Willis Kent Bussard

Willis Kent Bussard, beloved grandfather, father, brother and friend, passed away peacefully in the loving care of his son, Sean, on Monday, December 16, 2019 after battling various health issues for the past two years He went to join his cherished ‘sweetheart’ of whom he would have celebrated 51 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2009.

Buzz or Bill (as he was known by his siblings) was born on March 22, 1934 in Springfield, MO to Leonard Clayton and Flavilla (Peabody) Bussard. He was the first born of five children, and according to him, the one who got into the most mischief (along side his brother, Rex.) Discipline was short and swift, with a licken from his father’s belt and a lecture. Bill didn’t mind the licken, but dreaded the lecture, for Rex it was the opposite.

The Bussard clan relocated to California to accommodate his father’s calling as a Pastor for the Church of Christ. They moved often, however Bill made friends easily and rose to leadership positions quickly. He was voted Class President in his senior year.

Bill attended Monterey Peninsula College and then joined the Air Force, with aspirations of becoming a pilot. A cute young brunette would foil his plans after a chance encounter at a weekend dance in South Dakota. She quickly caught his eye and stole his heart. Eight months later, they would be married and moving to Boulder, Colorado so Bill could attend the University of Colorado in pursuit of a degree in Architecture. Children would soon follow, with the birth of Daniel, Tamara, Pamela and the adoption of Sean. With that their young family would be complete.

Before Buzz graduated, a new opportunity to co-own a concrete business would present itself, and his ultimate career path was ‘cemented.’ Rite-way Cement would successfully pave Boulder County for the next forty+ years. Buzz was a true master at his craft

Once Donna retired, family became their primary focus. Weekly “family night” (dinner and fellowship) became the tradition, and summers were set aside for all of the grandkids to spend their days and nights at Grandma and Grandpa’s creating life long memories.

Bill also looked forward to his yearly ‘siblings trips’ with Rex/Cathy, John/Nadine, Mike/Judy and Mike/Linda. He truly loved the various places they went, but more importantly, he cherished the opportunity to spend time with his siblings.

His church family was also very important to him. Greeting families at the door was his true passion and calling. He delighted in seeing familiar faces every Sunday.

He touched so many lives, brought so much joy and spread God’s love everywhere he went. He will be missed, but his legacy lives on through his family:

Children: Dan & Cindy Bussard. Tammy Feterl, Pam & KC Balsley and Sean Bussard

Grandchildren: Ben & Terra Bussard, Katie & William Henry, Brandon & Bre Bussard, Zachary & Lyndsey Feterl, Lindsay & Will Knorr, Danielle Balsley, Kyler Balsley and Shannon Bussard-Li.

Great grandchildren & Honorary Pallbearers: Brayden, Madison & Lucas Bussard, Kinley & Avery Bussard, Carson & Parker Feterl and Tucker, Cody and Madison Henry.

Siblings: Rex & Cathy Bussard, John & Nadine Bussard, Mike & Judy Bussard, Linda & Mike Bowers

Thank you for sharing in the day of celebrating Buzz/Bill’s life!

In lieu of flowers, Buzz requested that donations be made to Mountain States Children’s home in Longmont.