**Pictures have been added below this post of John surrounded by family and friends at his home. A Benevolent fund has been established for John and his family at KeyBank. You can visit any KeyBank and make a donation to the John Buskirk Benevolent Fund.
Surrounded by his dogs, dozens of family and friends and Jessica in his arms, John went peacefully home to the Lord at about 6:50 p.m.
The entire day was filled with family and friends, sadness and laughter, football highlight films and most importantly, being in the presence of a great man and his incredible wife. What this loving couple has had to endure over the past years cannot be explained in words and I am confident not many couples would do it with the love and adoration of each other and an entire community. They have touched people across the nation.
Early in the day, John's boys from the team visited for a few hours during the time John was most lucid. They saw Coach Buzz in action during the 1991 Herald Football Season in his highlight film. John got to be in one more team photo with the boys before they left. Many of his coaches, classmates from the St. John days and colleagues visited. We know he was aware of everyone's presence.
We know John was laughing his you know what off when a bed was delivered and after setting it all up, it didn't work. After three different flashlights, manipulating a lamp to use and almost taking apart the entire bed, we gave up and brought in another from the truck. We could almost hear John saying "I'm fine here, and I'd rather be on the couch."
I cannot tell you what this man has meant to me personally and professionally. I cannot imagine how he has touch you in your lives whether it be for just a moment or a lifetime. Although our time together on this Earth has been cut short, we will carry John with us in our hearts, in our minds and in our soles.
As soon as the family confirms the arrangements for calling hours and the funeral, I will post them here.
Rest easy and without pain, my friend...we will all see you soon in heaven.
Surrounded by his dogs, dozens of family and friends and Jessica in his arms, John went peacefully home to the Lord at about 6:50 p.m.
The entire day was filled with family and friends, sadness and laughter, football highlight films and most importantly, being in the presence of a great man and his incredible wife. What this loving couple has had to endure over the past years cannot be explained in words and I am confident not many couples would do it with the love and adoration of each other and an entire community. They have touched people across the nation.
Early in the day, John's boys from the team visited for a few hours during the time John was most lucid. They saw Coach Buzz in action during the 1991 Herald Football Season in his highlight film. John got to be in one more team photo with the boys before they left. Many of his coaches, classmates from the St. John days and colleagues visited. We know he was aware of everyone's presence.
We know John was laughing his you know what off when a bed was delivered and after setting it all up, it didn't work. After three different flashlights, manipulating a lamp to use and almost taking apart the entire bed, we gave up and brought in another from the truck. We could almost hear John saying "I'm fine here, and I'd rather be on the couch."
I cannot tell you what this man has meant to me personally and professionally. I cannot imagine how he has touch you in your lives whether it be for just a moment or a lifetime. Although our time together on this Earth has been cut short, we will carry John with us in our hearts, in our minds and in our soles.
As soon as the family confirms the arrangements for calling hours and the funeral, I will post them here.
Rest easy and without pain, my friend...we will all see you soon in heaven.
64 comments:
John and Jess,
Your example of love and courage has been a gift to our family.
You will be in our hearts forever.
Much love,
Dwight, Sue and all the Bowden Family
Jess,
I am sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a great guy. He has touched so many lives throughout the years. I pray for you as you face this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Buzzy!!
Heather (Liuzzo) Halford
Remembered Joy
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all...
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss...
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life's been full, I've savoured much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief—
Don't shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.
Safely Home John...Godspeed.
Love to John, Family and Friends from Mr & Mrs Jack Carr & Sons
Jessica,
I'm so sorry to hear about John passing away. All that I've read and heard about him has been nothing short of one miracle after another, the last miracle being that he touched more people's lives than he could ever have imagined!
May God give you all of the strength you need to get through this. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mindy Rizzo and Family
R.I.P coach buzzy you have tought me a lot these past few years thanks for everything not only showing me things in football but showing us all what it means to be a true herald by never giving up but also by the way you kept fighting. thanks for all you have done. youll always be in my heart!!
Alex Rocco
May you rest in peace coach Buskirk. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ashley Schaefer
I could not even imagine the sorrow..I thought of John everyday and especially you Jessica..If I could only be half the woman you have been...his name will live on forever..he was and is A#1 in so many peoples lives...my prayers continue each day as they have over the years..God Bless..Carrie Northrup-Olson
You have touched lives nationwide, and your legacy will never be forgotten. I will hold your family in my heart and my prayers, esecially during this tough time.
