Hank and Norma Buslepp died together, suddenly, in an automobile accident on Monday, March 3. They were both 82 and resided in Pagosa Springs.
Henry Richard was born April 26, 1931, in Detroit, Mich., to Clarence and Winifred (Kaake) Buslepp. Norma Estelle was born March 21, 1931, in Ferndale, Mich., to William and Marion (Canfield) Lageman. They both attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Hank majoring in pharmacy and Norma in secondary education. While in college, and always in the company of good friends who knew them well, Hank and Norma were introduced to each other on a blind date and were married right after their graduation in 1953.
Hank and Norma enjoyed over 60 years of partnership during which they shared and supported each other in their various interests and professions. Hank was a pharmacist in Michigan and Colorado, owning two small pharmacies: Kipling Village Pharmacy in Lakewood and the Medicine Shoppe in Brighton. Norma taught business English to high school students in Ann Arbor, Mich., served as the secretary for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and briefly as a travel agent in Boulder, and later became a Watkins spice and home products dealer throughout the state for many years. Throughout their life together, they were both involved in numerous church, school and community organizations. They enjoyed music, art, sailing, hiking, history, politics, gardening, traveling throughout the U.S. and the world, and designing and creating their homes in Boulder, Erie and Pagosa Springs. They were both fabulous cooks (and Hank a winemaker) and are probably best known for their hospitality toward family and their many good friends. Above and beyond enjoying their own interests and accomplishments, their never-failing love and pride went to their children, Susan Ilene (1956) and James Allen (1961), and to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom they enjoyed, nurtured and encouraged to pursue their own independent dreams.
Hank and Norma are predeceased by their parents and Hank’s older brother, Robert C. Buslepp. They are survived by their daughter, Susan Buslepp Morrison, and her partner Ron Smith, of Sutton, Vt., and Friendship, Maine; and son James Buslepp and his wife, Lynn Selwa, of Lavonia, Mich., and by their grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Nathanael Morrison and son Tristan, of Colorado Springs; Amanda Morrison, of Fort Collins; Adria (Morrison) Sawyer, her husband Jayson and daughter Autumn Ilene, of China, Maine; and Benjamin Morrison, of Sutton, Vt. Also, by their sister-in-law Barbara Buslepp, of Jackson, Mich.; nieces Kathy, Deborah and Elizabeth, and nephew Karl and their families; cousins Richard, Joyce and Bill and their families in Canada. And by their “adopted” families: Susie Reno, Mary Amanna, Bud and Jeanne Westermann and family, and Joe and Barb Falace and their children. And by the many dear friends and neighbors that filled their lives with so much caring and laughter.
A gathering to celebrate Hank’s and Norma’s lives was held at their home in Pagosa Springs on March 15, to which a great many of their friends and family members brought wonderful food, warm memories and deep sentiment for these two very special people. Those who would like to make a donation in memory of Hank and Norma are encouraged to do so at Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, where Hank’s passion and respect for the ancient people who once lived there inspired the tours he gave each summer (P.O. Box 1662, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147); or to the Pagosa Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, where Norma was an active member, newsletter editor and enjoyed many meaningful friendships (P.O. Box 5984, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147). Susan can be reached at SusanIMorrison@hotmail.com. James can be reached at LynnAndJim@bearkat.biz.
To the many friends, business and professional people of Pagosa Springs, we would like to extend our sincere thanks and deep appreciation for all that you have done for our family during this very difficult time. Accepting the situation, closing a household and settling an estate are daunting tasks, yet to each person we’ve turned to for help or information we have been received with compassion and efficiency that has lifted our hearts and made our job so much more bearable. Coupled with the beauty of this place and the wonderful friendships our parents experienced here, we understand and appreciate why they held Pagosa Springs so dear. Thank you. Susan Morrison and James Buslepp.
