Werner Christian Buntemeyer

Buntemeyer, Werner Christian, 78, Coral Ridge Properties President; and outstanding supporter of the YMCA and Junior Achievement of South Florida. Werner Buntemeyer immigrated to Fort Lauderdale with his wife Iris and son Peter in 1963. Werner was born and raised in Bremen Germany where he eventually came to work in the Yacht industry. In 1963 Werner sold a Yacht to James S. Hunt, founder of Coral Ridge Properties, whom offered him a job and brought the family to Fort Lauderdale from Germany. Werner Buntemeyer was instrumental in the development of Coral Springs and Parkland, and was responsible for creating the city ordinances for the city of Coral Springs and the creation of the water districts. Werner started his 30 year career with Coral Ridge Properties as a "go to guy" for owner James S. Hunt, then in 1966 Coral Properties was purchased by Westinghouse Electric; of which then Coral Properties became a wholly owned subsidiary of Westinghouse Financial. At one point Werner served as City Manager of Coral Springs while still working for Coral Ridge Properties; a very unique situation. Eventually Werner worked his way up to become President of Coral Ridge Properties. During his fifteen year tenor as President, Werner Buntemeyer served as President of the Economic Development Council and was instrumental in deciding the location of the Saw Grass Highway. Werner also served on the board and was President of both the YMCA and Junior Achievement of South Florida. Werner Buntemeyer was the last President of Coral Ridge Properties; and retired in December of 1993; just prior to the company being sold. After retirement Werner discovered Costa Rica where he lived (while splitting time in Fort Lauderdale), working on numerous real estate projects. Werner's Teutonic/German work ethic kept fully engaged in different projects in Costa Rica until his last days. Werner Buntemeyer was an avid tennis player, a sport introduced to him by his wife, Iris, when they met in Toronto, Canada in the mid 1950's. Werner continued to play tennis for fun, but with a passion, until January of this year when was diagnosed with cancer. Werner Buntemeyer will be dearly missed by his family, friends and former work colleagues; and will always be remembered for his incredible caring and generosity. Werner Christian Buntemeyer is survived by his son Peter, his sister Christa Buntemeyer (Bremen, Germany), his son Peter's mother (and good friend) Iris Buntemeyer and his wife Carmen. A celebration mass will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale on Friday August 13th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Werner Buntemeyer to either the YMCA or Junior Achievement of South Florida. God Bless. Arrangements entrusted to Edwards Cremation & Funeral Services, Wilton Manors.