The community is coming together to raise money for the family of a local optometrist following his sudden passing.
On June 9, True North Optometry announced the passing of Dr. Vincent Budac, who opened the clinic in 2022 and was the sole optometrist.
A friend of the Budac family, Kiel Giddens, created a GoFundMe to support Dr. Budac’s wife Emily and their two young children.
“It is with great sorrow that we inform friends, loved ones, and the community of the sudden passing of Dr. Vincent Budac – a loving husband, dedicated father, caring brother, eldest son, extraordinary optometrist, successful entrepreneur, active church member, and dear friend to many,” writes Giddens.
“As many of you know, the Budacs recently opened their clinic, True North Optometry, in Prince George, B.C. and have touched the lives of thousands. The loss of Dr. Budac, the sole optometrist at True North, means the family business is no longer licensed to operate at this time.”
Giddens said while Dr. Budac does have life insurance, it will take time to process and the GoFundMe is meant to bridge the financial stresses related to their business, debt, and day-to-day needs in the interim.
“We know that together as a community we can help Emily and her children through this tragedy. Please consider donating anything you can to support the Budac family in this inconsolable time. All funds will go directly to Emily Budac,” said Giddens.
In the post announcing Budac’s passing, True North Optometry said they appreciate all the heartfelt messages of support they continue to receive from the community and will share details about a plan for ongoing care soon.
By the time of publication the GoFundMe has raised $47,449 of its $50,000 goal.
A celebration of Vincent Budac's life will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 17 at Immaculate Conception Parish with a livestream at icparish.ca.
