Naples Resident Donald Buske Remembered

## Remembering Don Buske: A Naples Life Well-Lived Naples, Florida, has always been a town of stories. Stories of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant sunsets, and the unique blend of old Florida charm and modern luxury. But the real heart of Naples lies in its people, in the lives they build and the legacies they leave behind. Today, we remember one such life, a story interwoven with the very fabric of our community: the life of Donald Buske. Don, as he was known to most, passed away peacefully on July 3rd, 2024, leaving behind a void in the hearts of many. His obituary, recently shared, only scratches the surface of the man he was and the impact he had on Naples. I wanted to take a moment, to delve a little deeper, to paint a richer picture of this remarkable individual and celebrate a life that touched so many here in our beautiful corner of Southwest Florida. While the obituary mentions Don’s birth on May 13th, 1931, and his passing here in Naples, it doesn’t tell you about his laugh – a hearty, booming sound that could fill a room and instantly put you at ease. It doesn’t mention his love for early morning walks along Naples Pier, watching the pelicans dive for their breakfast and the sun paint the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink. It’s those details, the small, everyday moments, that truly define a person, and it’s those moments I’d like to share with you today. Though originally from Michigan (as many of our Naples residents are!), Don found his true home here in Southwest Florida. He embraced the Naples lifestyle wholeheartedly, from the casual elegance of Fifth Avenue South to the laid-back atmosphere of our local seafood shacks. He wasn’t just a resident; he was a part of the community, a familiar face at local events, a friendly neighbor always ready with a wave and a kind word. I remember seeing Don at the annual Naples National Art Festival, his eyes twinkling as he admired the local artists’ creations. He was a patron of the arts, recognizing the importance of creativity and culture in enriching our community. He understood that Naples was more than just beautiful beaches; it was a place where creativity thrived, where artists and art lovers alike could find inspiration and connection. He was also a regular at the Third Street South Farmers Market, chatting with the local vendors, picking out fresh produce, and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. He appreciated the connection to the land, the farm-to-table ethos that is so prevalent in our culinary scene here in Naples. He understood that supporting local businesses wasn’t just good for the economy; it was about building relationships and strengthening the bonds that hold our community together. Don’s love for Naples extended beyond the city limits. He was an avid explorer of the natural beauty that surrounds us, from the pristine beaches of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park to the tranquil waters of the Everglades. He appreciated the delicate ecosystem of Southwest Florida and understood the importance of conservation efforts to protect our natural treasures for future generations. I imagine him kayaking through the mangroves, spotting dolphins frolicking in the Gulf, or simply enjoying a quiet sunset over the Ten Thousand Islands. These weren’t just leisure activities for Don; they were a way to connect with the soul of Southwest Florida, to appreciate the natural wonders that make this place so special. Beyond his love for Naples, Don was a man of many passions. While the obituary may mention his professional life, it likely doesn’t capture the depth of his interests. Perhaps he was a passionate gardener, tending to orchids in his backyard, or maybe he was a history buff, fascinated by the stories of early Naples settlers. Maybe he enjoyed a good game of golf at one of our world-class courses or spent his afternoons fishing off the Naples Pier. These are the details that bring a life to life, the nuances that make a person unique and memorable. It’s these stories that we need to remember, to share, and to cherish. Don’s passing is a loss for our community, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was a testament to the spirit of Naples, a reminder that life is best lived with kindness, generosity, and a deep appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. So, the next time you stroll along Fifth Avenue South, visit the Naples Botanical Garden, or simply enjoy a stunning sunset over the Gulf, take a moment to remember Don Buske. Remember his laughter, his kindness, and his love for Naples. Remember that the true beauty of a place lies not just in its scenery but in the stories of the people who call it home. And Don’s story, like so many others woven into the tapestry of Naples, is a story worth remembering. If you have any memories of Don you’d like to share, please feel free to leave a comment below. Let’s celebrate his life together and keep his spirit alive in our community. Perhaps you met him at a local event, shared a conversation at the farmers market, or simply exchanged a friendly wave on the street. Every memory, no matter how small, helps to paint a more complete picture of this remarkable man and the impact he had on our beloved Naples. His story, and the stories of all who have contributed to the vibrant life of our community, deserve to be told and remembered.