Roger VanHorn

1957 - 2021

VanHorn, Roger
Buzz
02/27/1957 - 03/19/2021
Buzz VanHorn

Roger "Buzz" VanHorn, died at home with his husband of fourteen years, Patrick Fisher, and his dog "Otto" at his side on March 19, 2021 in Penfield, New York after a valiant battle with lung cancer. He was age sixty four and was born in Webster, NY, the son of Sharlene VanHorn (nee Wilcox, deceased).

He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Sally and George Malafeew, his niece Andrea Rock, a nephew and his wife Brett and Robin Malafeew, great-neices Olivia, Alexa and Grace, and great-nephews Jack and Dylan. His step-father Glenn Goodnough (also deceased) provided humor and stability in his life.

Buzz spent summers of his youth at the Thousand Island family summer home in Clayton, NY. Throughout his life he was a global traveler, a champion equestrian rider and trainer, and more recently a compassionate health care provider. He was a lifelong comedian entertaining everyone within the sound of his voice. His friends and family attest how Buzz's humor was always infectious but never malicious.

Buzz was gifted his first pony, Daisy Mae, when he was 10 years old and horses became a part of his pulse for years to come. After graduating from Webster High School, Buzz graduated from the Pacific Horse Center in Oak Grove, CA. He later owned and successfully operated the Rockrimmon Stables in Denver - Parker Colorado where he trained new and experienced riders and earned Champion recognition at the Estes Park Hunter Jumper Festival (1999). For a short time he also served as trainer for the University of Rochester Equestrian Team. His love of horses and dogs (Otto, Fanny and especially Bryce to name a few) filled his heart with fur, frolic, and unconditional friendships.

Buzz was also a flight attendant and travelled the globe on commercial airlines for several years. He developed an innate sensitivity and respect for a variety of cultures. On September 11, 2001, he was scheduled to fly into New York City and his flight was grounded along with all other U.S. flights when the Twin Towers were attacked.

More recently, Buzz put himself through adult educational classes to learn human anatomy and phlebotomy. He was then hired by the University of Rochester Medical Center where he spent several years as a phlebotomist with UR Labs advancing to the position of Site Coordinator. Buzz also served as an assistant to Dr. Brad Berk, Chair Cardiology at the center.

Buzz will forever be missed by colleagues and all those who knew him, especially Patrick, his sister Sally, and many dearest friends.

His family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Nayana Kamath of Interlakes Oncology whose expert and compassionate guidance and care gave Buzz a longer quality life, and Dr. Sughosh Dhakal who managed radiation intricacies to relieve Buzz's brain and spinal pain.

A celebration of Buzz's life will be held at a date to be announced as pandemic conditions allow. In lieu of gifts or flowers donations in his name are gratefully accepted by the Verona Street Animal Society in Rochester NY. Patrick and Roger's family thanks you.