In Loving Memory of Michael Edwin Buss of Dwight, Ontario.
With sadness and gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Michael Buss announces his peaceful passing on August 13th, 2025 at the age of 82. Mike was born on March 21, 1943 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Waldemar and Della (Kaercher) Buss. In 1965, he married Joanne Kleinschmidt his wife of 60 years and they had two children, Gary and Jennifer.
Mike is survived by his wife, Joanne, son Gary (Genevieve) Buss, daughter Jennifer McCague, grandchildren Madison McCague and Connor Buss, brother-in-law Michael DeLong, sisters-in-law Sally Jo and Terri Kleinschmidt and cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Karen (Buss) DeLong and brothers-in-law Charles and Donald Kleinschmidt.
Mike attended the University of Michigan, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology (1965) and a Master of Wildlife Biology (1967). He was employed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources for 29 years, working as a wildlife biologist in North Bay (1967-70), Sioux Lookout (1970-73), the L.M. Frost Resources Centre in Dorset (1973-84), and as Regional Wildlife Biologist in Huntsville (1984-95). He also worked on Environmental Assessments of Forest Management in Thunder Bay during those years.
In retirement, Mike was Secretary of the Hunting Heritage/Hunting Future Working Group (1994-2004). He had a life long interest in history and the out of doors and was a true life long learner and mentor/teacher to many. His passion for responsible hunting, the use and history of flintlock muzzleloader hunting was legendary. After working with trappers for many years, he developed a keen interest in the history of the fur trade and developed a presentation for teaching that history, complete with the appropriate apparel, furs, a remarkable collection of reproduction fur trade items and the accoutrements of the fur trader. He felt strongly that many Canadians were not educated enough about the fur trade and its important role in Canadian history and worked hard to spread that information through various venue presentations.
Fond memories abound of his many hunting and fishing adventures with like-minded friends, family trips across Canada and special times spent at the family “camp” on Lake Penage. His grandchildren have made those lake times, and all times with them, his best memories. Mike and Joanne enjoyed road trips and often organized their travel around visits to friends and relatives. He was an artist and a craftsman, a log cabin builder, dog trainer and musher, and an avid environmentalist. He knew who he was, what he believed and acted on those beliefs.
An open-house in celebration of Mike will be held at the family home on Saturday, September 20th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. All Welcome.
We don’t have enough words to thank our friends and relatives for their support, the staff and Royal Victoria Hospital Cancer Centre, the Huntsville Palliative Care Team, nurses Lindsay and Julie and Dr. Deborah Harrold for their compassionate care.
If desired, donations in memory of Mike to RVH Hudson Regional Cancer Program in Barrie, Hospice Huntsville, or Knox United Church in Dorset are appreciated.
Donation Information: RVH Hudson Regional Cancer Program, 201 Georgian Drive, Barrie, ON. L4M 6M2
Online: https://www.rvhkeeplifewild.ca/donate-today/ (note Cancer Program in comments)
Hope Huntsville Palliative Care Team: Hospice Huntsville, 100 Frank Miller Drive. Huntsville, ON. P1H 1H8
Online: https://www.hospicehuntsville.com/donate-form/
Knox United Church, Box 213, Dorset, ON. P0A 1E0
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Mike was great guy! A life-long teacher, mentor, environmentalist and family man. I was privileged to have known him and worked with him for many years. They don’t make ’em like that anymore. Mike will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My deepest condolences to Joanne, Jennifer and Gary.