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Kerstin Block
1942 - 2025
Kerstin Block Obituary
Born in Sweden, Block boarded a boat to the U.S. at 18 to study anthropology at the University of Arizona. It's there that she met her husband and lifelong partner, Spencer Block, who would help transform her passion for clothing and bargain hunting into revolutionary buy-sell-trade clothing store Buffalo Exchange, the first to pay out customers on-the-spot. Block never shied away from trying new things or speaking her mind. As a result, she built a company that redefined the secondhand clothing industry and inspired countless others to follow.
Throughout her career, Block rarely missed a day in the office or at the store, taking a hands-on approach to mentoring future leaders of the business, including her daughter and CEO Rebecca Block. After working together closely for nearly 30 years, Kerstin retired in 2024 around Buffalo's 50th anniversary, entrusting the leadership of the company to Rebecca.
Today, Buffalo Exchange operates 41 stores nationwide, employing hundreds. "What I'm most proud of," Block once said, "is how much we've been able to empower people-especially women. It's given meaning to my life beyond anything I ever thought possible. And besides that, it's the clothes. It's always been about the clothes."
Block is remembered as a trailblazer, style maven and philanthropist. She will be especially missed by her daughter Rebecca (Tim Haskin), granddaughter Melissa Haskin, dog Alice and countless friends, coworkers and community members.
A celebration of life with family and friends will take place this fall. Contributions in her memory can be made to one of the many nonprofits she supported here in Tucson, like the Reid Park Zoo, KXCI, Cold Wet Noses, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and the Tucson Wildlife Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kerstin Block
13 Entries
Pat Rhea
Yesterday
I had the honor and privilege of knowing Kerstin, Spencer and Rebecca thru my work. It was always a pleasure to serve them and to hear their smiling voices when they called. My two college aged children Bradley and Cindy (`Sid") worked at Buffalo Exchange for several years, which taught them and helped them so very much. I always credit the Block family with helping me to `raise´ them.
Bradley learned to love the vintage business so much so, that when he moved to Hawaii, he opened and ran his own buy, sell, trade store there for many years, thanks to everything he learned from them.
May God bless you Kerstin, and on behalf of my family, thank you so very much for all you´ve done not only for my family, but the entire Tucson community. May you rest in peace.
Pat, Bradley and Cindy Rhea
Edward and Maurya Smith
Yesterday
Our daughter Inara Edrington has worked at Buffalo Exchange happily for many years. We've met both Kirsten and Spencer and found them to be caring and positive people. It is a loss to Tucson, and to all who knew them both. They will be missed.
Terri
Yesterday
I am so sorry to hear this. She really was ahead of her time
Kerstin made recycling clothing stylish. She will definitely be missed. My condolences to your family.
Trish G.
September 8, 2025
Thoughts and prayers to the family. What an amazing woman and trailblazer. We need more women in business like Kerstin. Keep up the hard work of your Mom, Rebecca.
Signe Razzi
September 8, 2025
Kerstin was a very special person. I so enjoyed cutting her hair and sharing dog stories and foreign
movie and series suggestions. Condolences to her family and co workers and friends. I will miss her but I´m sure she will be looking over her peeps down here on this crazy planet.
Cynthia Stella
September 7, 2025
I learned so much from Kerstin. As a store manager for 15 years she was my best mentor. I've never had a job I loved more and it was due to her. Cynthia Stella
Pamela Crim
September 7, 2025
Kerstin made a real difference in our world in so many ways. Courage, poise and determined is what comes to my mind. It was an honor to know her and learn from her. RIP
Gretchen (Grode) Cairns
September 7, 2025
As one of the very early Buffalo "family" employees @ the only store (Tucson), I had the honor & pleasure to work with Kerstin and Spencer. The experiences I had there were pivotal points in my then young life and both were so kind, generous & supportive. Grateful for having had some time on the planet with Kerstin, such a pillar of the community.
Suzanne Jameson
September 6, 2025
Godspeed Kirsten. You are part of the universe now and will be forever.
Kathy Mundinger
September 6, 2025
Kirsten was always wonderfully warm to me and my family. She included us, openly, in many family events. We will kiss her smiles and kindness. Our hearts and prayers go out to Rebecca, Tim, Melissa, and her many friends who will miss her.
Robert Edison
September 6, 2025
Rebecca and Tim,
We are grieving this news. Kerstin will always be in our hearts and minds as one of the most special individuals we have had the honor to know and love. She truly helped improve the world around her. Bob Edison and John Jarvise
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
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