Obituary of Robert James Buye

May 19, 1950 – Maple Creek, Saskatchewan

December 16, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Robert (Bob) Buye passed away peacefully on Friday, December 16, 2022, at McKenzie Towne Care Centre in Calgary, AB, after a long hard-fought battle with Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), a form of Parkinson’s Plus Syndrome. During his final days, he was surrounded by family and friends and the dedicated care staff at McKenzie Towne.

Born in Maple Creek, Bob lived on the Homestead near Fox Valley, Saskatchewan. He completed grade 12 at the Fox Valley school. Upon completion, he moved to Calgary in 1968 at the age of 18, where he lived with his brother Glenn while he attended SAIT and achieved his diploma in Automotive Technology in 1970.

Bob worked in the same brick and mortar building as an automotive mechanic for 43 years. Originally Firestone when he was hired in 1970, the name changed numerous times, but Bob was always asked to stay. He was a rare constant at the shop and often joked he wouldn’t learn the new guys’ name until they had worked for at least three months. He was a role model and mentor and earned the respect and appreciation of staff and customers alike. Bob retired on May 30, 2013, from what was then Blaskin & Lane Tire Centre with not a single sick day (just like his brother Glenn).

From camping, Cub Scout leader and golfer, to woodworking and tinkering in the garage, Bob was always busy and had a project or activity on the go. He was a jack of all trades who was a wealth of knowledge and could always be found with a caesar drink nearby.

Bob is survived by his wife Gladys Buye (nee Weinberger). Bob and Gladys were married for 51 years. Together they enjoyed camping, movies, and socializing with their close friend circles.  Family and friends were a significant part of their lives. Social events, big or small, were always given priority.

Bob and Gladys have two children, Ryan Robert Buye (Kim Schott) and Erin Leigh Marie Hittel (Kevin Hittel), both residing in Calgary.

Bob is survived by four grandchildren who adored their Papa: Marin Buye (20), Hayden Buye (19), Koby Hittel (19), and Rhys Hittel (16).  He is also survived by eight of his nine siblings and their spouses, Ernest Buye, Daniel (Gwen) Buye, Grace (Wayne) Forsythe, Harvey (Linda) Buye, Colleen Buye, Garry (Nancy) Buye, Ronald (Mary Ellen) Buye, and Joanne (Trevor) Govender.  He also leaves behind many cherished aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bob is pre-deceased by his parents Nick and Agnes Buye; his brothers Glenn and Joseph Buye; and his brother-in-law, Terry Yuhas.

Bob will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Rest In Peace.

A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held in May of 2023. We appreciate your prayers, love, and support throughout Bob’s journey and look forward to Celebrating our dear Bob’s life with you.

This Christmas season we hope you take time to enjoy the goodness of God and memorable times with family and friends.

Bob’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Mark Sosnowski, his family physician of 41 years.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bob’s name may be made directly to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, 120, 6835 Railway Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2V6 Telephone: (403) 243-9901, www.parkinsonassociation.ca.  

In living memory of Bob Buye, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.