Banker, legislator Pardini dies at 79

A.J. “Bud” Pardini, popular former legislator and Fidelity Mutual Savings Bank vice president, died Dec. 22 at age 79.

Pardini was born Jan. 10, 1932, in Philadelphia to Ethel Duffy and Gino Pardini. He enlisted in the Air Force and was brought to Spokane when he was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base. After marrying in 1951, he returned to Philadelphia before eventually settling in Spokane.

Pardini attended Kinman Business College and then began working at Fidelity Mutual Savings Bank as a teller, working his way up to vice president.

The banker was originally elected in 1969 to the 6th Legislative District and by the end of his time in Olympia had become Minority Whip for the Republican Party.

During the beginning of his legislative career, Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, worked briefly with Pardini. Padden said the legislator was outgoing, friendly and well-respected in Olympia.

“I remember him as a senior active legislator and very much in the know of things over there when I was brand new,” he said.

Pardini was popular among Republicans and Democrats alike during his outspoken five terms. He opposed continued support of programs that he believed did not meet the needs of the state, while supporting the continued investment in public education.

Pardini also supported a minute-long “moment of silence” in schools, allowing students the opportunity to pray and reflect.

President Gerald Ford thanked Pardini for his services to the state in 1976 – although, Pardini joked, the subject of the vice presidency did not come up.

Pardini is survived by his wife, Donna; and daughters Carolyn Pardini, of Polson, Mont.; Missy Hill, of Priest Lake, Idaho; and Jill Morse, of Hailey, Idaho. He is also survived by brother Tom Pardini and sisters Delores Traexler, Marji McGee, Rosellen Shepard; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

The family asks that donations be made to the Hutton Settlement or the Union Gospel Mission.