With love,
Lauren Shunkwiler
we wre so sorry toi hear about John . you are inm our prayers and he willsuffer no more.
god be with you Phyllis &
don
wheeler
Jessica,
We are very sad to hear of John's passing. May God continue to give you the strength you need at this most difficult time. We will continue to keep you & your family in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless.
Christian & Karin(Crofoot)Siebeneck
Dear Jessica,
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. Eventhough I have never gotten to know John as an individual, he has been an inspirational to all. He has touched so many lives. He is in a better place and God will watch over him. May God Bless You and your family through this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tiffani Murphy
Junior at Sts. John and Paul
Rest in peace Coach.
Alan, Kim, Tyler and Logan George
Our condolences to family, friends and relatives. Please know that you all are in our prayers and perhaps we all can find some solace in the fact that not only God will hear our prayers but also John
Dennis & Linda Cieslak
(Please excuse if a double post as first post did not seem to register)
John was a positive inspiration and great man. When I think of Buzz, I can only smile - he lived life his way and was always true to his roots and himself, and in so being - set an example for others to follow. The world is a lesser place without him in it, but heaven has been waiting.
very respectfully,
Gene Kraus
I am sorry to hear about John's passing. Jessica and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers. He was truly a one of a kind individual.
T.J. Roach
I am so sorry to hear of Johns passing. He was such a great guy and was loved and will be missed by all who knew him. May God give you all the strength you need to get you through this difficult time. You are in my thought and prayers. With Deepest Sympathy.
Mrs. Linda Cieslak
"You never know how STRONG you are until being STRONG is the only choice you have....." John has left a true legacy to those fortunate enough to know him as well as to those of us who didn't get a chance to meet him. John has touched so many lives: his strength, courage, and love of life is an inspiration to us all. Jessica- you & your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you continued strength & courage. You & John truly are an inspiration to me and your story has had a positive impact on my life.
Ms. Crystal Elkins
Coach Buzz
You will certainly be missed.
You have suffered beyond what is acceptable for any one person, but your strength and attitude is insiprational.
Jess -- what can we say but we are sorry and John is in a better place now.
Thanks for sharing your lives with us. No one deserves what you or John went (and are going) through, but you both handled it with class I have never witnessed or imagined that people could have...
-- Jeremy Patty
To my friend John - with heavy heart rest in peace my friend - you and your buddy Luke will now be reunited.
Fare well kind friend. Your work here was finished and I believe you did it well and positively touched many lives. Truly your presence will be greatly missed but your memory shall live on forever in our hearts.
To Jess and your families: I have listened to the voicemail several times and I am still in disbelief. My thoughts are with you and I am sending my condolences to you.
Jan
My families hearts go out to the entire Buskirk family. People throw words and quotes around on a regular basis, but one stands out to me that in my mind paints the picture we all have of "Buzzy". "Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away." You made a mark in the world John, and you will never be forgotten.
Paul and Susan Thomas
It's time to rest John. We love you and miss you.
Chip Wludyga and family
John & Jess,
You're a shining example of love and courage in a society that often lacks it. John will forever be remembered for his warmth, positivity and fortitude. May God bless you both.
Rest in peace, Buzzy.
J.B.
it happened way before your time i love you and your family so much, you are in a better place and i will always remember that richard nixon said "win one for the gipper" i love you so much john, all my love for your family....
Alan Cordell
Buzz: Tom, Duck and I spent the whole trip out and back laughing!! We couldn't help it because we were telling stories about you and your time in Adams County, PA. You brought that into our lives, and had a way to keep us happy (which you know is tough to do at times). We will remember you that way; always having a good time, having the ability to keep things in perspective, and most importantly, being a GREAT AND LOYAL FRIEND, through good times or bad!!
I am sorry to hear of Johns passing. He was a great guy and touched everyone he came in contact with. May god be with you Jessica, family and friends, through this difficult time.
Rest in peace John
Janet (Westlake) Taylor and family
Jessica and Family,
My heart weeps for a life lost so young. Be at peace knowing that John left a small piece of himself in all those he touched and that tiny glow will continue it's journey.
Christine and David
Birth is a beginning
and death a destination
And life is a journey:
From childhood to maturity
and youth to age;
From innocence to awareness
and ignorance to knowing;
From foolishness to desecration
and then perhaps to wisdom.
From weakness to strength or
from strength to weakness
and often back again;
From health to sickness
and we pray to health again.
