Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547

Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547

Donald Buebendorf

April 14, 1934 ~ June 26, 2021

Donald Buebendorf died at age 87 with his family at his side on June 26, 2021 after a short fight with cardiac disease. Don is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy Flint Buebendorf, who was his high school sweetheart and the love of his life. He is also survived by two children, Laurie Pallin (husband Mark) and Jeff Buebendorf (wife Candy), five grandchildren (Emily Courtney, Elizabeth Buebendorf, Tom Buebendorf, Kate Reigeluth, and Emily Pallin) and six great grandchildren.

Don was raised and educated in Chappaqua, NY, and graduated from Amherst College. He received his MD degree from Yale University School of Medicine in 1960, and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Society. After an internship and pediatric residency at Yale, he became Chief Resident of the Pediatric Outpatient Department. He served in the US Navy as Chief of the Pediatric Department at the US Submarine Medical Center in Groton, CT.

After leaving the Navy, Don opened a private practice in Essex, CT. He was a small-town doctor who drove a pick-up truck and often tiptoed out to make house calls during the night. He later became co-founder of the medical group, Wildwood Medical Center. Don welcomed Dr. Christopher Goff into his practice, and the two became fast friends as well as partners. He retired from the practice of medicine to explore other adventures.

Trading his stethoscope for a spatula, Nancy and Don moved to Danbury, NH where they opened and operated The Schoolhouse Corner Bed and Breakfast for seven years until illness forced their retirement. Famous for the homemade popovers which he perfected after years of experimentation, Don treated his guests and family to gourmet breakfasts to mark special occasions. During his retirement, Don made sure to create special time with his grandchildren, and each waited excitedly until it was their turn for a trip to New York City to watch the Nutcracker Ballet!

Don and Nancy retired a second time to Vero Beach, Florida. During their later years, they spent summers at Lake Toxaway, NC, where Don developed a passion for the sport of formal croquet. His persistent advocacy for croquet led to the creation of croquet courts at the Riomar Club, the Moorings Country Club, and he most recently spearheaded a drive raising $100,000 to build a croquet court at Indian River Estates. The ribbon cutting ceremony for this court occurred just weeks before his death, and he was very proud of this accomplishment.

Frugal by nature, but generous with his time, Don put service above self and was very active as a leader in service organizations including the Essex, CT Rotary Club, the Andover, NH Lions Club, and local government agencies such as the Danbury, NH Finance Board and Planning Commission.

Don’s greatest hobby was photography, dating back to his darkroom days as a teenage photographer for the local newspaper. He commemorated every occasion by creating and giving a book of photos to the participants. He was an ardent hiker and, with son Jeff, hiked all of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s 4000 footers. His preference for the outdoors meant (to his children’s dismay) that his home was among the last to own a color television, replacing screen-time with lasting and meaningful memories of outdoor family activities, including cross-country camping trips. Don loved the water; he built and tended his own lobster traps, set up a scalloping rig, and was an expert clammer who provided the seafood for neighborhood clambakes. He excelled in high school track and never missed his daughter Laurie’s track meets. A do-it-yourself homeowner, Don shared his considerable carpentry skills with his son and son-in-law; he never hired others to do work he could do himself, including growing his own food and building his own chicken coop. He especially enjoyed gardening and could be found every night after work during the summer in his huge vegetable garden. But most of all, he enjoyed time with his wife and family.

Don lived life to the fullest and earned the respect of his children and grandchildren for his integrity, perseverance, and tenacity.

A short, informal service was held at 1st at the Acts Chapel. His love for New Hampshire and its mountains has led his family to choose the White Mountains for his final resting place. A private distribution of his ashes will be performed at a later date. Donations in Don’s memory can be made to the McKee Jungle Gardens or the Indian River Land Trust.

Condolence

Lydia Lander (Chef Michael's wife)

June 30, 2021, 4:14 pm

I am sorry to hear of Dr. Buebendorfs passing. I worked for many years at The Moorings Club and remember fondly my interactions with him. He was always kind and patient. I began working at the Club when his father was a member and can remember how he lit up when I mentioned remembering his father playing the accordion. I know he will be missed. Peace to your family.

Kathy Mack Libby

June 30, 2021, 10:53 pm

I am so sorry for your families loss. I have so many fond memories of Dr. Buebendorf and the rest of you from Mountain Climbing in June, going to Sag Harbor and camping at Cinnamon Bay. He was a kind person and a wonderful doctor. Thinking of you all.

Bob Spencer

July 1, 2021, 9:49 pm

My condolences to Jeff, Laurie and the rest of the family.

Patty Davis

July 1, 2021, 11:28 pm

I loved Dr Buebendorf, he was children’s Doctor from the day they were born, until they came of age.
Wonderful loving and kind, kind man, you will be missed, Rest in peace

Hilary Harder Hurdis

July 2, 2021, 1:35 am

I still remember Dr. Buebendorf putting me at ease as a small child hiding under his table to avoid a vaccination! Over 40 years later I still remember his kind and patient manner. My deepest condolences.

Douglas Harreys

July 2, 2021, 4:17 pm

Dr. B, May you rest in piece. Thank you for everything you have done for the community.
Thank you for being a great Dr, friend and neighbor.
Nancy, Jeff and Laurie I’m sorry for your loss.

Karen Butler

July 2, 2021, 5:42 pm

My condolences to the Laurie, Jeff, and family.
Such wonderful memories have been made as a family.
My parents Betty Ann and Jordan Butler send their love to you all.

Sandi McCurdy

July 2, 2021, 9:04 pm

So sorry for your loss, my son Wayne was his pt for many years.We loved him very much,and he will be greatly missed.
Sandi McCurdy

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