Walter Pirie Buehning

Walt grew up in a small town in Nebraska, helping out at his father’s service station, delivering newspapers on his bike and making mischief with his brother. He came from a musical family, started playing trumpet in the school band and by high school had his own little combo playing dances on Saturday nights. Walt went on to earn his Bachelor of Music degree from Willamette University in Salem Oregon.

He was drafted into the army out of his first year of band teaching, serving most of his two years with “B” company 321st Sig. Bn. in Stuttgart, Germany. He had been trained to be a pole lineman and also taught radio repair before being transferred to Special Services to entertain the troops. Upon his return he began graduate studies at the University of Oregon in Eugene where he earned his Masters of Music and eventually a Doctor of Musical Arts.

Walt spend 17 years teaching music in the public schools before moving to Calgary in 1968, spending the next 25 years as a Professor of Music at the University of Calgary.

In retirement he continued to enjoy musical pursuits, puttering in the garden and teaching and supporting his grandkids. He will be remembered for his friendly nature, inquisitive mind and big heart.

Walt is survived by Glennis, his wife of 65 years, son Karl, daughters Laura and Marilyn Buehning, grandchildren Amy and Jason Melnychuk, nieces Eamon and Jana Buehning and nephew Edmond Buehning III. He was predeceased by his parents Evelyn and Edmond Buehning and brother Edmond Buehning II.

A Celebration of Walt’s Life will be held at South Calgary Funeral Centre, 12700 Macleod Trail South (at Lake Fraser Gate), on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made in Walt’s memory directly to Nicole Haycock, coordinator, Calgary Regional Summer Band Program, Sponsorship Fund, (225115 RR 281, Rocky View, Alberta T1X 0H7).

Messages of remembrance may be left for the family at www.southcalgaryfuneralcentre.ca