From offense to forgiveness
from loneliness to love
from joy to gratitude
from pain to compassion
from grief to understanding
from fear to faith.
From defeat to defeat to defeat
until looking backwards or ahead
We see that victory lies not
at some high point along the way
but in having made the journey
step by step
a sacred pilgrimage.
Birth is a beginning
and death a destination
And life is a journey;
A sacred journey to life everlasting
Author Unknown
John: It seems so unfair that someone so special had to leave this earth, especially at such a young age. As everyone has said, you certainly handled your challenges that God threw your way with class and strength. We will all remember that and carry that with us in our lives.
Jess: I have never met you, but my hear aches for you. I am glad you were the woman Buzz found to spend his hardest days with, because you were his inspiration. Buzz has found his peace and I can only hope that in time you find some peace too.
Sincerely,
Melissa and Kevin Massett
What an inspiration John was to so many people. May he rest in peace.
Amy (Napoli) Lowe
Coach Buzz:
You have been a tremendous inspiration to many people. It is not a surprise though. You inspired countless students and athletes through your entire career. You always had a great way of relating to people. I know the world is a lesser place with your passing, but we are all better people for having known you.
Jessica,
We are so sorry about the passing John. Please know we continue to pray for you and your family. He was truly and inspiration to many people both young and old.
Michele (Carney) Detore
Jessica,
It's hard to put into words the truly good person that John has always been. We don't meet people like him everyday. I feel blessed that I had the chance to have known John and have had his friendship in my life. Even years ago, I always marveled at John's faith, and how much that was a part of his life. It is obvious how much that faith never wavered through more difficulty then anyone should have to face. He is an example of what is good in this world. Your strength throughout these years and the love between the two of you is inspirational. John will live on in so many hearts, in so many stories, and as an example as the type of man so many hope their sons will grow up to be like.
Rest in Peace Buzzy.
Laura E. Jones
Jessica,
You have shown such strength through all these years and we pray that you continue to find strength in the prayers and love that surround you. You loved a wonderful man and were loved in return. May you have many blessings in the years to come.
Stan and Renee Palagyi
Jess-I am truly sorry to hear about BUZZY-words cannot express what I truly feel--Buzz was always a class person-and with you at his side-you guys made the perfect pair. I will truly miss the smile the firm handshake and most of all the more than positive attitude john had every single time I ran into him. Jess God Bless you and the whole family.
Joe Rich "70"
Jessica,
John was a great role model to both my children.
I hope that in the days, weeks and months ahead that you will be able to find comfort and peace.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Our deepest sympathy,
Cheryl, Chad and Mallory Johnson
Your family is in our hearts and prayers. His spirit lives on in all who knew him and those who didn't. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us.You are truly and inspiration. Rest in Peace John!
God bless you both-
The Smock Family
Dear Jess,
I "know" of you and John only through the chance of a glance of a neighbor's Star Beacon. But it wasn't chance at all, it was God's hand, a call to prayer for John, for you and for all of us to come together with compassion and love.
Although brief, John's life "filled" the lives of many, what a blessing, what a gift he was here and is eternally.
Jess, God has you in His loving hands and He is with you every moment of every day. Take one day at a time. I'm still on my "journey", having the love of my life passing suddenly. Lean on God and all of that He provides for you, one day at a time.
God bless you, John and His prayer "warriors",
"B"
Dear Jess and the entire Buskirk Family,
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. John was an amazing son, brother, friend, husband, coach and man to all of us! He will certainly be missed but I know that he will be watching us from above and giving us stregth when needed. John is a true inspiration to everyone! Please know that you will be kept in my thoughts and prayers. You will be missed, Buzz!
Much Love,
Kerri Lennstrom Kilkenny (Lennie)
Jess,
We are praying for you and your family. John was a strong and loved man, he will never be forgotten. He was a true Herald who had a huge amount of courage, knowledge and faith. We all loved him. God Bless.
With Love,
The McClure Family.
Jess and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Coach Buzzy was an inspiration for everyone. You could not have met a better person. Your family is in my prayers and thoughts during this hard time! RIP Coach!
Wendi Milano
Jess,
Your family is in our prayers through this difficult time. I know John is in a better place without pain. God Bless and John will never be forgotten!
Dale and Barb Milano
My sympathy to the entire Buskirk family. John touched all of our lives over the years. I will always remember the good times we had at St. John and all the sleepovers after the basketball games. John's memory will last forever. You know he will watch over everyone now as he always did before. May God bless all of you.
