Richard James Buist

Richard “Dick” James Buist, 76, of Suttons Bay, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Monday, October 28, 2013 at Traverse Victorian Senior Living. Dick was born on October 14, 1937 in Grand Rapids, MI to the late George and Thelma (Archer) Buist. He married Linda Kay Ashley, on August 12, 1961 in Geneva, Ohio. Dick graduated from The Ohio State University, and earned his Master’s Degree in Physics. His career was dedicated exclusively to the area of Thermoelectrics, beginning at Battelle Memorial Institute, and continuing with Borg-Warner and Marlow Industries. In 1989, he and his wife started their own successful business, TE Technology. He was held in high regard by his colleagues as an entrepreneur, the inventor of a world-renowned test system, and as a founding member of the International Thermoelectric Society. Dick loved to be on the water, either fishing, boating, or otherwise enjoying Grand Traverse Bay. He could be a fierce competitor at tennis, handball, racketball, and golf. He loved the arts. He loved to paint, play his guitar, and sing. He wrote songs that ranged from humorous to heartfelt. Dick was a world traveler, and his journeys included trips to Europe, New Zealand, El Salvador, Japan, China and Hong Kong, as well as many trips within the United States. Dick was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was a tireless provider for his family, and was also a dedicated family man. He and several of his friends initiated a Chicago-area charter of the Indian Princesses, and their camping trips are the source of many fond memories for all involved. Dick will be remembered for his creativity, his intelligence, his humor, and for his devotion to his family. He will truly be missed and loved forever by all who knew him. Surviving Dick is his wife Linda, of 52 years, children, Pamela (David) Blessing, Julie (Mike) Grigsby, Laurie (Brian) Eskoff, Cathy (Roger) Colburn, Rick (Amber) Buist, grandchildren, Justin, Jordan, Casey, Megan, Colin, Kyle, Drew, Jake, Eric, Rebeca, Alex, Savannah, Caden, and Ella, siblings, Ruth Ann (Tom) Saylor, Larry (Cindy) Buist, and William (Carol) Hartman, and beloved dogs, Sassy and Spunky. Dick is preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold, and grandchild Michael Joseph Colburn. The family would especially like to thank Hospice of Michigan and the staff at Traverse Victorian Senior Living for all of their loving support and guidance through this difficult time. Visitation for Dick will be held on Friday, November 1, 2013 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 5-8pm. Memorial services will also be held at the funeral home on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 11am with a visitation held one hour prior. Pastor Justin Grimm will officiate. Memorial contributions may be directed to the National Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of one’s choice. Please sign Dick’s online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Richard James Buist

October 14, 1937 - October 28, 2013