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COLLEEN BUYZE Obituary

BUYZE, COLLEEN 1952 to 2012 Passed away on December 15th after a short illness. Born in Sacramento, CA, the second of three children, and moved to San Diego in 1955, where she graduated from Patrick Henry High in 1970. She met her first love, Thomas Bryan Respess, in college; they married in 1972 and had two beautiful children, Christina and Jason. Colleen was a longtime employee of UCSD Medical Center, and with her second husband, Kryn Buyze, enjoyed life until suffering a debilitating stroke in 2001. Colleen is survived by daughter Christina Rensfield, and son Jason Respess; two grandsons Ayden and Jake; a sister, Lee Fullbright, and her brother, Brian Ellsworth. A private family service is pending.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Dec. 22, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for COLLEEN BUYZE

75 Entries

LEE

December 16, 2023

MISS YOU EVERYDAY, COLL. WITH LOVE.

Joyce McCurthy

October 15, 2021

I was Colleen Caregiver.

Joyce MCCurthy

October 15, 2021

Miss you so much Colleen and I think oy you often. We had so much fun together.

Lee Fullbright

December 16, 2020

I love you so, dear sister, and think of you and miss you every single day.

Kryn

December 16, 2020

It's been 8 years now and I miss you more each day. I look at all the pictures of you and I and I go back to that certain day and remember just how happy we were. I'll always love you.

Lee

December 16, 2019

12/16/19 ... I think of you everyday, my sweet sister. I can never stop missing you.

February 14, 2014

Miss you so much, sweet sister. I think of you every day.

Jay Buyze

February 13, 2014

Well Coll, I've waited a long while for someone to enter something else but I was wrong. I need to close this part of the book and make a copy for ME! I'm still very much in love with you and will always be. We will meet again soon, I can't wait to see you. You have always been the most important person in my life. I miss you so much, so until we see each other again you are in my thoughts every day!
Love, Jay

Brian Ellsworth

March 18, 2013

I lost a bit of myself when Colleen passed. She had a tough life after the stroke of 2001, which so cruelly robbed her of so much in her life, and finally contributed, I'm sure, to taking it. But there were 49 good years prior to that where she got in a lot of living. It's easy to forget that, and I know I was guilty of that myself. But be it pre-stoke or post-stroke, she was always my sister and my best friend.

I miss you every day my Sis. I hope you and Mom are raising Cain up in heaven. Luv you bunches and forever.

Your Bro

Jay Buyze

February 17, 2013

In loving memory of Colleen, I will love you forever, you were my light in the night. So many people loved you, your beautiful smile, big hair and those pretty eyes. I have a big piece of my heart gone, but I know I'll see you soon and we'll be together again.
Your loving husband,
Jay

February 16, 2013

Juan Saldivar

February 9, 2013

I meet Colleen 1997 when Jay introduced us. She lit up the room with her smile, kindness, and personality. You are sadly missed my friend.

Juan Saldivar

February 9, 2013

I met Colleen in 1997 when I was working at Napa and Jay being my boss he introduced her as being his beatiful wife.
Jay was very happy being with hervat his presence, She lit up the room with her smile, kindness, and personality. You are in a safe place now, but will not be forgot. You are sadly missed very much.

Norma Lizarraga

January 21, 2013

I will miss talking to you, playing "twins", and Josh, the Italian music star. I will miss you.

Love you baby girl, Leebug

January 20, 2013

A friend of mine-- a writer--wrote something recently for someone she loved who'd passed, and it made me think of Coll. I'm "borrowing" it for my sweet, special "Bean":

"Let go of past, history, identity, regret, guilt, fear, all attachments to this physical life. Move toward love and light of which you are a part, towards peace, healing, illumination. You are invulnerable now. You are immortal. Be as courageous now as you were in life. We send you love and appreciaton."

Zenaida "Zee" Rodriguez

January 20, 2013

I remember so well when I first met Colleen Buyze in 1996. I was working at Napa Auto Parts and my boss Jay, was getting all ready for a trip they were taking on their RV. Colleen walked in the store that day & I thought to myself, “WOW'… She is the most beautiful lady I've ever seen! She was tall, thin, blonde hair, blue eyes, and pretty hands with her nails all done up really nice! Jay introduce me to her and she was so nice, polite & very classy. I said to myself, “I want to be like just like her”… She had the most beautiful smile on her face and everything a woman wants. Jay & Colleen would always be the very happy couple with their doggies, good job and would always do everything together, camping was a BIG one; they loved going camping in their RV. When I found out what had happened to Colleen, I was in shock!! I said to myself, “why”, “how”?? I didn't see her for a while & I remember Jay being all worried about her Colleen; juggling work & getting the best care for her. Well, make a long story short, I had the pleasure of spending some of my Saturday's at work taking care of her for a while. I know she felt like a burden, all she could say was, “Thank you sweetie”, I love you and always giving me hugs looking at me with those beautiful blue eyes… But really, I say, “Thank you Colleen”, thank you for giving me the pleasure of letting me spend some time, with the most beautiful lady in the world… You will be missed deeply!!

