Bud Markhart

This year's Honored Skipper is Albert (Bud) Markhart of White Bear Lake, MN.  In July of 2008, Bud visited his doctor's office for a routine checkup.  Three days later, Bud was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and melanoma.  Bud says, "Being diagnosed with CLL and melanoma was devastating, but my family and friends have been wonderfully supportive.  It has been truly amazing at the number of people who have rallied to the occasion and supported me and my family during this time in our lives."  In August, Bud underwent two surgeries in an effort to remove a tumor and three sentinel nodes.  He has also completed one round of interferon chemotherapy and will continue to receive leukine chemotherapy until July 2009. 

Raised in western Massachusetts, Bud attended Gettysburg College and went on to receive his PhD from Duke University in 1978.  Following a year as a post-doctoral fellow in Hanover Germany, Bud moved to Minnesota and began working as a member of the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota.  Bud currently teaches courses on organic horticulture and advises the Student Organic Farm. 

Bud and his wife, Beth, have been married for 19 years and have two sons named Ben and Bryan.  During summer, Bud and his family are often found doing what they love to do most - sailing.  The Markhart family keeps their sailboat on White Bear Lake and enjoy sailing with family and friends whenever possible.  When Bud and his family are not on the water sailing, they have been active members of the sailing community.  Bud served 5 years on the Board of Directors for the White Bear Sailing School, where he enjoyed running the Green Fleet races at the yearly Twin City Youth Sailing Regatta.  Though he resigned after his diagnosis, his two sons continue to teach classes at the White Bear Sailing School each summer.  

Bud attended the Leukemia Cup Regatta dinner last year and looks forward to being involved with the event in 2009.  When asked to give advice to the Regatta participants, Bud replied, "Enjoy sailing while you can, and wear sunscreen."