Robert Buford

LINDA

Who is my “golden heart” man? The man, tried in the fire, who came out as an extreme and unashamed lover of God.

The man who thanks Him for the food…aloud…in restaurants.

The one who fasted and prayed for 30 days to be sure God intended us for each other. The one who loves so unconditionally and forgives so immediately and thoroughly.

The one who makes me laugh in the middle of my tears.

The man who can take profound truths and make them practical—“Hon, we can prepare the runway for the Holy Spirit to land here in our community just by our prayers.”

My “sowjourner” who always pointed me to God as he was passing through.

And as our wedding song says, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.”

KIMBERLEY

I am forever grateful for my brother's unconditional love,

protection, guidance, and laughter.

Bob was not only my big brother, but took on the role of dad in the absence of our father. He looked after me as if I were his own.

As a child, I remember finding great joy and delight in his presence. I would run to him and jump in his arms or lap. He nicknamed me "Kimpy", and I have always cherished that name. We had such great fun playing, and as I got older, he always played pranks on me which were beyond hysterical! He was such a joy and continually made me laugh.

He was consistently there for me, protecting, loving, and guiding me.

I fondly remember spending hours with Bob in Ohio, plating, while listening to Billy Joel. It was during my teenage years when life was difficult. Bob dedicated Billy’s song “Just the Way You Are” to me. He would grab my hands, twirl me around in the shop, and sing it from the top of his lungs! He had a way of making me feel so very special, as only he could! I felt most beautiful and important if only in that moment!

It was his number one priority that I knew the Lord and understood the importance of His path, grace, and righteousness. Bob's Godly wisdom, prayer, and counsel throughout my life were steadfast.

I am honored and grateful that he was my brother and his imprint is forever part of me.

I love you to the moon and back, Bob.

Kimpy xoxo

CHRISTINA

I’ve always been so impressed and inspired by Dad’s creative and musical bent. Three activities that have always stuck with me - Dad showing me how to make toilet paper flowers, showing me how to draw at a very young age from a book I still have, and showing me how to make little flipbook cartoons.

He encouraged and supported me in various creative projects such as entering a Brio magazine mascot makeover drawing contest when I was young, and making 2 Chinese worship albums, which I know have impacted countless people over the years. Dad also got me started in graphic design and David in web development by giving us work in one of his businesses, which enabled us to eventually be able to work together from home with our young family and create the flexible lifestyle we are blessed with today.

We, and many others, build on incredible foundations he laid for us in so many ways!

Thank you, Dad, for always being someone who would move heaven and earth to help us if it was in your power, and for your passionate pursuit of purpose that is ingrained in us.

NATHANIEL

Times enjoyed together:

• Going to the theater for the epic Toy Story in '95.

• Traveling to the Oshkosh airshow in the sidecar of Dad’s motorcycle.

• Learning to fly through a heavy rainstorm.

• Swapping the engine out on a car.

• Painting the ceiling at church together for the better part of a week while listening to Enya and drinking root beer. (Every time I watch LOTR, I think of that album.)

• Sharing music history with me on a road trip to Memphis.

Dad was driven by a desire to do things right. Whatever the project, he found great satisfaction in seeing a job well done. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence were evident in everything he did. But beyond his perfectionism, what truly defined my father was his servant's heart. He was incredibly generous, always willing to lend a hand to those in need. He really liked giving gifts and finding unique things to help people. His generosity wasn't just about giving material things; it was about giving his time, his effort, and his love.

He taught me the importance of serving others and the joy that comes from helping those around you.

Dad, thank you for your love, your guidance, and your unwavering support.

DAVID

I often find myself so grateful to GOD that I ended up with the in-laws that I did. Bob was not just a father-in-law, but also a father figure, tester of gadgets, and the generous giver of the gadgets that made the cut. Above all, he was a friend. I loved talking to him—about politics, parenthood, tools, and more. Inevitably, our conversations would always circle back to God. That was the axis of his life. His faith, kindness, and generosity leave a lasting impact on me.

MAEVE

I've always been so inspired by how Grandpa started so many businesses and had so many accomplishments. I’m always filled with pride when I think of how much he did. He’s one of the reasons I always knew I wanted to start my own businesses. It didn't even matter what the business would end up being; I just knew I wanted to be like him ever since I was younger.

MAVERICK

It always inspired me how anytime Grandpa would walk into the room, he would immediately command the room while still being a kind, respectful, and open leader. He would always walk into the room, figure out the problem, then present a solution within 5 minutes of getting there. Then he would wait to be disproven.

MICAIAH

I’m thankful for all Grandpa’s funny jokes and that he was always there for me. I love him.