Armstrong, Robert H. (Bud) A longtime Star Tribune sports editor, books columnist and Renaissance man, Bud celebrated every expression of human creativity -- from athletic prowess to handmade pottery, fine wine and sacred choral music. He was a gourmand and self-taught chef, who fearlessly employed exotic and rare ingredients in his cooking, including the morels he hunted so efficiently. He and his wife, Ann Chevalier, a longtime WCCO news director, were well-known for their generous harvest table, where all were welcome. Bud died Monday of interstitial lung disease at age 79, surrounded by family and dear friends, including the Rev. Greg Skrypek. The last thing Bud heard was Father Greg reciting a Leonard Cohen poem. Bud was born in Miami Beach, Fla., on June 5, 1938. He graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1963 with a journalism degree. His newspaper career took him from Belvidere and Springfield, Ill., to the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, where he worked for 44 years. Besides his wife, he is survived by children Robert J. (Mary), Dennis M., Robyn (Scott) Ingalls, and Andrew J.; former wife, Jane Armstrong; grandchildren Max and Abby Ingalls and Caitrin Armstrong. The family wishes to thank his brilliant and fierce caregivers at HCMC, who gave Bud the nine lives he so fully appreciated. Memorials are preferred to the Hennepin Health Foundation (please specify Friends of Hennepin Heart Fund). A celebration of Bud's life will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 at St. Albert the Great Church, 2836 33rd Av. S., Mpls. Visitation at 3 p.m. Arrangements by Abbott Funeral Home, Wabasha.