John Robert Buick's Obituary
On the evening of his 80th birthday, Lt. Col. John R. Buick, (ret. USAF) Wild Weasel #80 took his last flight to be with his Savior Jesus Christ. He was born in Chicago, Illinois October 26, 1940 to Jack and Jean Buick and was raised with the help of his grandparents David and Margaret Simpson and a host of aunts and uncles following the death of his father. Upon graduation from Austin High School in Chicago, he earned his pilot’s license while attending college. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and began his career as a radar specialist in B-52s. As a Wild Weasel in 1966, he served in Vietnam flying over 100 missions unscathed in F-105s as an Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO). Upon returning home to the US he converted to F-4’s. He was also an instructor at Nellis AFB in F-105s and F-4’s. He earned 11 air medals, two meritorious service medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross during his military career.
After over 23 years of service, John retired from the Air Force and embarked on a new career in the defense industry at Loral in New York. Deciding a sunny winter was preferable to continuous snow, he moved to Florida and worked as a Realtor. Retirement gave him the opportunity to follow his passion for golfing numerous courses, fishing in the Gulf waters in his Grady White and sharing this enjoyment with his beloved grandchildren.
John remained active in several organizations including The Society of Wild Weasels, River Rats, MOAA, DFC Society, Life Members, Grady White Cruising Club, Wine Tasting club, Faith Riders, and was a founding member of New Hope Church.
John had a deep abiding faith and love for his Savior Jesus Christ and could recall numerous Bible verses at will. Possessing a beautiful tenor voice, John often burst out in songs of praise and worship. He displayed a servant’s heart in his work at New Hope Church .
John was preceded in death by son, John Robert Buick, Jr. and his parents Jack and Jean Buick. Surviving are his beloved wife of 42 years, Dixie Buick; daughters Barbara Buick Parsons, (Christopher), Brenda Buick Coers, Michelle Buick Parsons (Timothy), Deborah Buick and sons Robert Scott Buick (Jackie) and David Earl Buick.
He doted on his grandchildren Ryan Parsons, Quentin Parsons (Kristin), Brianna Benz (Taylor), Victoria Monroe (William), Kristopher Magrath, DJ Magrath, Adam Parsons (Kallie), Ethan Icenogle, Maggie Coers, Jacob Coers and McKinney Parsons. He was thrilled with the arrival of his first great-grandchild Cooper Parsons. He was also fortunate to have maternal aunts Mary Danker and Cathy Osborne close by.
Though small in stature, he was a giant among men. A true example of what every man should aspire to be -- a faithful servant of God, a loving family man and a dedicated veteran who fought for the freedom and lifestyle America enjoys. He will be missed by friends and family who had the privilege to be a part of his amazing life.
A memorial service will be held in John's honor on Saturday, October 31st at New Hope Church, 431 Nicholas Parkway, Cape Coral 33990, with visiting at 10:30AM and service to follow at 11:00AM.
Fort Myers Memorial Gardens have been entrusted with the arrangements.
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