Vesley D. Bufford

Vesley David "Ves" Bufford of Manchester passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 after a long battle with Alzheimers Disease. He was 77 years old. Ves was born in Ukiah, California to James and Mildred (Messix) Bufford. He grew up hiking, bicycling, and camping throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Humboldt County, and other parts of Northern California with family and friends. He graduated from Modesto High School and attended California State University, Stanislaus, earning bachelors degrees in both Economics and Political Science.
After college, Ves enlisted in the Navy, spending 4 years as a Radioman. With assignments both "state side" and at sea, his ship was off the coast of Vietnam when Kissinger signed the Paris Peace Accord. Ves later completed a Masters program in Public Administration at the University of Hartford. Always wanting to see what was around the next bend in the road led to a cross country move to New England with his wife. Over the next four decades, Ves devoted his professional life working in Veterans Benefits for the US Dept of Veterans Affairs, retiring in 2012 as a Decision Review Officer. Outside of work, Vess life was equally rich and active. He was a longtime active member of North United Methodist Church; involved in Manchester Square Dance Club, serving as Vice President and then President; and was part of the Manchester Road Race results team for more than 30 years. Ves was happiest when he was involved in outdoor activities. Bicycling, hiking, cross country skiing, camping, and canoeing were just some of the things he could be found doing in all types of weather. (His work colleagues often referred to him as Ves Flurry, a play on the name of a local weatherman, acknowledging his fascination with the weather.) He and his wife loved travel, often spending their free time exploring and adventuring with their two daughters. After retirement, he and his wife toured Alaska and the western Canadian provinces. Additional trips highlighted the Florida Keys, the Grand Canyon and trips to the west coast to visit family and friends. Ves loved his family, and consistently supported and encouraged his daughters activities, including Burton Dance Studio, MHS music, drama, and sports. He was an animal lover at heart, and never met a dog who didnt want to be his friend. He was predeceased by his parents James Lawrence Bufford and Mildred Messix Bufford, as well as his brother, James Leroy Bufford of Cincinnati, Ohio; his sister Esther York of Spokane, Washington; and niece Lorraine Smith of Aurora, Colorado. He is survived by his wife Poppy, his daughters Cheryl and Karen, and an extended family of numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Ves filled the world with love and lots of laughter. He had a zest for life, and adventure, living it to the fullest. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 15 at North United Methodist Church at 2pm located at 300 Parker Street, Manchester CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimers Association, The Connecticut Humane Society or to a charity of choice.







Services

Memorial Service
Saturday
June 15, 2024
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
North United Methodist Church
300 Parker St.
Manchester, Connecticut 06042