Roger Buffington

With heavy hearts, we inform you all that Roger Buffington, also known as "Rog", "Buff", and most fondly "Pops" (by his grandchildren) left this earth early Sunday morning, November 21st.  He was surrounded by his daughters and wife, and was wrapped in the arms of God.  His wishes are to not have a service.  You know him - he wouldn't want to inconvenience anybody.  He said to us, "Can you just write something nice on Facebook?"  So here it is, Dad....from your daughters, Sheri Marie Niemeyer and Julie Kysar.

You touched the lives of so many, in ways unimaginable.  You inspired those you encountered to "just be good people", and true to his character, those were some of his last words. You taught those around you to live with integrity, honesty, and most of all - HUMOR.  You mentored people in times of trouble, and saved some from fateful decisions.  You were the most honorable man, yet so humble.  You taught us that nobody is better than anybody else, and to accept all humans for who they are. Your attitude about life was unmatched because you were content with the simple pleasures.  You were always thankful and said "every day is a good day".  You loved deeply but quietly.  You planned every step ahead, because you were so deliberate in how you lived your life.

When you shared your cancer diagnosis with us, you insisted we not let it "ruin our day".  Each time we cried with you, you bravely said "don't be sad, I have had a good life".  You told us you were at peace, and that there was nothing more you wanted to do (an example was "I don't need to go to Hawaii").  He loved his home, taking care of his things, and collecting treasures.  He loved watching ALL living things and took great joy in observing any wildlife in his yard.  He would always share a new siting whether it be a snake, lizzard, frog, cactus bloom... all the simple things.

He truly loved golf.  Anyone who knew him, knew that when he loved something, he would "do it to death". When he was healthy, he would play golf daily, if he could.  Even when he wasn't golfing he loved to be on his golf cart riding around, looking for lost golf balls.  We are pretty sure, now that he is gone, that the Country Club is going to notice an "infestation" of golf balls.   Through his lifetime, his hobbies included dirt bikes, jeeping, snow skiing, boating and water skiing,  and tennis.   He even raced modifieds in his 55th year.  Sundays were always saved for the family, so we could recreate.  These are some of our fondest memories, because he would make it so incredibly fun and meaningful.  He taught us all so much about living life, how to be independent and capable, and to never, never, touch windows or walk through a neighbor's lawn or rocks.  In his words, stay on the sidewalk, that's what it's there for :)

He maintained his dignity and humor to the very end.  He had us laughing at his one liners, even when we thought he could no longer speak, he would deliver a comment that had us laughing till we cried.  Then we would cry, because we knew we were going to lose him.

Hold his wife, Shari Kreidler Buffington, in your prayers.  She was entirely and bravely devoted to caring for him, and did such a wonderful job.  We love and appreciate her so much.

All we wish for is that we could have had you a bit longer.  We will honor you and "be good people" and carry your love with us always.