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BORN
1946
DIED
2015
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Dana Rinehart Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Dana Rinehart
John P. Beavers
February 12, 2022
I knew Buck from his early days in politics while both of us were students at Ohio State. When we first met, he was a grass-roots organizer as a young Republican whose personality and enthusiasm could organize anything, and I was a statistician in a basement hole who reviewed political polling. Buck´s enthusiasm was infectious. You wanted to run his pace to keep up with him. Some of my favorite memories are Buck´s playing drums and our going to see Buddy Rich; Buck as a proud father at the birth of Gill; and Buck´s speech on the night of his initial election as mayor. In addition to his enthusiasm, Buck loved his family, he was open and welcoming to everyone, and he was a joy to be around.
J. Fisher, PhD, MLIS, CPL
April 14, 2021
Met Mayor Rinehart in 1992 when I was the son of CEO of Nationwide. Remember him as very friendly and energetic. May he rest in peace.
February 27, 2015
Gil and Jenna,
My wife and I are so sad to hear of the loss of your father. You have our deepest sympathy. He was a fine man, and what he did for Columbus will be a wonderful legacy. Even before I was blessed to be your math teacher I knew Buck from our involvement in the local Young Republicans Club. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this time.
Richard and Nancy Brown
East High School teachers
Carl miller, carl
February 23, 2015
Buck did a great job. I don't know how popular he was, but in my book, he was a great mayor. People don't realize often how much work is involved for a city which was growing, and still is expanding. I think many people underestimated his qualities as a mayor. He seemed to handle things well and did not lose his personal abilities. He left his mark on Columbus and we are all benefactors of his policies and accomplishments. Carl Miller
Patricia Preston
February 23, 2015
Blessings and Prayers to you Buck. Prayers for your family.
February 23, 2015
From the glimmer in his eye to his infectious laugh, I always looked forward to lunch with Buck in his "booth" at the Clarmont. I worked with him over a 6 year period as he helped Moody Nolan with our business development program. One important lesson he taught me was writing thank you notes. He said as Mayor there were many people he met that he did not know but always followed up any meeting with a thank you note. I know he wrote many thousands of notes over his career and made people feel good about themselves. Thanks Mayor for that tip and the many enjoyable hours we spent together visiting at the Clarmont. A wonderful person that made a difference in this world !!!
Pete Kienle
Virginia Beach, VA
william Huffman
February 23, 2015
The best mayor Columbus ever had.
William Huffman
February 23, 2015
Was a great example of leadership,Respect,And love for the office and the city of Columbus.He will be missed
Donna Jarvis-Miller
February 22, 2015
Brenda, May the memories you made over the past 23 years comfort you during this time. Buck was one of a kind! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this chapter of life. Hugs my friend.
Shirley Richardson
February 22, 2015
My sincere condolences to Gil and the rest of Buck's family. He was a great Mayor and a good man. You can all be proud of what he accomplished in his life. Mayors and Governors come and go. Some are remembered and some are not. The city of Columbus will always remember Buck.
Debbie Devlin
February 22, 2015
Skip and family please know you are in my prayers. Buck was a great guy and he will be missed by many.
Cheryl McClellan
February 22, 2015
Condolences to Buck's loved ones. Ted and I have always been so fond of Buck; his humor, patriotism and love of Columbus. RIP fine man!
Cheryl & Ted McClellan
Art, Anne, Dustin and Ryan
February 22, 2015
Brenda and Family - we are so sorry to hear about Buck. We have such great memories of he and Art coaching the boys in baseball. Keeping you in our prayers.
Darlene & Jim Finlay
February 21, 2015
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Diane Rincones Hess
February 21, 2015
Buck & I were Young Republicans together so many years ago. Even helped paint his first apartment. He always was so energetic and hardworking. May he rest in peace. Condolences to his family.
Paul Baldridge
February 21, 2015
A true Patriot and a great Mayor. Thank you for your service to our Country and to our great City.
February 20, 2015
My condolences Brenda, I know Jack was there to greet him with a race helmet and together they are on Civic Center Drive racing into eternity.