Tracy Heller

January 13, 2013

Aunt Colleen, I'm so glad to have known you. You brought such fun and laughter to our times at the lake. Hanging out, painting nails, sunning by the lake--you made it all fun! You'll be sorely missed around the campfire on summer nights to come. Rest in peace.
Love,
Tracy

Les Revier

January 13, 2013

Colleen was a great friend and co-worker at UCSD Medical Center Clinical Laboratories. She always had a twinkle in her eye, a smile on her face and an infectious laugh. She leaves an empty spot in the world that won't be filled.

Jacquelin Roberson

January 13, 2013

Remembering Colleen I remember good times at Ucsd, I've known Colleen for 20+ years I alway's saw her with a smile on her face and lot's of hair, comming down the halls at work, she alway's talked about Christy(christy girl) and she would say and jason, and alway's spoke of her and jay and their life together. Colleen was alway's full of stories and jokes and I will miss her laugh, when I think of colleen I will remember her before the stroke vivacious and full of life. I send My sympathy to her family and I'am happy she is now pain free, but she will forever be missed.
Jackie Roberson

Ana Seeley

January 10, 2013

I've known Colleen my whole life. She was my Mother's childhood friend. I always loved her spirit. She knew how to live! She had a beautiful heart and soul, and was just so much fun to be around. I learned how to find joy in life simply through humor, and she taught me that. She will truly be missed!!

Marie Kolar-Morgan

January 9, 2013

I will miss you so so much my dear friend. We met in kindergarten..remember the red towels we both had brought from home for our nap time? Then onto grades 1-6,(how we loved Mr Gorham our 6th grade teacher!) then Lewis Jr High and finally Pat Henry. And next..Mesa Jr College. So many good times..skateboarding, swimming, walking up to Drug Fair, eating Oreo cookies and milk, and dreaming about boys.. And how crazy we were about The Monkees!! My first time at Disneyland was shared with you, when Lee and her Girl Scout troop took a bus there. 1960 or so. Your mom was along as chaperone and somehow you and I got to tag along. I'll never forget that Matterhorn! SCARY!!
Im sad your life was hard at times this last decade...but so glad I got to re-unite with you a few years ago. And meet Jay.. Also got to see Lee and Brian. We managed to get in some good laughs and reminiscing. Ohh.. the laughs we had..just like when we were kids.
You will be in my heart for the rest of days..we shared 55 years. Love you Coll..and remember to meet me at "The Hedge" :)

Tara Zafft

January 9, 2013

I light a candle, in honor of a beautiful person with an infectious laugh, beautiful smile and amazing zest for life. She touched us all.

Colleen, The Queen

Geri Wilson

January 9, 2013

I met Colleen in 1988 when she interviewed me for a part time job at UCSD Medical Center. I already knew "of her" as I worked with her sister, Lee, on my "day job." I was immediately struck by her vivid bright sparkling smile, fast walk, bigger than life presence. She was my supervisor for many years. She was great--funny, caring, efficient and on top of everything. She became my friend and we had a lot of fun outside of work. The sparkle began to dim after her stroke, her world became smaller and sometimes this sadness overwhelms me. We continued to go to the movies, one of her favorite activities. I spent this recent Thanksgiving with her and her family and Colleen was surrounded with love and laughter. I am so happy to see all these comments, people that did not know her before the stroke and still saw the kindness, the laughter, the sparkle. She left us too soon, but no longer is suffering. She impacted my life forever. (at UCSD someone nicked named her "the Queen")

Dominic Koch

January 7, 2013

They say it takes a lifetime to know somebody but the 4 years I knew you it wasn't hard to find out how wonderful of a person you were. I will never forget all the laughs me, you, and Jay shared all the time you were at the house! You will be truly missed and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace with much love Dominic!!!

