“BUDDY” BOSTIC, 9/27/53 - 8/2/08

Success

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child a garden patch or redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.  This is to have succeeded.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Buddy grew up in a large Atlantic City family. As a child he was exposed to family alcoholism; he would lie awake waiting for his father to return home after a night of heavy drinking, scared and frightened he would hide under his covers praying that his dad would not hurt him.

Like so many other children of alcoholics, Buddy followed the footsteps of his dad, and developed his own addiction.  He spent over 20 years on the streets of Atlantic City, often finding rest in abandoned buildings, on benches at Brown’s Park or the couches of family and acquaintances.  Buddy frequently talked about how some of the people he knew from his past who were clean and sober would come to Brown’s Park and give him and others a sandwich and a warm hat in the winter. This memory never left him.

Buddy thought that he would never escape his life of addiction and homelessness in Atlantic City.

After dozens of attempts and decades in his addiction he tried one more time to get clean and sober.  This time was different; he finally accepted his powerlessness over his addiction and surrendered. He overcame his pride, began to ask God and others for help to stay clean and sober.  He got sober on January 10, 1989, and never forgot where he came from.

Buddy wanted so much to share with those in need the gift that he found with God and AA.  He was happiest when he would return back to Brown’s Park, bringing food, cigarettes, warm hats and gloves to the men and women who still go there today because they have no place else to go.  Praying to God that his presence might just show someone else, there is a way out of drug addiction.

Buddy fought a courageous battle with cancer that ended on August,2, 2008. During his years of treatment, he never once complained about anything!  His life commitment above all was to help others to find themselves and in so doing, that they may find God.  He measured his self worth by the relationship he had with God, his family and friends.

I am proud to say, “Buddy was my friend and one of the most successful people I have ever known”

Alan Oberman

To remember Buddy and continue his good works we have created a fund to bring meals and essential clothing to those who continue to suffer from addiction and frequent Brown’s Park in Atlantic City. Volunteers and our staff will handle the distribution. If you would like to volunteer please contact us.

Please make a contribution to this fund.