By Chad Klassen

Kamloops volunteer remembered for his work to provide meals, shelter for the homeless

Feb 19, 2019 | 10:38 AM

KAMLOOPS — Bud Forbes is being remembered for his tireless work and commitment to the homeless population in Kamloops. 

Forbes, who passed away suddenly on Friday, was a big part of the Out of the Cold program, providing warmth and meals for people on the streets. 

“Bud believed that any person who walked through the doors was a friend,” said board chair for Out of the Cold Kathy Moore, who replaced Forbes in the position last year. “He welcomed every person into his life with love and never judgment, only kindness and acceptance. That’s what he’s passed on to us.”

After St. Vincent De Paul could no longer house the program, Forbes moved it into the basement of St. Paul Cathedral in 2014.

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“He proceeded to find a coordinator and get volunteers to make meals, which was on Sunday night and Wednesday night. We always had a hot meal for the guests that came in, and then in the morning before they left they got another hot meal,” noted Moore.

Forbes also assisted in the launched the Out of the Heat program in 2018 during the summer of wildfires, providing respite for the street people needing to get out of the smoke. 

Last year, he made room for Moore to take over the programs. 

“He said to me, ‘If you take this on, I’ll be right there by your side, and you don’t need to worry.’ I was worried because his shoes were very big to fill,” she said. 

Moore says Forbes will leave behind an incredible legacy of service to Kamloops that will be difficult to replace. She says Out of the Cold will continue in his honour. 

“I can’t say enough about what a good mentor and teacher he was. He’s going to leave such a big hole in our lives. His deep faith and commitment to service just shone through.”