Colleen Buyze - Circa 1995

Mary Buyze

January 6, 2013

Katie Bryan

January 4, 2013

Aunt Colleen-
You were such a beautiful person, and you will be missed tremendously. I always looked forward to when you and Uncle Kryn would come visit us at the lake :) I am fortunate to have these sweet memories of you. Rest peacefully until that day when we meet again!

Much love, Katie (aka "Sam")

Donna, Colleen, Roxie our last picture with Colleen

Donna Shepler

January 2, 2013

Colleen, what a beautiful person she was. I have know Colleen for over 20+ years when her kids were very young. Then on to her marriage to Jay, we have many memories that I will hold near and dear. I am so glad that I was able to see her recently just sorry I was not able to see her towards the end of her life. Rest in peace sweet Colleen you will be missed.
Love you. Donna

December 31, 2012

My husband & I met Colleen & Jay many years ago when we had a truck repair shop & Jay was the Manager @ Napa in National City. We became friends over the years & enjoyed their company. Took them to a rodeo one time & Coll didn't know what to think about that.
Jay, time will help & you've got some wonderful memories. Coll really liked to have fun, go camping & tell a good story to anyone that would listen.
To all who knew & loved Colleen, just be patient with yourself & be the best you can be, knowing Coll is watching over us all.
God Bless.
Barbara Young, National City, Ca

December 31, 2012

Coll, you fit right into our family like a missing puzzle piece right from the first visit to the lake. Your laugh always brought the rest of us running to see what fun was going on. You are a part of so many great family memories and always will be. Thanks for sharing your love with us for as long as you could. Rest in peace, kiddo, we'll be there eventually. We'll just follow your laugh...
Love, Sharon and Elgin and girls

Chris Klose

December 30, 2012

Coll-Thank you for being such a joyous part of our family. I can't think about you w/o remembering your first visit to the lake. The fun we had with our "Colleen's Tee Pee" and our ritual while doing kitchen detail...Don't worry, Be happy! The many campfires and boat rides and endless joking around. You were always such a good sport and fit right into the Buyze family. Your laugh was so contagious that we all wanted to be included in your fun. Thanks, Coll, for giving us the honor of being part of your life! Love and miss you, Chris, Pat, Lori, Ben, and Katie

Mary Buyze

December 27, 2012

God blessed us when Colleen came into our family. She immediately fit in, and her first exposure to the Buyze family was a rustic teepee we told her was the restroom at the lake house. She wasn't sure at first but when the truth was revealed we all laughed so hard a few of the women began to snort….yes snort. We knew right then and there Colleen would always be a part of our family. She is now a bright shining star in the night sky and her spirit will always be with us. We love ya Coll.

Victor Trevino

December 25, 2012

Colleen and I were friends at Patrick Henry. She always had a smile and a great sense of humor and I will always remember her that way. Rest in Peace my friend.

December 24, 2012

I will always remember the fun we had in school and the things we laughed at. Colleen was a fun friend and good person. I hadn't seen her in many years but recently connected with her again, I am grateful for that. She will be missed greatly. Sleep in heavenly peace beautiful Colleen.

Jay Buyze

December 24, 2012

Colleen was my life, I will never be the same again. We had so much fun at Lake Powell on that house boat and in your life, I will keep all of those beautiful memories of her in my heart forever. I LOVE her.

Colleen is the one on the right - high school memories

Susan Haug-Bass

December 23, 2012

I remember Colleen from Jr and Sr High. We always rode to school together - the gang - Colleen, Marie, Barb, Debi... I regret that we were not able to connect again until after her stroke but am certainly glad that I had that opportunity. She will always be tenderly remembered and missed. May the knowledge that she is no longer suffering and that many people will keep her alive in their hearts be a comfort to her family and loved ones

Barbara Chase (Wendling)

December 23, 2012

Colleen, my dear sweet friend. I will always remember our fun years together. We laughed so much and did so many fun things. You were always so kind to everyone and an example of what a true friend should be.

Gary Swenson

December 22, 2012

Although I have not seen Colleen for over 20 years, I will remember her for being able to light up the workplace with her smile, laughter and presence.

Jim Troussel

December 22, 2012

My only contacts with Colleen was when I handled her identity theft case, along with her husband, Kryn. She had already suffered the stroke, but was such a wonderful, caring person. I saw her a couple of years ago in a shopping center in Rancho Penasquitos. She remembered me, even though I'd only spoken to her twice before. Lovely, lovely lady. And, after reading the obituary, I noticed I graduated high school with her first husband. Rest In Peace.

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