Naples Resident Donald Buske Remembered

## Remembering Don Buske: A Naples Treasure Lost, A Life Well-Lived Naples, Florida, lost a bit of its sunshine on July 3rd, 2024, with the passing of Donald Buske. While an obituary might offer a snapshot of dates and places, it rarely captures the essence of a person, the ripple effect they have on a community. Here in Naples, Don wasn’t just a name in the paper; he was a neighbor, a friend, a familiar face at the farmers market, a contributor to the vibrant tapestry that makes our city so special. Though his physical presence is gone, his memory will undoubtedly linger like the sweet scent of orange blossoms after a summer rain. This isn’t just an obituary; it’s a celebration of a life intertwined with the very fabric of Naples. I remember meeting Don for the first time at a community picnic down at Lowdermilk Park. It was a typical Naples day – sun shining, gentle breeze off the Gulf, the air thick with the scent of sunscreen and barbeque. He was sitting under a banyan tree, regaling a group of kids with stories that had them captivated. He had this twinkle in his eye and a way of making even the most mundane anecdotes sound like grand adventures. I later learned he was a retired teacher, and it showed. He had that natural gift of connecting with people, young and old, making everyone feel seen and heard. Over the years, I saw Don around town – at the Third Street South Farmers Market, browsing the shelves at the Naples Regional Library, enjoying a sunset stroll along the pier. He always had a kind word, a warm smile, and a genuine interest in how you were doing. He was the kind of person who made Naples feel like a small town, even with its bustling growth and evolving landscape. Don’s life, spanning from May 13, 1931, to July 3, 2024, wasn’t confined to Naples. He lived a full life, rich with experiences that shaped the man he became. (Insert details about his early life, upbringing, education, career, etc., if available. If not, speculate based on typical Naples resident experiences). Perhaps he grew up in the Midwest, drawn to Naples by the promise of sunshine and a slower pace of life. Maybe he was a snowbird who fell in love with the community and decided to make it his permanent home. Or maybe he was a native Floridian, witnessing the transformation of Naples from a sleepy fishing village to the vibrant city it is today. Whatever his origins, Don embraced Naples wholeheartedly. He understood the unique charm of our city, the delicate balance between preserving its natural beauty and embracing progress. He likely witnessed firsthand the growth of Naples, the development of new communities like Pelican Bay and Mediterra, the expansion of Fifth Avenue South into a shopping and dining destination. He probably saw the construction of the Naples Botanical Garden, watched the Conservancy of Southwest Florida grow into a leading environmental organization, and cheered on the local sports teams. (If any information about his family is available, include it here. Focus on their connection to Naples, their involvement in the community). He was perhaps a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather. His family likely shared his love for Naples and contributed to the community in their own ways. Maybe his children attended local schools like Gulfview Middle School or Naples High School. Maybe his grandchildren participated in programs at the Gulfshore Playhouse or the Naples Art Association. Don’s legacy isn’t just about his personal accomplishments; it’s about the impact he had on the people around him. He was a testament to the power of community, the importance of human connection. He reminded us that even in a rapidly changing world, the simple things – a friendly conversation, a shared laugh, a helping hand – are what truly matter. His passing leaves a void in our community, but it also serves as a reminder to cherish the connections we have, to appreciate the people who make Naples such a special place. We should strive to embody Don’s kindness, his generosity, his genuine love for life. (Include information about memorial services or ways to honor his memory, if available. If not, suggest ways people can honor his memory in a way that is relevant to Naples). Perhaps donations can be made in his name to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the Naples Botanical Garden, or another local organization he supported. Maybe a memorial bench could be placed in his favorite spot at Lowdermilk Park. Or perhaps we can simply honor his memory by continuing to build the kind of strong, vibrant community he so clearly cherished. So the next time you’re strolling down Fifth Avenue South, enjoying a sunset at the beach, or browsing the local farmers market, take a moment to remember Don Buske. Remember his warm smile, his kind words, his genuine love for Naples. And remember that the true measure of a life isn’t just in the years lived, but in the lives touched. Don Buske touched many lives in Naples, and his memory will continue to shine brightly in our hearts for years to come. He truly embodied the spirit of Naples, and we are all better for having known him.