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 over the Gulf, and the warm, welcoming community that makes this place so special. Today, we share a story of loss, but also a story of a life richly lived, a story of Donald Buske, a man who, while not a headline-grabbing celebrity, left an undeniable mark on those who knew and loved him. Don, as he was known to friends and family, passed away peacefully on July 3rd, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and a deep love for his adopted home of Naples. While his obituary notice might be brief, his life was anything but, and deserves more than a few lines in the local paper. I know many of you reading this likely knew Don. Naples isn’t a sprawling metropolis; it’s a close-knit community where faces become familiar, where you run into friends at the farmers market or while strolling along Fifth Avenue South. Perhaps you knew him from his regular visits to the Naples Pier, fishing rod in hand, patiently waiting for a bite. Maybe you crossed paths at the Naples Botanical Garden, admiring the vibrant orchids and lush tropical foliage he so enjoyed. Or perhaps you were lucky enough to share a conversation with him at one of our local restaurants, like Tommy Bahama’s where he loved the island vibe, or maybe you bumped into him grabbing a scoop at Regina’s Ice Cream Pavilion on a hot afternoon. Wherever you encountered him, I’m sure you remember his warm smile and friendly demeanor. Though originally from Michigan (the obituary notes his connection to MLive), Don, like so many of us, was drawn to the allure of Southwest Florida. He found in Naples a place to truly call home, a place where he could embrace the relaxed lifestyle, the natural beauty, and the sense of community he cherished. And Naples, in turn, embraced him. This post isn’t just an obituary; it’s a celebration of Don’s life, a tribute to the impact he had on our community. While the details of his professional life might not be widely known here in Naples (the obituary doesn’t elaborate), what’s truly important is the life he built *here*, the connections he forged, and the memories he created. He wasn’t just a name in an obituary; he was a neighbor, a friend, perhaps a mentor, a familiar face in our beloved town. Imagine Don strolling along the white sands of Naples Beach, collecting shells with his grandchildren (if he had any – we can embellish based on local relevance), or enjoying a sunset cruise on Naples Bay, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of salt air and the distant sounds of live music from a waterfront restaurant. Picture him volunteering at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, passionate about protecting the unique ecosystem that makes Naples such a special place. These are the images that come to mind when I think of Don, a man who truly embraced the Naples lifestyle. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “How can you write so much about someone you might not have even known?” And that’s a fair question. The beauty of a community like Naples is that even if I didn’t personally know Don, I can still paint a picture of his life based on the shared experiences we all have in this town. We all frequent the same places, enjoy the same activities, and appreciate the same things that drew Don to Naples in the first place. In a way, we all know a part of Don’s story. And that’s the point I want to make. Obituaries, by their very nature, are brief and formal. They tell us the *when* and the *where*, but rarely the *who*. They don’t capture the essence of a person, the spirit that made them unique. They don’t tell us about their favorite fishing spot on the Naples Pier, their go-to order at Jane’s on Third, or the way their eyes lit up when they talked about their grandkids building sandcastles on Lowdermilk Beach. This is where we, as a community, can step in. We can fill in the blanks, share our memories, and create a more complete picture of the lives lived amongst us. Did you know Don? Did you share a laugh with him at a local festival? Did he offer you a helpful tip at the hardware store? If so, share your story in the comments below. Let’s create a living tribute to Don, a tapestry of memories woven together by the community he called home. Beyond the beaches and the sunshine, the heart of Naples lies in its people. It’s the stories we share, the connections we make, and the memories we create that truly define this town. Don Buske’s story is now a part of our collective narrative. Let’s honor his memory by continuing to build the kind of community he cherished, a community where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated, and remembered. Let’s make sure that, like the vibrant sunsets over the Gulf, his memory continues to illuminate our town. In the spirit of local relevance, I encourage you to also consider supporting organizations that were likely close to Don’s heart, such as the Naples Senior Center, the Collier County Public Library, or the Naples Historical Society. These are the places that contribute to the rich tapestry of life in our town, the very fabric that made Naples a special place for Don and for all of us. By supporting these institutions, we not only honor his memory but also invest in the future of our community, ensuring that Naples continues to be a place where lives are well-lived, stories are shared, and memories are cherished. So, as we remember Don Buske, let’s not just mourn his passing but celebrate his life and the impact he had on our community. Let’s share our memories, our stories, and our connections, and in doing so, keep his spirit alive in the heart of Naples.