Vail Daily obituary: Thomas Charles Buniger, 1945-2013

Longtime local Tom Buniger passed away Thursday.

Tom was born in Paonia on Jan. 4, 1945. In 1961, he left home in California and came to live with his uncle, who had a small ranch up Lake Creek in Edwards. He graduated from Eagle Valley High School in 1963. He met and married his wife, Beryl, in 1965, and they made their home on Lake Creek.

In Tom’s younger years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking and camping. In his later years, he liked traveling, cutting and polishing rocks and spending time with his friends. Tom liked to talk, visit and tell stories.

Tom is preceded in death by his father, Melvin Buniger; mother, Louise Thomas; stepfather, Martin Thomas; brother Arthur Buniger; and uncle Ervin “Sparky” Park.

He is survived by his wife, Beryl Buniger, of Edwards; daughter Roxanne Buniger, of Edwards; and son Allen Buniger and wife Chris, of Fort Lewis, Wash.

He also has four grandchildren, Jennifer Buniger, Chelsea Araydin, Allen Buniger Jr. and Alicia Buniger.

His surviving siblings are Norma Lee Blank, Eleanor Hensley, Nancy Porinchok, Mike Thomas and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Thursday at the Wolcott Yacht Club in Wolcott from 1 to 3 p.m.

Tom’s family would love to hear and share stories about him.

The Buniger family would like to thank the good Samaritan who stopped and helped Mr. Buniger on Thursday — unfortunately, we do not know your name. We would also like to thank the emergency staff of the Eagle Fire Protection, the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office and the Vail Valley Medical Center for their help and support.