P.J. 'Bud' Semas

P.J. "Bud" Semas, 83, a Topaz Lake resident for the past 15 years, died April 14, 2005, in Gardnerville. He was born April 21, 1921, in Huntington Park, Calif., to Joseph D. and Clara May Einsen Semas.

He sold newspapers on the street during the Depression to help support the family.

He graduated from Huntington Park High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942, serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

He married LaWanda June Stephens Oct. 8, 1946.

He worked in various occupations over the years, first in the San Bernardino mountains and later in Southern California.

Mr. Semas retired to Topaz Lake in 1989 and joined the Topaz Lake Volunteer Fire Department as a recruit and rose to the rank of assistant chief, the oldest active firefighter in the state of Nevada.

He enjoyed trips to Quartzite, fishing, gardening and helping the neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years.

Among his survivors are his daughter, Donna; sons Ron, Bill and Craig; sister, Thelma, her two daughters and their families; brother and sister-in-law Charlie and Maggie and their family; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and dog Kayla.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Northern Nevada Chapter, Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 6362, Reno, NV 89513.

Cremation will be at FitzHenry's Crematory.

FitzHenry's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.