Sherri Palmer...he was a great friend to Jack
February 20, 2015
Buck, rest in peace, its been a long time, but a friend from the distant past, the painter of your house. special for you Carol, my heart to all. Eric Alexander
Jayne Arthur
February 20, 2015
Please accept my sincere condolences at the loss of your husband and father. 1Thessalonians 4:13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
Ronald L. Lanthron
February 20, 2015
Respectfully, my utmost sincere condolence to the honorable "Mayor Bucks" family. Semper Fi Colonel Buck!
Ted Vollmuth
February 20, 2015
Columbus has lost one of its guiding lights with the passing of Buck Rinehart, former Mayor and outstanding resident. As a former city employee during his administration I was continually impressed with his creative and practical approach to government. He was truly an original who will forever be remembered.
Art Early
February 20, 2015
"Bucky" was a well liked Mayor of Columbus. He served the community well and his Buck phone line was the only Mayor's action line that really worked. I am sure Dewey Stokes will miss sparing with Bucky.
Angela Pace
February 20, 2015
So many Buck stories ... so little time. Proud and pleased that I got to know him professionally and personally. I still the Queen sign he gave me on my office wall. Blessings and prayers for Buck and his family. He will be missed.
February 20, 2015
Gil and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
Holly Cole
Pam DeSantis-Rounds
February 20, 2015
Buck was the best Mayor I have worked for. God Bless the family during this difficult time.
Kathi
February 20, 2015
Buck was my attorney during a difficult divorce. He gave me courage to do what was difficult but necessary. No nonsense but sound legal advice compassionately delivered and available when I needed him. My prayers for the family - he was larger than life.
Jen Rinehart
February 20, 2015
I am sorry to hear of this loss. I loved his zest. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
February 20, 2015
Semper Fidelis and well done, Major!
February 20, 2015
Brenda, my sincere sympathys at this difficult time. I have always heard such positive comments regarding Buck and his service to our country and city. Blessings
Lynda Gledhill-Auditor Dave Yost's office
Bill N
February 20, 2015
Brenda, It was a pleasure to get to know you and Buck and an honor to provide him care. We are deeply saddened for your loss
February 20, 2015
Our heartfelt sympathy go to all of you. Buck was a wonderful Mayor, person and friend. We will never forget him. May he rest in peace.
Ted & Molly Wilkinson
(Retired City employees)
Kevn Freeman
February 20, 2015
He was an awesome mayor and made Columbus a better place for all. My prayers are with the Rinehart family.
February 20, 2015
RIP
R F
February 20, 2015
Truly a legend. R. I. P. Buck.
Sandra Brown
February 20, 2015
I am saddened about the loss of Buck Rinehart. My husband David Leo Brown who passed away recently would mention Buck many times and always had nice things to say about Buck. May he rest in peace.
Ray & Sandra Harper
February 19, 2015
Ray Harper's Mother was a daughter of James Luther Rinehart and a cousin of Buck's. We want to add our condolences to Buck's family and friends...it's never easy to part with a loved one.
Patricia Metzler (Martin)
February 19, 2015
Brenda,
Words can not express how sorry I am for your loss. Buck had a high work ethic and was a fearless worrier who really made a difference.
During the campaign trail on the Treasurer's race Buck was doing all 88 counties and was worn out but, he refused to stop working. I will never forget his standards of excellence or how well he was received by voters statewide. On behalf of the volunteers from the "Committee For Rinehart", I thank Buck for giving us a lifetime of dedicated service. Buck took Columbus from Cow town to Wow Town!!
May God bring you and your family peace at this difficult time.
February 19, 2015
I met Buck as a fellow den leader and always enjoyed and respected him. He loved his time with the scouts, and I'm glad that the Dispatch called that out. His accomplishment are numerous, we will miss his leadership. Karen Lintala
Kim Flinn
February 19, 2015
My Deepest Condolence to the Rinehart Family. Many years ago I was walking with a friend near channel 4 in Columbus and we ran into "Buck". We all interacted and he invited us to seeing the 11:00 PM news live. This man treated us as if we knew him for years. I thought he was very nice. That night at channel 4 was Election Night when Bill Clinton was running. The broadcast had the results coming into the newsroom. Doug Adair I think was the newsman that night. Dana made our night a little more special.
Leslye and Bill Bowman
February 19, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers our with Brenda and the entire Rinehart family. Bill and I have many wonderful, funny and endearing memories of times spent with Buck and Brenda. We will always remember and cherish Buck's indomitable spirit.
