H. Jack Buzard

H. Jack Buzard began his career in funeral service while a sophomore in high school in 1960. His service in the United States Army included taking on mortuary affairs while stationed in Da Nang during the Vietnam War. The experiences, his family said, helped him provide comfort to others at their lowest points.

And while his funeral home became a Butler County institution, Buzard’s drive to assist his community also left a mark that will be remembered for some time.

Buzard, founder of Buzard Funeral Home, passed away peacefully at his house on Easter Sunday, April 5, surrounded by his family. He was 80.

“He made it seem effortless,” said Stephen Buzard, his son. “With his compassion and care for the community and people he served, he had an amazing aptitude for walking into the room when people are grieving so hard and making them feel comfortable. He was himself, he cared for people, made them relaxed, feel like everything would be OK.”

Born on July 12, 1945, Buzard graduated from Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School in 1963. He earned a degree from the former Clarion State College in 1967 and later attended the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.

He went on to establish a funeral home in Eau Claire in 1972. By 1977, a second location was established in Parker. Buzard spent over 60 years in funeral homes, helping others say goodbye to loved ones.

“During his time in the Army, he dealt with grave registrations and memorial affairs. At the time, in Vietnam, when soldiers were killed, they were brought to local mortuary bases, embalmed in country, then shipped home. I couldn’t imagine what he want through and saw,” Stephen Buzard said. “His commitment to providing comfort for people, his selflessness, that’s what he did for others.”

Buzard spent long hours running the funeral home, putting time into helping others. Still, his children remember him for being a great father dedicated to family and loved ones. A father of three children and husband of 47 years, he was described as a “beacon of exuberance,” who was a volunteer and community man to his core.

“He had a big heart. He did everything for the community. He was involved with the community, the church,” Buzard’s daughter, Janette, said. “As a father, he never missed any events we were in. He worked crazy hours, but would still try to come. He was an amazing grandfather. He had seven grandsons, and they just loved him.”

Buzard’s community ties included fundraisers for various causes, such as helping children in need. Alongside Vince Forsythe, mayor of St. Petersburg, Clarion County, he helped put on the snowball kickball fundraiser 16 years in a row, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars over that time.

“It didn’t matter if you went to a benefit, church, bar, funeral service — everyone loved Jack,” Forsythe said. “You’ll be hard-pressed to go back in time and find someone who has been so impactful around here. If you never got the chance to meet him, it’s unfortunate, because they don’t make folks like that anymore.”

Buzard also served as commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7073. He used the position to relentlessly advocate for veterans and helping others.

“He was a great guy man. He would do anything he can to help anybody,” said Louis Mueller of VFW Post 7073. “He was always pushing for us to donate, to the area churches, to take care of the cemeteries, the fire companies. A big one was the Crawford Center in Emlenton. We would always donate time or donate to them. He was just an amazing guy.”

Buzard was described as a man of faith. He was a proud member of Park Hill First Church of God in Parker, where he became heavily involved with the congregation.

“His faith was a lot of his driving force. He worked for the Lord,” the Rev. Amy Callender said. “I think his service in Vietnam too was a factor. He was invited into the lives of so many that offered him a place. He would see people in the worst of times, and could bring a smile to their faces.”

Buzard appreciated life, his family said. He enjoyed NASCAR races, golfing, sitting outside and reading the paper with his coffee, and he attended many air shows.

A private funeral and military service will be held for the family. A celebration of Buzard will be held Sunday, April 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Allegheny Grille in Foxburg.