John Henry (Bud) Brillisour

John Henry “Bud” Brillisour, of Livermore, was born to Wilma and John Brillisour in Cicero, Ill. In 1950 Bud married the love of his life, Ruth (Maggach) Brillisour, and they were married almost 60 years when she went to be with her Lord in 2010. Together they raised their family, later retiring to Placerville. They are survived by their daughters, Cynthia (Toby) Kekke of Modesto, Karyn (Normann) Sivertsen of Alameda/Auburn, Lauren Downes of San Ramon and Kelly (Mike) Polvi of Oregon/Colorado. Bud was a proud grandfather to Rachel (deceased 2009), Trevor (Christina) Kekke and Marissa Kekke, Emery and Jamie Downes and Lacey and Noelle Polvi; and great-grandchild, Asher John Kekke.

At the age of 15, Bud and his father came to California, where, after lying about his age, he became a journeyman steamfitter at Richmond Shipyard No. 3. He joined the Army at 18, serving in Japan. He went on to become an electrical contractor, owning Castro Valley Electric until his first retirement. Bud began a lifelong passion for motorcycles and racing when the Hayward Motorcycle Club built their first track in 1946. He and Ruth owned and operated Carnegie Motorcycle Park in Livermore, Calif., host to world champion racers from around the globe.

After retirement No. 2, they had great times with their CalTex friends, touring the United States on their motorcycle. They continued to enjoy riding their motorcycle and traveling with their 10-10 camping club until they were in their 80s. The memories of summers on Lake Tulloch and Lake of the Pines, hunting trips with his Chesapeake Retriever, Penny, and the stories that Bud always had for every situation will continue to keep his family and friends smiling and laughing for years to come.

As Bud stated, the straights were getting shorter and the corners way too tight, and he passed peacefully on Dec. 5, 2012. At his request no services are planned. Donations are welcome in his memory to the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Department, 8801 Rock Creek Road, Placerville, CA 95667.