Patricia Young
February 19, 2015
Brenda, we are so sorry to hear about Buck's passing. I remember the first time I met him at the Thanksgiving Dinner at your Dad's house. He was like a whirlwind going through the house introducing himself and wanting to know what we did, where we lived and how we were related! And he remembered everything the following year. I understand what it is to lose a soulmate so please call me if you need anything or just want to talk. Love, Patty and Moose
Randy & Jenn Best
February 19, 2015
We're so sorry for your loss. We'll keep you in our prayers & thoughts during these trying times.
Elaine Leonard
February 19, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I have many fond memories of Buck fishing at our summer home on Lake Erie.
February 19, 2015
Brenda:
So sorry for your loss. Buck was Cub Scout leader for our older son Pat who is now 25. In the past year or so Buck celebrated a toast with Pat when he was commissioned into the Marine Corps. Also our younger son Michael now 22 had Buck as DYA baseball coach one year. It was a pleasure to know him.
Vicki & Brian Moran
David Lucas
February 19, 2015
Thanks for all the memories. You were the original Energizer Bunny,24/7 Columbus were making it great.
Mary Stephan
February 19, 2015
Brenda-
My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. Buck was a great guy and an even better mayor.
Mary Novitski Stephan
Your AGD Sister
John P. Beavers
February 19, 2015
I knew Buck from his early days in politics while both of us were students at Ohio State. When we first met, he was a grass-roots organizer as a young Republican whose personality and enthusiasm could organize anything, and I was a statistician in a basement hole who reviewed political polling. Buck's enthusiasm was infectious. You wanted to run his pace to keep up with him. Some of my favorite memories are Buck's playing drums and our going to see Buddy Rich; Buck as a proud father at the birth of Gill; and Buck's speech on the night of his initial election as mayor. In addition to his enthusiasm, Buck loved his family, he was open and welcoming to everyone, and he was a joy to be around.
Bruce Barnes
February 19, 2015
This is a tragic loss, and my heart goes out to his family and friends. Buck's leadership, compassion and drive for this community will be hard to equal, let alone surpass. He was a good friend, and I will miss his great sense of humor, his boundless energy, the deep undercurrent of his insights, and his wonderful ability to bring a smile to everyone's face. Rest in peace, Buck....
February 19, 2015
Buck was one of a kind. Always looking out for what was best for Columbus. He lived and breathed this city. You couldn't see or be around him without being excited about this town. My thoughts, prayers and love go out to his wife and his children. We share the same name and pride in who we are. Mary (Rinehart) Weller
O.G. Smith
February 19, 2015
The charisma and no nonsense attitude that made Columbus what it is today. Buck always had a story to share and made me laugh more than any personality I have known. All our thoughts and prayers for his friends and family. Please know that we will celebrate all his contributions in the same way he celebrated every aspect of his life. Simply the best. He will be missed here at 300 East Broad Street on a daily basis.
Liz
February 19, 2015
Buck took my son onto his T-ball team, the Yankees, when my son was 5 years old. He was a wonderful coach and father and I loved his enthusiasm for life and for others. He also wrote a recommendation for my son when he went to college. He was a wonderful promoter of Columbus and he will be missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.
Shannon Murray Phlegar
February 19, 2015
Brenda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss and sadness. Please let me know if you need anything during this difficult time.
Fred
February 19, 2015
So sorry to lose such a phenomenal person. He is the best mayor Columbus has ever had. He had great vision and insight. A man of action that "got things done"! RIP Buck, your legacies will live on.
February 18, 2015
Buck was my neighbor, friend and mentor. I could not wait for Buck to come home from work to hear his stories and passion for life. He loved life and was very proud of his family and country. I will always remember Buck driving around the neighborhood in his Tin Lizzy Go Cart, smiling with a kid on his side wearing his Disney Goofy Hat. He was the Mayor of Loch Leven Court! My heart goes out to The Rinehart Family-he was a great man. Matt Toth
Rob
February 18, 2015
I moved to Columbus in the mid-80's during Mayor Rinehart's term. He had a vision for Columbus and we saw major growth during those years. We are still enjoying the benefits. He was a larger than life character and I wish we had leaders like him today. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
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