Robert C. Buffum

Robert C. Buffum, 85, of Englewood, FL, and of Weekapaug, RI passed away December 2, 2011. An avid cruising multi-hull sailor, Robert and his wife Sydney sailed from Florida to New England many times. He was also an active tennis and softball player, oarsman and fisherman. Robert attended the Pomfret School in Pomfret, CT, and was in the Class of 1952 at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Robert also served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force during WW II. Robert served as Clerk of the Weekapaug Chapel and was a founding member of the Weekapaug Foundation for Conservation. He was also a member of the Yacht, Tennis, and Golf Clubs in Weekapaug. During his years in Weekapaug, RI, Robert and Sydney owned and operated the Weekapaug Inn during the summer months. After moving to Englewood in 1960, Robert and Sydney purchased and operated the Manasota Beach Club in Englewood to compliment the Weekapaug Inn. He served as a Board member on the Manasota Key Association, on the Venice Hospital Foundation, and was a member of the Gulf Coast Conservation Foundation. He was a founding member of the Lemon Bay Conservancy. Robert will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his devoted wife Sydney, loving children Sydney B. Crampton of Englewood, FL, Robert, Jr. and his wife Linda of Wellesley, MA and James and his wife Desa of Weekapaug, RI, cherished grandchildren Alexa, Todd, Sarah, Elizabeth, Morgan, and Ashlyn, and brother Charles and his wife Jane of Avondale, RI. A Memorial Service will be held 3:00 pm Saturday, December 10, 2011 at Saint David’s Episcopal Church, 401 South Broadway, Englewood, Florida, with a celebration of his life immediately following at the Manasota Beach Club. Robert will be laid to rest later in the Memorial Gardens of St. David’s and the Weekapaug Chapel. Farley Funeral Home, Venice, FL has been selected to care for arrangements. To send condolences, visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com. or email [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Robert Buffum to St. David’s Episcopal Church, the Weekapaug Chapel Society, 4 Wawaloam Dr. Westerly, RI 02891, or a charity of your choice.