Bud Roberds is still celebrating

Lucette Moramarco

Associate Editor

Long-time Fallbrook resident Bud Roberds turned 102 March 30, but he is still being recognized for his age and his contributions to the community. Supervisor Jim Desmond honored Roberds by congratulating him on his birthday and introducing him at the end of his State of North County speech April 20 in Oceanside. Roberds, who was in the audience, received a standing ovation.

Roberds' family and friends held a birthday party for him at the Fallbrook Community Center March 27 which was attended by more than 100 friends, relatives, and former students. A family man, he hadn't had such a large gathering since his 99th birthday, which was celebrated right before the pandemic quarantine started. While his 100th birthday party was postponed, his 101st was a drive-by celebration.

A band played at his party that included former student Flip Oakes, class of '67. There was also a Mariachi band that Roberds enjoys and a band composed of more of his former students. Roberds still plays keyboard at home and plays at Peking Wok once a week.

He passed his driving test at 100 years old. Adriana Anguiano, his caretaker, has lived with him since 2007 and is like family. She said he is "one of the sweetest and most open minded human beings that I have ever met, with a heart of gold."

Roberds was also given an early birthday present March 17 when the Fallbrook High Band Boosters announced that they were naming an annual scholarship in his honor. The announcement was made at Peking Wok in River Village.

Chloe Shaver contributed to this story.