Naples Resident and Beloved Community Member, Donald Buske, Passes Away

## Remembering Don Buske: A Naples Treasure Lost, a Legacy Found Naples, Florida, lost a bright light on July 3rd, 2024, with the passing of Donald Buske. While obituaries often recount the basic facts of a life, they rarely capture the essence of a person, the ripple effect they had on a community, the stories whispered in quiet corners, the laughter that echoed through sunny days. This is our attempt to paint a fuller picture of Don, a man who wasn’t just *from* Naples, but *of* Naples, woven into its very fabric. Although the official obituary you might find online (linked above) will give you the dates – born May 13, 1931, passed away July 3, 2024 – those numbers barely scratch the surface. They don’t tell you about the mischievous glint in his eye, the warmth of his handshake, the way he could tell a story that made you feel like you were right there beside him. They don’t mention his favorite fishing spot off Gordon Pass, or the way he savored a sunset over the Gulf, a ritual as Neapolitan as stone crabs and swamp buggy races. Don’s story, like so many others in Naples, is intertwined with the evolution of this unique paradise. He witnessed the transformation from a sleepy fishing village to the vibrant, sophisticated city it is today. He likely saw the first condos rise along the beach, replacing the humble cottages, and watched as Fifth Avenue South blossomed from a quiet main street into the bustling heart of downtown. Imagine him sharing stories about these changes, perhaps with a chuckle and a shake of his head, reminiscing about the “old Naples” while embracing the new. For those of us who call Naples home, or even those who just cherish it as a special getaway, it’s impossible to imagine this place without the contributions of individuals like Don. They are the unsung heroes, the quiet pillars of our community. They are the ones who volunteered at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, cheering on the rescued sea turtles. They are the ones who showed up for the annual Naples National Art Festival, admiring the creativity of their neighbors. They are the ones who frequented local businesses, from the iconic Tommy Bahama restaurant to the charming boutiques along Third Street South, becoming familiar faces and cherished patrons. While we don’t have the specifics of Don’s life in Naples (and we respect the family’s privacy), we can speculate, based on the average life lived here, the kind of experiences that might have shaped him. Perhaps he was a member of the Naples Yacht Club, enjoying leisurely afternoons on the water. Maybe he was a regular at the Sugden Community Theatre, captivated by local performances. He could have been a passionate golfer, perfecting his swing at one of the many prestigious courses that dot our landscape. Or perhaps his joy came from simpler pleasures – morning walks along the beach, collecting shells with his grandchildren, volunteering at the Naples Botanical Garden. The beauty of Naples lies not just in its natural splendor, but in its people. It’s a community built on shared experiences – the joy of a dolphin sighting during a sunset cruise, the excitement of a Naples High School football game, the satisfaction of supporting local artists and businesses. These are the threads that connect us, the memories we cherish, and it’s these shared experiences that make the loss of someone like Don resonate so deeply. So, how do we honor his memory? How do we ensure that his spirit continues to enrich the tapestry of Naples? We do it by embracing the values he likely held dear – by supporting local businesses, by protecting our natural environment, by contributing to the vibrant arts and culture scene, and by cherishing the connections we have with one another. We can visit the places he may have loved – the Naples Pier, the Naples Depot Museum, the Everglades City Airboat Tours – and imagine him there, enjoying the simple beauty of this place. We can support the causes he may have championed, whether it be environmental conservation, youth programs, or the arts. In a place like Naples, it’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour. But it’s the people, the stories, the shared experiences that truly define this community. Don Buske was a part of that story, a thread in the rich tapestry of Naples. While his physical presence may be gone, his impact remains, woven into the very fabric of this place we call home. Let us remember him not with sadness, but with gratitude, for the life he lived and the contributions he made to this special corner of the world. Let us also remember that each of us has a role to play in shaping the future of Naples. Let’s honor Don’s memory by being active and engaged members of this community, by contributing our own unique talents and passions, and by ensuring that the Naples of tomorrow is as vibrant and welcoming as the Naples he knew and loved. This is more than just an obituary; it’s a celebration of a life lived in a place we hold dear. It’s a reminder to cherish the moments, the connections, and the beauty that surrounds us every day in Naples. It’s a call to action to make our own mark on this community, to leave our own legacy, just like Don. And it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Naples, a place where even in loss, we find connection and inspiration.