William Edgar Van Buren Jr.
Jul 8, 1940 - Oct 31, 2024July 8, 1940 - October 31, 2024
Show your support for William and help keep our website free for grieving families.
No trees planted yet.
William Edgar Van Buren Jr.
Jul 8, 1940 - Oct 31, 2024July 8, 1940 - October 31, 2024
Place of birth
Hobart, NY
Most recently lived in
Littleton, CO
William's favorite hobbies
Making people laugh.Shelling and anything on the beach, playing with Grandkids, hiking, backpacking and camping.
William's favorite foods
Meatloaf and succotash, sushi, fresh fish, strawberry ruhbarb pie
Favorite bands and musical artists
Opera, Classical, Raffi - Eight Piggies in a Row, Elvis, Buddy Holly
William's superpower
He loved to make people laugh. He said that he didn't plan his antics, they just came to him in the moment. Many of his off color collections were desgined to make people laught (sometimes gag). He collected everything pig and was an avid shell collector. He cared about people and spent his life thinking of ways to make people he loved happy.
William loved nothing more than
To be surrounded by family and friends.
Favorite place in the world
Sanibel and Fort Myers Beaches, Colorado Mountains
William's parents
Dorothy (Ryan) Van Buren, William Edgar Van Buren, Sr.
William's siblings
Betty Bergleitner, John Van Buren (deceased), Baby Girl Van Buren (deceased)
William's proudest accomplishments
Serving in the US Army, Bachelor of Arts degree from Alfred University, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Agent and earned designations as a Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Life Underwriter.
William's children
Holly (Keith) Underwood, Celene Van Buren, Gar (Michelle) Van Buren, Katie (Dzifa) Glymin, Christopher James Harvey (Mersadies)
William's grandchildren
Braden, Mariah, Kennedy, Jayden, Landon, Calvin and Isabel
Spouse
Margaret Harvey Van Buren
Obituary
William Edgar Van Buren Jr., 84, of Littleton, Colorado, passed away on October 31, 2024. Born on July 8, 1940, in Hobart, New York, he was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy (Ryan) Van Buren and William Edgar Van Buren, Sr. and his brother, John Van Buren.
William, affectionately known as "Bill" or "Grandpa Silly," was a devoted husband to Margaret Harvey Van Buren, whom he married in June 2003 after rekindling their relationship in 1996. Together, they shared a life filled with laughter and love.
Bill's personality was characterized by his infectious humor and adventurous spirit. He had a remarkable ability to make people laugh, often spontaneously displaying his wacky sense of humor. His grandkids knew him well for his playful antics, such as wearing costumes to greet them at the airport. He cherished family time, delighting in beach outings, hiking, and camping adventures.
He is survived by his children, Holly (Keith) Underwood, Celene Van Buren, Gar (Michelle) Van Buren, Katie (Dzifa) Glymin, and his step-son, Christopher James (Mersadies) Harvey, along with his beloved grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger sister, Betty (George) Bergleitner as well as many nieces and nephews.
Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alfred University. He had a successful career as a financial advisor for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance and earned designations as a Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Life Underwriter. He was also actively involved in community service, serving as an ambassador for Toys for God's Kids and an active member of the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club.
His love for shelling and the beach drew him to Sanibel and Fort Myers, and he found joy in indulging in his favorite foods, including meatloaf, sushi, and strawberry rhubarb pie. Music was a significant part of his life, with a diverse taste ranging from opera and classical to artists like Elvis and Buddy Holly.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests that contributions be made to The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club or Toys for God's Kids in honor of Bill's vibrant spirit and love for making others smile. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Toys for God’s Kiddos, 3531 S. Logan St. D-154, Englewood, CO 80113
Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club P.O. Box 355 Sanibel, FL 33957 https://sanibelshellclub.com/donate/
Past ceremonies
Celebration of Life
There will be a party to celebrate Bill. Dates and location TBA.
Date not set
Location not set
Plant a Tree in William's memory
We'll plant real trees for you in William's memory and display your contribution forever.
William's Guestbook
All condolences, notes and wishes in this book of memories.
William's Photos
William timeline of pictures, videos, audio and stories.
Select a photo to expand it and view its comments.
Born on July 8, 1940
Hobart, NY
Passed away on October 31, 2024
Littleton, CO