Profile: Marty Budzius – A career of giving
October 17th, 2009 | By: Fred Nystrom
One of the greatest examples of a person who gives back to our local community is the quiet, self-effacing Marty Budzius. Marty and his wife Pat moved to Issaquah in 1961 to begin their teaching careers with the Issaquah School District.
They both dedicated countless hours to the legions of students that came through the local schools until their retirement a few years ago. Most career educators would consider teaching and administration in various schools as enough of a commitment, but for Marty it wasn’t quite enough.
“It was Coach Gary Moore that got me involved in announcing the Issaquah High School football games in 1977,” Marty recalled. For the next 32-years, Marty was a fixture behind the microphone at not only football games, but boys and girls’ basketball, wrestling, and track and field events as well. Marty concluded his announcing career in February 2009.
The school district recognized his efforts on multiple occasions. In 1973, he received the Golden Acorn award while at Clark Elementary and again in 1986 while at Maple Hills. The Golden Apple was presented to Marty by the Issaquah Schools Foundation in 2003.
Still not satisfied, adding more volunteer hours to his schedule, Marty joined the volunteer efforts for Salmon Days way back in 1982. He still volunteers at Salmon Days, although he has slowed down a bit following two open-heart surgeries and some challenges with his vision.
In 1984, Marty turned his attention to the Fourth of July Kids and Pets parade. “Mr. Parade” has been managing the Fourth of July parade ever since. The Issaquah Chamber recognized Marty’s lengthy volunteering with The Salmon Days Volunteer of the year in 1990 and the Salmon Days Spawner Roll in 1993.
Marty was instrumental in launching the Rotary Club of Issaquah in 1977. To date, he is the only person to ever be elected President of the club on two separate occasions. As a Rotarian, he has guided the club’s commitment in donating money as well as time and expertise to local, regional and international causes. Over the years, Marty has been involved in the club’s goal of eradicating polio internationally, building medical clinics in Turkey, and funding scholarships for local graduating seniors. He also utilized his announcing expertise for the club’s largest fundraiser, the Salmon Days Rotary Run. He has been recognized by the club with the seldom given “Service Above Self” award and the club bestowed a Lifetime Achievement award this year.
In 1996, Marty was selected as one of the very few Olympic torch carriers for the Atlanta Olympics. He ran carrying the torch aloft and proudly represented the Issaquah community.
As one would imagine, Marty does not have a “stop” button.
In addition to the 4th of July parade, he announces the annual Rotary Challenge Day Race for both the Issaquah and Sammamish clubs. The race is a soap box derby-style race for developmentally disabled children and young adults. You can also find him volunteering at the Issaquah Visitor’s Bureau helping people get the most out of their time in our community.
The City of Issaquah inducted Marty into the Hall of Fame in 2004 as a “Thank You” to the Budzius family for nearly 50 years of service and positive impact on the greater Issaquah community. Not one to sit back, you can expect to see Marty and Pat continue to give back to this community. “I just keep looking for places where I can help” Marty declares. Perhaps that is the lesson for all of us.
