The world has lost another hero of the "greatest generation". At 99 years young, Donald M. Buschman passed away peacefully at the Respite House in Colchester, VT on January 29, 2023 with his family by his side.

Don was born on August 29,1923 in New York City to Herman and Tillie Buschman.  He graduated from Farmingdale Institute for Agriculture in 1942, then attended Cornell University.  After enlisting in the U.S.  Army in Oct 1942 Don was a forward artillery observer in the Americal Division in the Pacific Theater.  He served in campaigns in Bougainville and the Philippines, finishing the war in Japan. Though proud of his service, Don did not often talk of his time in the Pacific.

Honorably discharged in Oct 1945, he returned to and graduated from Cornell in 1947, then received his Master's degree in Agriculture from the University of Florida in 1949.

After purchasing and running a farm in New York for several years, in the late 1950's Don moved to Northern Vermont to manage the Eagle Point Farm in Derby, remaining there until it ceased operation. In 1965 he married Lucile (Wood) Harper. They bought a home in Derby Line where they lived for over 50 years. Lucile passed away in 2011.

Many Vermonters throughout the state remember Don as the manager of the Newport branch of the Farmers Home Administration, providing Northeast Kingdom families the opportunity to purchase their homes and farms via the lending program (now USDA). Upon retirement, he ran his own farm appraisal business until he was well into his 80's.

Don was active in many civic capacities in Derby Line, including on the select and cemetery boards, as a Lister, and also served on the Haskell Free Library and Opera House board of directors for many years.. Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, swimming and walking. He also had a passion for good food.

Don could be gruff at times, but was always kind, fair, and very witty, as well as intelligent with an excellent memory. Honest to the point of bluntness, he had a true old fashioned "grit" that served him well. Moving to the Burlington area in 2017 to be near family, Don maintained a very independent lifestyle to the end.

He was survived by his dear four-month older cousin, Bernice Klein of Palm Beach, FL, who just passed away on Feb 24th. Surviving are his late wife's children: Linda Ryan  and husband Ted of Shelburne, VT and James Harper and wife Linda  of Colorado Springs, CO. In addition, he had three grandchildren: Jennifer Ryan, Stephanie Ryan and Eileen Harper, and a great-grandson, Schyler Ryan.

A celebration honoring the life of Donald M. Buschman will be held on June 15 at 1pm at the Curtis-Britch Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Derby.  Calling hours will be Wednesday June 14 from 1-3 and 6-8pm at the Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Derby. Burial with military honors to follow the service at the Derby Line Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations in Don's memory may be made to the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, P.O. Box 337, Derby Line, VT 05830. On-line condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.