The gentle spirit of John Jay Buzenberg departed this earthly plane on January 16, 2022 after a brief illness. A long time resident of Yancey County he will be missed immensely. John was born on December 3, 1941 in Jackson, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert J. Buzenberg and Mildred Erickson Buzenberg.
John was a citizen of the world, always exploring and seeking adventures through his many world travels. One of his great joys came from his Harmony Tours business as he introduced many hundreds of people to sacred sites around the world. He was not only an avid explorer of the physical world but also of his inner spirit world which guided him to a life of service and love. His mantra was “Love is all there is” and he lived a life true to those words. He loved his family with all his heart and they brought him his greatest joys, as he brought tremendous joys to all of them.
From his earliest days as an Eagle Scout, and later as a Peace Corps volunteer, John could always be counted on to pitch in, to mentor and help anyone with whatever needed to be done. He was never idle, always making a difference in many people’s lives. Family and friends will remember John for his life-long curiosity, always reading, listening and learning, eager to know as much about the world and it’s mysteries as possible. John was continually planning his next big trip. To travel with him was always a pleasure because of his vast knowledge of history, geography and myriad interesting facts.
Growing up in Manhattan, Kansas, John was the oldest of four children of Robert and Mildred Buzenberg. He was a 1967 graduate of Kansas State University, majoring in Business Administration. He served two years in the Peace Corps in Temuco, Chile where he established cooperatives with indigenous Mapuche artisans.
John was a consummate problem solver on many levels. His career at Beverly-Hanks Real Estate was exemplified by his ability to mediate difficult situations to enable his clients to reach closure on their properties. His colleagues became dear friends and he embraced them like family.
John was also a skilled and dedicated photographer, always documenting his family’s history and every gathering with family and friends. He was an enthusiastic hiker and camper. He was an avid backpacker from his early scouting days and four summers working as a ranger at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimmaron, NM
John is survived by his beloved and loving wife, Barbro Bengtson of Burnsville, his cherished son Robert Buzenberg, daughter-in-law Caroline Buzenberg and grandson Ari Buzenberg, all of Fairview, stepson Philip Greco of Burnsville and stepdaughter Kira Ritter of Alma, CO. He is also survived by his two sisters, Jesse Reeder of Bend, OR, Helen Buzenberg of Eugene, OR, his brother William Buzenberg of Tucson, AZ, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservices.
