Donald Buik

1927 - 2015

Donald W. Buik, Industrial Laundry Pioneer, 88, formerly of Oak Brook and Elmhurst, died peacefully at home on September 2, 2015. Loving husband of the late Betty J. Buik nee Jakoubek, dear father of Nancy Beth (Jeff), Richard (Patricia), Christine (Jim) and James (Teresa); gentle grandfather of Mark, Anna, Mollie, Steven, Will, Julia, Katie and Daniel; doting dog parent of Max. Born in Oak Park on April 12, 1927, and predeceased by parents, Frieda and George, Sr., sisters, Annabelle Roche and Dorothy (Doe) Kempinsky, brother, George Buik, Jr. Donald's two passions were his family and his family's business, The Roscoe Company of Chicago. Buik served in the U.S. Navy V-5 program before completing a business degree at Northwestern University in 1948. Joining the family business founded in 1921 by his father, Don became president in 1969, continuing to guide the company until his son, Jim, purchased the company in 2000. Long active in the Institute of Industrial Launderers (renamed UTSA), Buik served as president from 1973-'74. Buik piloted the installation of the first wastewater pretreatment system in an industrial laundry and showcased this work at the 6th Annual World Linen Congress in Venice, Italy. These pioneering efforts brought Buik recognition, including induction into the UTSA Plant Operations Hall of Fame and the Gus Eggerling Award. Don earned the title of "Lawndale Industrialist of the Year" which is named for the area in which The Roscoe Company continues to operate today. Buik served as chairman of the Lawndale Sears Roebuck YMCA, and received the Lawndale Business Community Spirit Award which was later named in his honor for future recipients. Donald Buik was a founding member of Bethel U.C.C., and, a trustee of Elmhurst College where he received the Founders Medal in 1980 followed by an honorary doctorate in 2000 (Doctor of Laws). Active in Rotary One, the Boy Scouts of America receiving the Silver Beaver Award, and the Illinois St. Andrew Society, Don's hobbies included pheasant hunting, fishing, reading, music and antique autos. Memorial service, Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel United Church of Christ; 315 E. St. Charles in Elmhurst, IL; visitation will precede the service at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Buik Endowed Scholarship Fund, Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126. Info 630-834-3515 or www.ahlgrim.com.