‘H. Jack Buzard Way’ named for longtime funeral director
H. Jack Buzard, the founder of Buzard Funeral Home who died on Easter Sunday, now has his name permanently etched into the geography of Eau Claire.
Previously known as Postal Way, the street running between the Eau Claire post office and Buzard Funeral Home was officially renamed “H. Jack Buzard Way.”
Eau Claire Borough Council approved the name change for the street at an April meeting and were soon followed by Butler County officials.
Last week, street signs donning the new name were erected.
Buzard and his funeral home have deep ties to the area he grew up in.
He 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.
With his experience, Buzard was later able to make his funeral home a Butler County institution that served families in times of grief and sorrow.
“He made it seem effortless,” his son, Stephen Buzard, told the Eagle in April. “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.”
Buzard, a 1963 graduate of Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School, maintained his community ties over the years. He was involved with fundraisers for various causes, such as helping children in need. He helped put on the snowball kickball fundraiser 16 years in a row in St. Petersburg, Clarion County, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars over that time.
Buzard was a member of Park Hill First Church of God in Parker, where he became heavily involved with the congregation. He also served as commander of VFW Post 7073, using the position to advocate for veterans and help others.
“He had a big heart. He did everything for the community. He was involved with the community, the church,” Buzard’s daughter, Janette, previously told the Eagle. “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.”
