Phillip C. Buist was born on October 27, 1935 in Kalamazoo, the son of Arthur and Dorothy (Reames) Buist. He passed away September 21, 2022 at Memory Care at Meilland Square (formerly Amber Way) at Heritage Community. Dorothy died when Phil was four and eventually Art married her sister, Lorna Reames, who raised him to adulthood. Phil attended McKinley Elementary School, Vine Street Junior High and graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1953. He earned his Bachelors of Business Administration in 1957 and his MBA in 1967, both from WMU.
On April 21, 1957, he married Marilyn Davis of Otsego. At the time of his death, they had been married almost 66 years. Phil served in the US Army Corps of Engineers at Fort Belvoir, VA from 1958 to 1960. Phil worked both as a public accountant and as treasurer and corporate financial officer in various industries in and around Kalamazoo until his retirement in 2000. Phil and Marilyn became the parents of Karen (Don Dombrowski) and Timothy. They have two grandsons, Tanner (Amaira) and Carter (Hannah) Buist, two great grandchildren and two on the way.
Phil was a consummate volunteer, actually starting as a safety patrol at McKinley Elementary. During his adult life he used his accounting and driving skills to help many non-profit organizations and also volunteered with Portage Public Schools and his beloved Portage United Church of Christ. He and his family traveled throughout the US, Europe and Africa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law (Ann and Max Hausermann), two nephews,and many extended family.
Besides his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by his brother Lee (Shelley) Buist, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jack and Patricia Davis, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
On Wednesday, October 26, at 10:00, a visitation will be held at Portage United Church of Christ, 2731 W. Milham Road, Portage, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 and a light luncheon. A family committal service will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.
Memorial gifts are suggested to be directed to Heritage Community Foundation Legacy Fund, envelopes available at the church.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Fred Zerbel
My heart felt condolence to Phil’s wife Marilyn and the entire Buist family
Joyce Gilliland
Dear Marilyn, sending prayers and sympathy to you and your family. I cherish the happy memories of our trip to Ireland together. May God give you strength during this difficult journey and that you feel the love and prayers being sent to you.
Mark & Connie Bellgraph
Wishing you peace and comfort in these difficult days.
Gary & Karen Baker
Dear Marilyn and family,
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Phil. He was successful in his work life, well respected in our church, and a good neighbor at Wood Valley Condominiums.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family in this time of loss.
Respectfully,
Gary & Karen Baker
5819 Wood Valley Rd
Kalamazoo, MI 49009-8223
Scott VanderNoot
Tim:
My thoughts are with you.
As a sales clerk at Libin’s I got to know you quite well.
May your Dad rest in peace.