Remembering Bud Balani

My name is Johnathan Balani, and it's with great sadness that I'm announcing the passing of my father, Hospecio "Bud" Balani Jr. who unexpectedly and tragically passed away on May 11, 2023 at the age of 60 years old. To those who knew him, he was a great man, teacher, loyal friend, and coworker. To our family, he was a great son, brother, uncle, godfather and most of all a great father. He left behind his three brothers (Phil, John, and Dale), his mother Helly, and above all his Son, Johnathan. He was dealing with a great amount of medical issues these past few years following a near fatal motorcycle accident in 2019. One year ago Bud moved to Las Vegas with Johnathan to go be with Bud's mother. Beforehand, he served in both the US Navy and later in the Army National Guard. He worked as a Local 80 Motion Pictures Studio Grip for 20+ years. Bud was also a dedicated Martial Arts practitioner and an instructor of Lameco Eskrima & Kali Ilustrisimo. Bud was the first member of Punong Guro Sulites Lameco Backyard Group and a founding member of Kapisanang Mandirigma. Bud was instrumental in developing Kapisanang Mandirigma's youth programs in Los Angeles Historic Filipinotown where at risk youths were diverted from gangs and drugs using strict Martial Arts training and discipline in various Kali Klub's. Bud leaves behind a community that has been forever touched by his kindness, passion, and unmatchable hardheadedness and love for his family, friends, and colleagues. His impact on the lives will continue to be with us for years to come. Bud will be deeply missed, his spirit will live on through the memories and countless lives he has touched throughout his journey. This fundraiser is to help our family with covering the funeral costs, memorial services, and transportation to get him back to Los Angeles from Las Vegas to be laid to rest with his late wife and Johnathans mother, Cindy Balani. Our family and friends really want to make it possible to give Bud the service that he deserves. For anyone in the position and/or willing to donate to our cause, any amount of money helps and it will be appreciated tremendously by me and my family. Thank you greatly.