John Buma Obituary

1944 ~ 2020
John's Gone
John Buma passed away peacefully at home on June 21st with his family by his side. Born December 31st, 1944 to LeGrand Buma and Marietta Vanden Akker Buma. Graduated from Olympus High. Served honorably in the Navy. Married Janet Lowry in 1971. John is survived by his wife, Janet, children Tamra (Duane) Lems, Kelly (Jason) Anderson, grandchildren Mary (Adam), Taylor, Kassidy and Kyle and 1 great grandchild Quinn.
In lieu of a memorial service John requested that we don't mourn his passing but celebrate his life by pouring a drink of your choice and having a toast in his honor.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News on Jun. 28, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Buma

8 Entries

Lamont R DeJong

March 16, 2024

my cousin - my playmate - my neighbor on Judson Avenue in Richland, WA

Jerry Sullivan

March 28, 2022

I am saddened to learn of my friend passing. John was my best friend in the Navy. He spoke lovingly about his family and friends in Utah. Rest In Peace my friend.

Suzy Buma Burton

July 10, 2020

His memory will be eternal and loved forever.

Glen Davis

July 5, 2020

John's father-in-law, Pete Lowry, hired me to work as a construction worker in 1973 when I was 17 years old. Pete and John owned a construction company, specializing in insurance claim remodeling. John took me under his wing and taught me every detail of construction, -- demolition, framing, sheet rock, finish work, painting, paneling, carpet and linoleum. If it needed to be done, John knew how to do it.

When I returned home from my church mission John was running the show by himself. He was there for me the next day, ready for me to go to work for him. He trusted me with every job, and when times got slow he went out of his way to find things to keep me busy. I remember him showing up on a job one day with a few red and white hats he had printed. I was so proud to put a Buma Construction hat on my head. I wore it for many many years.

John was a patient and encouraging man. I remember a job in which I needed to install wood paneling around a rock fireplace. I had the hardest time getting the exact fit around the rock profile, and feeling like I wanted to cry (I know, kind of weird). John showed up on the job and just smiled, encouraging me to keep trying even though it might have cost him an extra sheet or two of paneling before I got it right. He always seemed to trust me and I felt grateful for that.

John was a generous man. He paid me very well for a youngster fresh off a mission and going to school. When I graduated from the UofU and took a job in marketing, John made sure he was square with me regarding tools he paid for but insisted I take with me to compensate for tools of my own that I used and wore out. He wasn't a penny pincher looking to get a dollar up on someone.

John was a friend to all. He always could spare a minute to talk about whatever you wanted to talk about. He and I liked doing a lot of the same things, -- fishing, hunting, camping, etc., Maybe the most everyday thing John taught me that I use all the time is how to tie a trucker's knot. Seriously, every time I'm tying down a load or securing things in a trailer, I think of John for teaching me the most useful knot in the world. From now on when teaching my grandkids how to tie a trucker's knot, I'm going to call it "John's knot".

Janet, Tamra, and Kelly, your husband and father is a GREAT man. He's a true friend. I'm so glad I visited with John & Janet a year ago, and was able to tell him how grateful I am for him. That is a treasured memory. He means so much to me and I'm saddened to hear of his passing. I know this, that you will always feel of his love and goodness as you cherish your memories of him. And Janet, may you know that John is with your wonderful dad and mom (Pete and Mary) who I also love and respect so much. Much love to you and all your family. -- Glen Davis

Tamra

July 2, 2020

My dad was the most amazing dad a girl could ask for. I will miss him every day for the rest of my life for the simple fact of his have fun attitude. He made me a better person by just seeing him always making sure everybody was having a blast when he was there. I will always try to do the same thing to remember him always and forever. Love you dad ❤❤❤❤❤❤

Tim

July 2, 2020

John was a great guy, I always enjoyed talking with him.

Dana Thatcher

June 28, 2020

I met John at Stevens Henager College. He was a spitfire. So sweet and funny. Sorry for your loss

Carl Justesen

June 28, 2020

John was a real nice guy, my first trainer on haul trucks. R.I.P.

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