I met Mr. Rainbow 🌈 at Mrs. Rainbow 🌈 's retirement party in 1993. He had a wonderful sense of humor, as did his wife. I used to call him "LeVar" because of the "Reading Rainbow 🌈 " TV 📺 show. Sending condolences to the family
Brytta Fitzgibbons
October 23, 2024
Bud and I met in 1964. We were both on the Washington High school Staff then. He was an outstaniding coach and mentor to many. We shared roles as High School Principals, and he became my supervisor for many years. He was always fair and consistent. I hold him in high regard for all he did for the Cedar Rapids Schools and the people who worked there.
Bud knew how to lead, and he knew how to follow. Both are essential qualities of any effective educator. He never backed away from difficult situations, and he shared in the outstanding accomplishments of all staff members.
He was a good husband, father, co-worker, and friend. I was always impressed with his ability to pick out the critical attributes of all the things we had to do. With him everything focused on the student and what we were doing to educate them for the future. He had high standards and worked to apply them in everything he did.
I join with his family, fellow educators, and life long learners in celebrating his life. He made a positive difference in all the things he did.
We are much better because he was here. God's blessing on all who keep him dear in your hearts.
William C. Jacobson Retired Educator and long time Colleague.
william Jacobson
April 17, 2022
When our family moved to Cedar Rapids in 1983, Dr. Rainbow was one of the three administrators that helped me find my way as a first time central office leader. Since Bud was the secondary director and I was the elementary director, his thoughtful and wise mentoring served to head me in a positive direction. Almost every day, I recall starting the day with coffee in the ESC cafeteria learning from his insights and experiences. For this, I will be forever grateful. I can sincerely say that I have missed interacting with Bud since his retirement in 1990. He was one of the "BEST" people I've had the privilege to know and work with in my entire life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family.
Tom Micek
December 15, 2021
Coach Rainbow was my varsity football coach my junior and senior years at Washington. We won the conference my junior year and he was named Coach of the Year. Although I was always a backup quarterback and played mostly JV, I will never forget those two seasons, the packed stands at Kingston for our games with Jefferson and his great leadership. He is one of the most influential people in my life. Along with my father, he played a big influence in my choosing teaching and coaching as a profession. After college I returned to Cedar Rapids and started my teaching and coaching career. I became a high school athletic director and during many of those 20 years worked under his guidance from a school district perspective. He continued to always pass along great wisdom in his quiet, thoughtful way. Nothing ever seemed to rile him up and if you listened to him, you could think through to the best solution for almost any problem. Although I didn't cross paths with him in recent years, I thought of him frequently and knew he had retired to Arizona. He was an outstanding golfer, a great coach, a terrific educator and a wonderful role model. I will never forget him. My best to his wonderful family who can fondly live with his legacy.
Dennis Goettel
December 15, 2021
I first met Bud when he was my drivers Ed teacher and I mentioned before my father knighted him the BRAVEST MAN ON EARTH..in that position.......After my marriage we became friends of Joy and Bud and on one occasion met his parents and one of his siblings in Minnesota on a trip together. We had wonderful meals in their home and when I think of food memories I think of the home made German Chocolate Ice cream they would bring to parties ! remember the renewal of wedding vows at the Lutheran Church and the celebration afterwards. Always thought so romantic how they had eloped and gotten married in college.
Joy and Bud were indeed treasured friends and so glad our paths crossed with theirs. Brings a smile to my face picturing the reunion in Heaven. What a great time to be in Heaven at Christmas time. He will never be forgotten nor will their friendship..Gene and Sally
Sally and Gene Kopecky
December 14, 2021