Levon "Bud" Bardsley Honored for Compassionate Service to Veterans

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Oct. 22, 2018 - PRLog -- Levon "Bud" Bardsley brings long-deserved recognition to the veterans he serves at Salus Hospice in Irvine. So, it is fitting that Bardsley, too, receives thanks and recognition. Bardsley is the October/November recipient of Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary's Oliver Halsell Care Awards program.

A Costa Mesa resident, Bardsley is the Salus Hospice Veteran Volunteer. He explains that he is proud and honored to hold this position as he feels a strong connection to his veteran comrades. Bardsley is in charge of honoring all of the veterans that come to Salus and he feels a kinship whether they are fellow sailors, pilots, soldiers or Marines. Bardsley performs a heartfelt pinning ceremony for the veterans – first reading a poem of thanks for their service, followed by a presentation of a personalized certificate and pinning of a tiny flag on their lapel. Bardsley expresses satisfaction at providing patients and families a time of reflection and enrichment during an otherwise stressful time.

"Bud is instrumental in giving the veterans he visits a true hero's welcome. He knows that his efforts may be the last opportunity for these patients to feel that their military service was not in vain, and that they are appreciated," said Rod Gomez, general manager at Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary. "His simple act of gratitude at the end of life can make up for a lack of appreciation or recognition felt during the veteran's lifetime, especially for those older veterans who were never welcomed home or thanked for their service."

Bardsley's volunteerism does not stop with his role as Veteran's Volunteer. He also volunteers with the Meals on Wheels program and provides mentoring to individuals in transitional living homes.

Fairhaven's Oliver Halsell Care Award program, begun in 2012, pays tribute to individuals in Orange County who have demonstrated exceptional care in their profession and community, and help improve the lives and spirits of everyone they touch.

Bardsley was nominated for his selflessness and genuine compassion, care and respect that he has for the veterans he works with. Along with the pinning ceremony, Bardsley always is ready to hear the veteran's stories. On Nov. 15, Bardsley will be recognized at the annual Oliver Halsell Care Awards banquet with four other local honorees. Additionally, Fairhaven will make a donation on his behalf to his chosen nonprofit, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Fairhaven's Oliver Halsell Care Award recipients come from many fields including private care, hospice, social work, counseling, assisted living, medical providers, nursing, therapy, volunteer work and more.  Persons interested in more information or who wish to nominate an individual for the 2019 calendar year may call 714-426-0444 or email emily@hkamarcom.com.

About Fairhaven

Founded in 1911 by Oliver Halsell to provide a peaceful and comforting place for families to honor their loved ones, Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary is Orange County's most beautiful full-service mortuary, crematory and cemetery. With the memorial park and mortuary in Central Orange County and an elegantly appointed mortuary in South Orange County (https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/missionviej...), Fairhaven provides funeral, cremation and burial services both at the time of need and through advanced planning, maintaining its steadfast commitment to care and compassion. Fairhaven is dedicated to celebrating the individual, providing services that are as unique and wide-ranging as the people they celebrate. Fairhaven is a Dignity Memorial provider. Connect with Fairhaven on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/fairhavenmemorial) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/fairhavenoc).