Herbert R Buyak Sr

Herbert R. Buyak Sr was born on May 1st, 1931 in Michigan to Mitchell and Frances Buyak. At age 10, Herb’s family moved to Redlands, California. Herb attended Sacred Heart Academy (When it was a one room school) and Redlands Junior High School. He graduated from Redlands High School, Class of 1951, where he enjoyed taking part Theater Productions, being on the football team and being a Yell Leader. After High School, Herb joined the United States Coast Guard and served our country from 1951-1954. After his Honorable Discharge, he stayed in Michigan with family before heading back to California. Michigan is where he met the love of his life, Patricia. The first time he met her, he asked her if she loved him. That moment turned into a marriage of over 58 years and 10 children. They ended up getting married just a few months later and eventually he brought her to Redlands, California to raise their family. Herb was a proud Brick Mason for over 60 years. In the Redlands area, there probably isn’t a neighborhood that a touch of his work isn’t a part of. He also worked for Cal Trans for 19 years. He was a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Redlands Conservancy and the Arazaba Club. Herb was a Eucharistic Minister and Lifetime member of Sacred Heart (Holy Name of Jesus) Parish. Herb Buyak loved the Redlands community and amazed many by all of his volunteer work. He enjoyed coaching for the Redlands Baseball for Youth, donating his time and masonry skills to brick work in both Caroline Park and Prospect Park, and endless hours at El Carmelo Retreat House – including being the well known tram driver for the El Carmelo Fiesta. Many people enjoyed pancakes served up by him as he volunteered his time and pancake grill to many places, including the Fire Department, local schools for fundraisers and Opening Ceremonies for RBY. More than anything, Herb loved spending time with his family. Even with such a large family, he made it a point to be at every event possible that he was invited to for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed bowling, the Angels (This is their year), fixing up old cars and going to car shows. His biggest joy was to make people happy. He will be forever missed by his loving wife, Patricia; their children: Michael “Tony” Buyak of Redlands, Kevin Buyak of Redlands, Matthew Buyak of Redlands, Phillip Buyak of Redlands, Marylou Stearns of Lake Elsinore, Michelle Roberts of Riverside, Allison (Devon) Hays of Redlands, Kathleen (Richard) Witham of Redlands and Keeley Hostetler of Mentone; his sister Virginia (Jim) Wisdom of Riverside; 22 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren and countless cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Herbert “Richard” Buyak Jr; his mother, father and step mother Caroline Buyak; his siblings: Donald Buyak, Arthur Buyak, Leo Salazar, Ray Salazar, Betty Jones and Dolores Swantek. A Rosary and Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church (Olive St) in Redlands, California on Thursday March 20th beginning at 9:00 AM. There will be a celebration of life reception immediately following at El Carmelo Retreat 926 E Highland Ave. A burial at Hillside Memorial Park will be held privately at a later date. Herb gave gallons of blood over his lifetime, so please in honor of his memory – Give Blood Today!!

Herbert R Buyak Sr

May 1, 1931 - March 10, 2014