilmington on Sunday, October 22nd from 3:00-5:00 p.m. followed immediately by a Service at 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations in Lou’s memory may be made to Homes for Our Troops, 6 Main St., Taunton, MA 02780 or http://www.hfotusa.org.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from Nichols Funeral Home.)
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