Dear Jessica,
I can only imagine what you must be going through right now. But somewhere I have to believe that John is at a better place and finally at peace. You are an amazing woman and I know you will be strong. We are so thankful that we had the chance to spend time with you and John over the summer so we could know the woman who truly was his rock. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With Love,
Danielle, Robert, Juliana and Wendell Holmes
Eight years ago I had lunch with (an unknown to me)John Buskirk. He was the new incoming SSJP football coach, full of p*** and vinegar, and I was happy to be his team doctor.....
GRACIOUS.
That sums up John. He talked to his players and everyone else equally. Instead of tearing down, he built up. He had a way of teaching players by encouragement, (rather than berating).
"That's OK...you'll do better"
"Way to go"
"Way to hustle"
"You might want to change x...y...z..etc"
I cannot remember him tearing down a player. He only elevated and showed the kids a different path to improvement.
Equally, he always acted like a puppy before dinner...whenever you saw him....just always happy to see you and always a kind greeting.
He was just comfortable to be around.
Thank you, John. You were a bright spot in my life and I know you have shined on many other lives.
The best gift: John showed us how to persevere. Win or lose....he showed us how to persevere. A tremendous courage.
Jessica: Our prayers and support for you in your loss. We hope you find some comfort in the love, fond memories, and respect we have for your husband.
God Bless, John
Doc Heidrich
(Dr. Cecilia
and the Water Babe Paige)
Hi, I am Johnny's cousin, and the family found a favorite picture of him that we would love to share with everyone. If there is a way that I could send it to you, I would really appreciate it. Thank you everyone for your love and support in this difficult time, it means so much to all of us.
Jessica and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Buzzy. John was a great guy and will be missed. Not only did he always have a smile on his face but he brought smiles to anyone that was near him. He was the type of person that we all strive to be. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Michael Linn
Jessica -
I just learned of John's death and words fail me. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Debbie (LLS)
Appointment in Samarra:
A merchant in Baghdad sent his servant to the market.
The servant returned, trembling and frightened. The
servant told the merchant, "I was jostled in the market,
turned around, and saw Death.
"Death made a threatening gesture, and I fled in terror.
May I please borrow your horse? I can leave Baghdad
and ride to Samarra, where Death will not find me."
The master lent his horse to the servant, who rode away,
to Samarra.
Later the merchant went to the market, and saw Death in
the crowd. "Why did you threaten my servant?" He asked.
Death replied,"I did not threaten your servant. It was
merely that I was surprised to see him here in Baghdad,
for I have an appointment with him tonight in Samarra."
John and Jess,
This story ha always meant a lot to us because it expreses what is so difficult to say. You two rode that horse as fast as as hard as anyone could and are both an inspiration to us all. We love you, we are so sad, but we know that your faith and courage will see you through these dark days.
We will continue to keep you in our thought and prayers every day.
love, Lynn and Dave
Our family is saddened by the loss of Buzzy. Jessica, you will continue to be in our prayers.
Tom, Sandy, Jeffrey Ryan
Jeremy and Lisette Ryan
Jessica,
I am so sorry to hear about John's passing. My son Zach had John for a class the first year he attended Harvey High School in 2006 (when we moved here from out of state). He was an inspiration to my son and his favorite teacher he ever had. John made my son feel welcome to a new school and he was a WONDERFUL teacher and helped my son excell. He will be greatly missed. He is an inspiration to all. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God bless you.
Andrea Lester
RIP John and blessings to all those he's left behind. One day you will all be reunited having to never feel the pain you feel now. We're all better by having the time he's had with us.
All our love,
Chuck Peggy and Alec Westlake
Dear Jess,
Thank you for being so courageous and sharing yours & Buzzy's journey. So many people have been inspired by your selflessness. I hope now you are comforted by the amazing tributes and love to John here on these pages. Your husband beautifully touched so many people, and will undoubtedly continue to inspire others in his eternal life as well. I am sure when Sofia is older and she can read firsthand in what high esteem John is held , she will be honored to have had such a man to call her godfather.
Our entire family grieves with you and prays you continue to find the courage to face the coming days.
Much love,
Eri's family
The Yeagers
From playing for to coaching with, Coach Buzz always gave the most positive attitude I have ever been around. He left me with something I will always carry on in the future. My prayers and thoughts are with you Jess, may God bless.
