David Bufler
David Bufler, age 54, passed away Friday, January 31, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 26, 1965 in Hamilton, Ohio to Roger and Sandy (Bowling) Bufler.
David’s love for life permeated every fiber of his being. His perpetual smile and gift for gab made him the life and light of any gathering. Full of energy, spontaneity and a little mischief, you could always count on David to be the ring leader of contagious fun and endless laughter.
Blessed with artistic creativity, David brought his talents to Disney, where he worked as an Animation Artist. One of his special achievements during his time with Disney was being chosen to participate in the promotional tour of “Hercules”. David was truly in his “happy place” when he immersed himself in his art.
In addition to his creative artistic abilities, David had a love for theater and musical arts that transcended all genres, eras and venues. Whether watching his niece perform in a high school production, attending a Broadway show or enjoying a concert in the park, David was in pure heaven. He became a frequent volunteer at the Bass Concert Hall which allowed him the opportunity to watch countless musical and theatrical performances. Although a connoisseur of classic movies, David also had a proclivity for any super hero, Marvel inspired action movie – especially Spiderman!
After leaving Disney, knowing it was time for a career change, he first went home to Andrews, Texas to help his parents after his father had surgery. David then decided to make a move to Austin to pursue nursing school to become a Registered Nurse. He went to work for St. David’s South Austin as a floor nurse and then later made a move to St. David’s North Austin as a case manager. With his vibrant and uplifting personality, David quickly earned the trust and friendship of his coworkers. He had a heart as big as Texas that was so evident in his daily interactions with both patients and co-workers. David’s greatest and most profound happiness came from his love and devotion to his family. He loved nothing more than to spend time with family. His nieces and nephews were his surrogate children. David lovingly and enthusiastically participated in every part of their lives. He was the “funcle” (fun uncle) that stole their hearts and shared his love for life. His love for reading, music, arts, Disney and sarcastic whip has left a lasting and indelible imprint on each of their lives.
During a chance encounter at the B&N Bookstore (reaching for the same Stephen King novel – The Stand), David met the love of his life, Matt Reed. Together they shared 18 wonderful years experiencing life to the fullest. On December 28, 2015, David and Matt were united in marriage. They were complete opposites that complimented and completed each other. Those left to cherish and continue David’s memory include his husband, Matt Reed; parents, Roger and Sandy Bufler; sister and brother-in-law, Kelley and Ted Willmann; sister-in-law, Barbara Harrell and her husband David; brotherin-law, Bill Reed and his wife Yolanda; nephews, Reece and Rhett Willmann; nieces, Regan Willmann and Amy Socolofsky and her husband Scott; great nephews, James and Benjamin Socolofsky; great niece, Evelyn Socolofsky; and a host of friends. David was preceded in death by his grandparents, Tilford and Sallye Bowling ,Lester and Dorothy Bufler and his uncle Glen Bufler.
A Celebration of David’s life was held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2020 at Cook-Walden/ Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. If friends so desire, memorial donations in David’s memory can be made to Austin Pets Alive! (www.austinpetsalive.org).
