Obituary of Bruce McKelvey Buyers

Bruce McKelvey Buyers passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, November 28th 2018.  Bruce was born on May 9th, 1947 to Marjorie and Jack Buyers.  He was raised in Snyder, NY with his eldest brother John and sisters Margot and Wendy.  Bruce attended Nichols School and Babson College where he graduated with a degree in business in 1969.  After college, Bruce toured Europe on motorcycle before working in California.

In 1971 he returned to WNY to help his father and brother in business.  Bruce married Sharyn Scofield in 1979 and the couple settled in Williamsville, NY where they raised their children Bradley and Betsy.

Bruce spent 46 years passionately growing and cultivating County Line Stone into one of the leading locally owned quarries in WNY.  In 1983, Bruce joined forces with many contractors and suppliers around WNY to found the FAIR Committee (Fair Apportionment of Infrastructure Revenue).   He also was an avid supporter of the Associated General Contractors of NY, leading the Highway Heavy Hammers to countless Volleyball championships at the anticipated annual conference.  Bruce served as a mentor to several in the industry.

Family was Bruce’s top priority.  As a dedicated family man, he coached his children’s sports teams, visited with his aging parents and in-laws daily, and traveled with friends and family. His passion was seeing others happy and he would always put others above himself.   Bruce was a member of the Country Club of Buffalo, Holimont Ski Area, and several other local organizations.  Bruce was a generous philanthropist, however, he preferred to be anonymous with his donations.

Bruce loved being on the golf course even though his game never really improved.  He greatly enjoyed boating and water skiing on Lake Erie and Muskoka with the Kelly’s, Nagel’s and other great families.  While Bruce loved social gatherings, weddings and public speaking, he was most at home grilling out on his deck with his dogs and family overlooking Ellicott Creek.  

Bruce is survived by his siblings: John Buyers (Marianne), Margot Hampleman (Richard) and Wendy Griffin (Late Paul) his children Brad and Betsy and their spouses Madeline Buyers and Caleb Lawrence.  Bruce is blessed to have 6 grandchildren – Katie and Megan Sweeney, Gwyn and Charlotte Buyers and Emily and Helen Lawrence. Bruce was also the favorite uncle of Krissy and Pat Sweeney and many other nephews and nieces.

A service for family and friends will be held at 3pm Monday December 3rd at North Presbyterian Chruch, 300 North Forest Road, with a celebration of life to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Food Bank of Western New York or Child & Family Services of Buffalo.