Richard Coolidge Beurhaus

Richard Coolidge Buerhaus March 26, 1926 - July 26, 2014 Richard Coolidge Buerhaus passed away on July 26, 2014 in Venice, FL, with his love of 17 years, Myrna, by his side. Born in Providence, RI, on March 26, 1926 to Hope Bronsdon Buerhaus and William Robert Buerhaus, he grew up in Needham, MA, moved to Auburn, ME in 1950, and retired to Venice, FL in 1988. Buerhaus was a graduate of Needham (MA) High School and Northeastern University in Boston, MA. After serving in the Merchant Marines during WWII, he married his high school sweetheart, Marilouise (Lou) Crosby on May 3, 1948 who predeceased him in 1994. Buerhaus was well known in the Lewiston/Auburn area for his work as CEO of Buerhaus Industries for more than 38 years. Buerhaus Industries was an umbrella to many corporations in Maine including a pipe-contracting firm with both application and wholesale divisions, as well as a pipe fitting design and asbestos removal component. Buerhaus was a member of the Associated General Contractors of America Board, Asbestos Contractors of America and Associated Builders and Contractors of America. He was on the Advisory Board of Key Bank of Maine; Mechanics Savings Bank and Maine Medical Center and also served on the financial committee of High Street Congregational Church in Auburn, ME for the Children's aide program. After he retired to Florida, Richard continued his civic leadership as a member of the Homeowners Association of Plantation Estates and as a mediator for the city court. Surviving Buerhaus as his four children: Susan Bernier, Scott Buerhaus, Jeff Buerhaus and his wife Cheryl Buerhaus, Wendy Barton and her husband Joe Barton; his brother Robert Buerhaus and his wife Charlotte; his eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; five nieces and two nephews. Parents Hope and William Buerhaus, sister Beth Buerhaus, wife Marilouise (Lou) Buerhaus, and nephew Gregg Buerhaus preceded him in death. Donations may be made in his memory to TideWell Hospice at 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238. A private family graveside service will be held in Maine on August 10th. A Celebration of his life for friends and family will take place from 1-3PM at the home of Wendy Barton of Yarmouth, ME. A memorial will be held in the fall in Florida.