Julian T. "Buz" Pemberton Jr.

1932 - 2024

Julian T. "Buz" Pemberton, Jr.

September 18, 1932 - December 11, 2024

PEMBERTON, Jr., Julian T. "Buz" was predeceased by his father, Julian T. Pemberton, Sr.; his mother, Catherine Davis Pemberton; sister, Ruth Coffman; and brother, Joseph L. Pemberton. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Chloe Stephens Pemberton; and a special cousin, Natalie Kent.

Buz was a marine, a Korean War Veteran, and a proud patriot. He worked as a telephone man for some 38 years serving in Richmond and Washington D.C. He began his career as a lineman and loved climbing the very tallest telephone poles. Buz retired as an Engineering Manager. His unique creativity and visions created a lasting memory for many citizens of Henrico County. His home, "The Cactus House" was also known by many from out of the area. Buz had a great compassion for animals of any type, donkeys, prairie dogs, German Shepards, exotic ducks, squirrels, rabbits, swans, and saltwater fish. He maintained one of the largest saltwater aquariums on the east coast (1,500 gallons) which all enjoyed seeing on the home tours. Buz always opened his home to any "stray" or "downtrodden" four legged critters. He became best known for the unusual home and landscaping he designed in a very visible spot on Staples Mill Road. Almost everyone knows the Cactus House and it became a real landmark officially known as Saguaro Hill. It was awarded Henrico County's "Land Lovers" award twice. Many people mistook it for a restaurant. Children loved it because it was different. For several years, he conducted tours for Glen Allen Elementary's third grade class when they studied the desert. Many artists painted pictures of the landscape, garden clubs toured, newspapers (as far as Tucson, AZ) wrote articles, some magazines wrote columns, TV shows (including HGTV) featured the home. When Henrico Humane Society was formed, Saguaro Hill was their major fundraiser for many years with hundreds of visitors touring each year. He could hardly complete a project before he had another planned that would be bigger and better and certainly challenging.

At his own request, there will be no formal services. If you wish to remember him with a contribution, Henrico Humane Society or Richmond SPCA would be his choices.

Cremation Society of Virginia

7542 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23294