BUELL, Robert C. Robert C. Buell, Former Mass. State Senator Robert Colby Buell, age 87, of Rye, NH (and formerly of Boxford, MA), passed away on September 25, 2018. He was predeceased by his parents: Mary and Ted Buell, as well as his siblings: sister, Marilyn Corning, sister, Betsy Uhl, and brother, David Buell. He is survived by his three sons and their wives: Ronald Buell and Maggie Sutherland of Piedmont, CA; Stephen and Deborah Buell of North Reading, MA; and John and Casey Buell of New Durham, NH. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Ryan Buell, Liza Buell, Henry Buell, Amy Phillips, Leslie Lufkin, and Stevie Lewis and one great grandchild, Benjamin Phillips. He was married to Jean Wetmore Buell for 46 years, who pre-deceased him in November of 2005. Bob, as he was affectionately known, was born on April 23, 1931 in Boston, MA. He was raised in Wellesley, MA by his parents, Mary and Ted Buell and attended the Wellesley Public Schools. A gifted athlete, Bob particularly loved ice hockey and downhill skiing. Following his graduation from Wellesley High School, Bob attended Union College where he played ice hockey. After his sophomore year, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and served in Garmisch, Germany until the war ended. Bob then returned to Boston University where he again played ice hockey, graduating in 1956 with a B.A. in Business. Bob worked in the Property and Casualty Insurance business for several firms in the greater Boston area for the next 60 years. He met Jean Wetmore in 1957 and they were married in 1959. They moved to Boxford, MA in 1960 where they raised their family. Bob was very involved in local politics in Boxford, as well as coaching his sons in various sports with the Boxford Athletic Association. At the urging of the Essex County Republican Committee, Bob ran for the 12th Essex State Representative seat in 1968 and won. He served as State Representative for that district until 1979 when he ran for the 1st Essex, Middlesex State Senate seat being vacated by Sen. William Saltonstall. He won that race too, and served his constituency until 1995 when he retired from politics. During that time, he attained the role of Second Assistant Minority Leader twice. Bob never lost an election during his 26 years in public office. He was an old school politician who listened to his voters and frequently reached across the aisle to work out legislation. Bob loved ice hockey and did not hang up his skates until after he turned 80 years old. He competed every summer after the age of 50 in the Snoopy Senior Men's World Ice Hockey Tournament in Santa Rosa, CA, helping his team win several championships there. Bob and Jean also loved to go downhill skiing in Europe. They took their Honeymoon in the Swiss Alps to ski. After exploring multiple ski areas during the early years of their marriage in Switzerland, Germany, and Italy, they found Lech in Austria and returned there every January for many years. They made many friends there and after Jean passed, he skied there one last time with his three boys (who had never been before that). It was a memorable occasion for all. Bob also loved his family summer home on Lake Winnipesaukee in Tuftonboro, NH. His father Ted purchased the place in 1939 and Bob spent many summers there as a child. At one point his parents were considering selling it and Bob vehemently fought against the idea. He was successful and the home is still in the family today. He spent summers there every year of his life and he will be laid to rest on that beloved ground, next to his wife Jean. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Bob's life, his athleticism, his service to his country and community, and most importantly his love of family and friends on November 3, 2018 at 1PM at the Boxford First Congregational Church. A reception will be held following the service at the Ferncroft Country Club immediately afterwards. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob's name to the Alzheimer's Association.

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Published by Boston Globe from Sep. 29 to Sep. 30, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT BUELL

8 Entries

Tee Fox

October 29, 2018

You were a true friend to all of us hockey jocks.

Tee Fox

October 29, 2018

You where a friend to all of us hockey jocks.

Anna Ozols

October 25, 2018

As a visitor to your family home in Tuftonboro, NH, I had the good fortune of spending time with your father for many summers during the last two decades of his life.

I have great memories of finding Bob seated at the yellow table on the deck, well dressed in a pressed cotton shirt, twill shorts and bright white socks. The morning routine was nearly complete: he had already boated to town & back, devoured the day's newspaper, tended to house and garden chores, and was taking in views of the lake.

Bob was always interesting and never short of an opinion. We discussed current events and his passion for Lake Winnipesaukee conservation efforts. He reminisced about his and Jean's skiing adventures in the Alps and collegiate hockey before the days of helmets. He told me about how his father found your special place on the lake, severe storms you endured, and efforts expended to move rocks and rebuild the dock. Back then he worked part-time at an office in Danvers still a man of business & politics as well as the caring elder of a wonderful family.

As the years wore on, Bob maintained a strong character. He managed to fight off old age and his dignity remained intact. It was only towards the very end that he accepted the extra care necessary for his health. When I visited him in Ipswich he was quite pleased with the people, the action, and the posh accommodations. Life was different, but he had a picture of Jean on the wall beside his desk and he was still engaged. It was clear that he was well-respected and admired by all.

What I find most astounding is that Bob remained infinitely good natured. The last time I saw him at the lake, he never complained that Ron had too many friends visiting, or that our music was too loud. That day he made an effort to sit with us on the lawn, and that evening he got up to shake a leg on the dance floor. It was clear that Bob was happiest when his sons, grandchildren and extended family were nearby and enjoying their lives.

Bob was a true gentleman and an outstanding human being. He had a good, long life filled with many personal and professional successes. He fought for his country, served in political office, created a beautiful life for his family, and most of all loved hockey and skiing!

I am grateful for the time I spent with your dad and it is sad to say goodbye. There is joy, however, in knowing that his legacy will live on through the good values he instilled in you. His strength, spirit and love will always be in your hearts.

Anna Ozols

October 25, 2018

Deb Bailey

October 25, 2018

Buell Boys,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He always had that welcoming Bob smile while sitting in a rocker on the porch at the lake. He had a full life. Rest in peace.

Fred Shine

September 30, 2018

Dear Buell Family,
I first met your dad when I was fighting to build monuments to my four friends KIA in Vietnam, in the town of Wilmington. It was not "fashionable", at that time, to honor Vietnam Vets, and I met a lot of resistance. Senator Buell, not only supported me, but showed up at each and every dedication I did, which took over 9 years to complete. I could never have completed them with out his support. On the funny side of things, when ever he attended a function I was at, I always would ask the band to play the Boston College Fight song in his honor (since he was a BU Grad and me a BC , "it's a Bean Pot" thing! ) he would always laugh and say, "Ok, where's Fred"! What a fantastic friend and supporter he was, and I never forgot him. He was truly a remarkable, loving, and dedicated representative for the people. I wish there were more like him in office today! Rest in Peace, my friend!
Fred Shine

Andrew Weiner

September 29, 2018

Senator Buell was my first hockey coach. He was a kind soul. I got to work with him again when I was a freshman at Suffolk as I worked for the House and Senate chambers. I was honored by him when he gave me advice on a book I was writing in 2014. He will be missed

TIM HICKEY

September 29, 2018

TO THE BUELL FAMILY,

SORRY TO READ OF BOB'S PASSING I SERVED IN THE HOUSE

WITH BOB BACK IN THE 60's. AS THE SAYING GOES IN THE

STATE HOUSE " BOB BUELL IS ONE OF THE GOOD GUY'S"

MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

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