Ryan Looman
Jessica: I am so sorry to hear about John. It is not extremely often that a patient grabs my heart so much, but John did. I was struck by how often he asked about you (how you were, where you were, if you were OK); by the love in his voice when he spoke of you (telling me you're "an awesome wife") or even his dogs (we talked about their names and breeds and about taking them to your dad's farm); by the numerous lives he must have touched; by how polite and pleasant he was despite the fact that he had every right to be everything but polite and pleasant (would always respond with a vigorous nod and "yep, I'm good!" whenever I asked how he was; or thank us and tell us we did a good job, after turning him back and forth and I am sure making him extremely uncomfortable despite trying to be gentle); by the look in his face, the sound in his voice and the tears when he told you that he "just loved you so much." It was obvious that he was a special guy (I am sure dads often think no one is good enough for their daughter, but your dad's vigil by John's bed proved that he too knew John was a terrific guy, and as he said "more like a son") and that you two shared an amazing, one-of-a-kind bond.
I am sure there isn't anything I can do, but if for some reason there is, please don't hesitate to let me know.
Vanessa (nurse on G60)
VanessaLee13@yahoo.com
Dearest Jessica and family:
You and John had a love affair that most people can only dream of!
He was a true gentleman and we were truly blessed to know him.
"The superior man thinks always of virtue....the common man thinks only of comfort."
He was truly a virtuous man.
God Bless you and keep you...
Coach and Diane Perry
Sorry I did not get to see you after you left Harvey, you and your family were always and always will be on our prayers. Rest in Peace Buzz.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Colleen
Jess,
I am so saddened by the loss of buzzy. I was happy to hear that you guys made it home on friday night since the weather was snowy. If you need any thing please feel free to get a hold of me.
You are in my prayers!!
Nikki & byron
You were such a cool guy, an awesome teacher and just a fun person to see here at Harvey! You will forever be remembered and we will always have you and your family in our hearts and prayers! May god be with you and your family forever!
Today the world is less bright with the loss of such a beacon of light....
You are missed, Buzzy.
Until we meet again...
After all the typos last time, this is what our friend, author Susan Cherwien, wrote in her book "Crossings" after "Appointment in Samarra":
Her words:
Death cannot be fled.
Death cannot be ignored.
Death is interwoven with life.
And over and over again
Christ looks at us with
Easter eyes
and says
"Do not be afraid.
Do not be afraid"
She's pretty amazing.
Please be well.
love, Lynn and Dave
Wow, I just heard the tragic news from a former teammate of mine at Wooster. I hadn't spoken with Coach Buzz in a long time, and didn't even know he was sick. I still frequently thought about him, though, as he made a significant impact on my life.
Coach Buzz was my position coach my sophomore year, and it just breaks my heart to hear about the pain he went through. It's definitely not fair how it always seems the best people are taken first.
Coach Buzz made a much bigger impact on my life than he probably ever imagined. As others have mentioned, he was the most positive, energetic and caring coach I've ever played for, or even heard of.
I still remember what he told us in our very first meeting - "All I ask of you is everything you have." To this day, I carry that with me when times are tough.
Coach Buzz, I owe it to you to truly do my best at everything, as I know you did the same. You have my word that I will continue to do so.
What an amazing, inspirational person to so many! My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family.
All your pain is gone now. May you rest in peace Coach Buzz.
Todd Worly #89
Hi my name is Amanda Henry. I just want to tell you how buskirk helped me.
Feb.2007, I lost my father to a doctor that made a wrong decision. When I went back to school, I was very depressed and just cried all day long. I had buzz as a teacher twice, I was also a teacher assistant for him, and I was a water girl when i was a sophmore. well at the time i was his assistant.I went to his class and he asked me what was wrong. I told him and he said alot of inspirational things to me to help me cope with the lost. He even offered my boyfriend money to take me out to eat. He was also around when my grandmother dies from liver disease. Hospice brought her to my house becasue she wanted to be with her grandkids. There we watched her get worse and past away. Buzz helped me at that time also. I am very thankful that I knew such a wondrful man, great teacher and inspirational coach.....
Im am very sorry about his passing. But we still got all the memories of him.RIP buskirk.....
Rest in Peace Mr. Buskirk, you will always be remembered!
Went to St.Johns today-what a fitting tribute to such a good man-when you looked around to see who came to say goodbye,you saw nothing but smiles and hugs.
I'd just like to say the coaching fraternity has lost a good one.We all could only wish to handle ourselves the way buzzy did.
Jess God Bless you and your entire family.
Joe Rich"70"
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