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Bernard Trawicky Obituary
Bernard Bridges (Buck) Trawicky
Nov. 10, 1946 - June 6, 2022
Bernard Bridges (Buck) Trawicky, passed away unexpectedly on June 6, 2022, at home. Buck was born on November 10, 1946, in Fairbanks, AK. He attended Fordham University, graduating with a B.A. in English. He served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal from 1968-70 in agriculture extension, an experience that strongly influenced the rest of his life.
Much of his working life was spent as a master carpenter or a "house wright," as he called it, who lovingly restored old homes. He was also an independent scholar, writer, and editor; he authored the American Library Association reference book, Anniversaries and Holidays.
He was also the editor for holidays and important dates for the International Calendar project of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin, a task he undertook with painstaking scholarship, eloquence, and a deep reverence for the world. As such, he mastered thirteen calendar systems of the world and calculated dates two years in advance for calendar production.
Buck was a valued member of the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin, the Ancient Earthworks Society, and a past master of the local Masonic Lodge. He was deeply devoted to his family, local community, and the world at large. Buck had a quick wit, sharp intelligence, enthusiastic warmth, and loved engaging in conversation with everyone. He was known for his erudition on many topics and was easily the most prolific customer of the Madison public library system. He was also a camper par excellence and genius fire builder who delighted in all nature.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Looman (Barney) and Margaret Eugenia (Genie)Trawicky; and his sister, Anne.
He is survived by and will be deeply missed by his long-time partner, Sharon Lewandowski; daughter, Hannah (GG) Lewandowski; brother, Peter; niece, Vanessa; and many friends. He will also be missed by many dogs in the neighborhood who stopped by regularly for a treat and a pet.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 12, at 5:30 p.m. at the Tenney Park shelter, 402 N. Thornton Avenue, Madison. A Zoom link will be available, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at https://tinyurl.com/CelebrateBuck.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Ancient Earthworks Society, PO Box 8444, Madison,WI, 53708-8444.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Trawicky
Peter Carruthers
January 11, 2023
To Buck's family members who are monitoring his site, please accept my sympathy and warm wishes of condolence for Buck's death. Since meeting him in Madison, Wisc. shortly after he returned from his Peace Corp tour we stayed in touch for many years, well after I returned to Canada where
he visited several times. He always turned up with
a tool belt, ready and willing to pitch in to any
project big or small. Regrettably we lost touch over the years although I tried to track him down several times since leaving Ottawa. He'll be missed and please accept my sincere and best wishes.
I lost touch but have never forgotten.
Peter Carruthers
Kathryn Furst, Ph.D.
July 23, 2022
I am so sorry to hear this news. I was the daughter of the Peace Corps director, Michal Furst, while he was a volunteer there. Buck was a dear friend to me. We spent many evening hours talking into the night. A unique, eager spirit. We dreamed of crossing the middle east on horseback but my father quashed those plans, as I was only 18 at the time. I still regret not doing it. I have always held Buck fondly in my memories.
Cheryl Bridges
July 1, 2022
Peace be with you Bucky. Your friends and family will certainly miss you. Your deep interest in nature and people is admirable.
Duane Karlen, Friends of Nepal
June 30, 2022
On behalf of Friends of Nepal, a group of Peace Corps Volunteers who have served in Nepal, I wish to express our sadness at Buck's passing and our support to his partner and to all who knew him. He marched to his own beat with a big heart, and we remember him fondly.
Bill Newell
June 28, 2022
Buck, your spirit has been with me since we first met on Willy St. as we planned and organized the neighborhood Commonwealth (community economic) Development program to protect, preserve, and grow our Williamson Street neighborhood about 1975. Through your gentle wisdom, spirit and strength it continues today. Together we then created the first Williamson Street neighborhood Faire which continues to this day. Your legacy, your spirit lives on. Indeed your spirit continues community of Commonwealth and the free spirits of the Willy Street Faire! Your spiirit will always bring warmth to my soul.
Steve Bridges
June 27, 2022
Rest In Peace Bucky! Your calendars were magnificent and your service to the Peace Corps over the years was most admirable:>)
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