Rick Buesch Family Photos

This Rick Buesch Family Album was created by Rick's family and friends. These images are but a small remembrance of Rick's life. He touched many people along the pathways he took though his life here on Earth and those fortunate people who knew Rick are left with a palpable sense of loss now that he is no longer with us. We remember him here in physical images... in our minds we save our own personal images of a unique friend and family member. We salute you, Rick.

	Click on an image to see a larger rendition in a new window

Baby Rick Winnetka, 1945	Rick in high chair... note the harness! Winnetka, 1946	Ginger, Rick in Mom's lap, Tom, and Sue Winnetka, Spring,1945	Sue, Rick, Tom and Ginger in the "new" Jeep. Winnetka, 1945	Tom, Ginger, Sue, Mom and Rick on the porch. Winnetka, 1947

Rick, Tom, Ginger and Sue... Tom had something to do with Ginger's nose band aid	Rick with Aspen-born "Tiger Mouse" in Winnetka, 1952	Rick exploring in Aspen... 1952	Rick, Tom, Ginger, Sue, Mom and Dad Winnetka, 1954	Rick with his fishing poles... one of his "favoritist things". Winnetka, 1956

Rick at Midnight Mine, Aspen...1957	Mom said Rick was "sort of annoyed" when this high school team sports photo was taken. Winnetka, 1960	Senior Year at New Trier High School Winnetka, 1963	Rick and fellow Marine after boot camp... 63/64	Mom, Tom and Rick at Tom's graduation from Ripon. 1965 Rick looks bored... probably wants to go work out at the gym.

Rick and Ginger with Ginger's daughters Kelli and Vicki. Winnetka, 1966	Rick, Velerie and Mom at the Train Station... Paris, France. 1974	Tom's former wife Kathy, Rick, Sue, Eric (Sue's son) and Andrew (Tom's son) in Deerfield, Illinois ...'84 or '85	Rick and Tom's son Andrew at the Viet Nam Veteran's Homecoming March in Chicago. March, 1986.	Rick and Jim KcKee on Veteran's Day, 1986 at The Wall in Washington. Rick said he was "visiting friends".

Tom with daughter Katrina and Rick at Dad's grave in Aspen Grove Cemetery. November 10, 1992	Rick played a big role in establishing the Veteran's Memorial Monument in Aspen. 1992	Rick with Rose and Stan Lauriski in June, 1994. Rick's 50th birthday party in Aspen.	Rick, Wayne Stryker with daughter Sloan at Rick's birthday party in Aspen.	The local media remembered Rick as did hundreds of Aspen area residents. His influence on those who met him won't soon be forgotten.

Lance Corporal Rick Buesch died in his home in Aspen on January 10, 2001. He was born to Andrew and Lois Buesch in Evanston, Illinois on November 29, 1944. Rick grew up in Winnetka, Illinois and graduated from New Trier Township High School in 1963, where he was captain of the football team and on the wrestling team. He joined the Marine Corps in 1963 and was sent to Viet Nam as part of Third Battalion Reconnaissance in 1965. Rick saw intensive combat and was highly decorated. After his military service, Rick lived in Paris and New York City before settling in Aspen, where he had been a part-time resident since 1949.

Soon after his arrival in Aspen, Rick was instrumental in establishing the Viet Nam Veterans' Memorial on the courthouse lawn in Aspen, which soon became the focal point for veterans' activities in the Roaring Fork Valley. He remained active in veterans' affairs and helped many veterans make the difficult adjustment back to civilian life.

As a detention officer in the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office, Rick counseled many inmates and was known for his close acquaintance with each inmate and his deep concern and compassion.

Rick will be sorely missed by many friends, colleagues, and relatives. He is survived by his sister Nancy Jacobson of Alton, Illinois, brother Tom of Aspen, and nieces Vicki, Kelli, Cathy, Charlotte, Kathleen and Katrina, as well as nephews Clay, Andrew, Eric and Gregory. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sue Maki, and niece Fay Maki.

Burial will be private, and a public memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 3, at the Aspen Community Church at 4:00 pm. In Lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Viet Nam Veterans' Memorial Fund c/o Pitkin County Treasurer, 506 East Main Street, Aspen, Colorado 8161 1.

Rick will be remembered and loved by many who were blessed by his friendship and caring.