This area and culture was built upon determination and grit, honesty, integrity, and a high level of respect for family, neighbors, and friends, and Bud Day was seen as an outstanding example of those qualities. Referred to by many as the Iron Man of Cowboys, his hard-as-steel character brought him Korean War decorations and more rodeo championships than anyone in the area. Yet whenever someone needed help or encouragement, in the arena or off the street, Bud Day stepped down to help others up.