Donald Allen Buermann, 77, passed peacefully surrounded by family and enveloped in love, on Saturday morning at the UVM Medical Center.

Don was born July 21st, 1948, in Burlington, the eldest child of John Maeder Buermann and Lois Elizabeth Buermann, née Allen.

Don spent his childhood adventuring outdoors on the family farm and the South Hero shores of Lake Champlain. In 1970, he graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in Management Science. He was a member of the Army National Guard from 1970 until 1976.

On February 19th, 1972, Don married Joanne Elizabeth Dewey in a raging blizzard, completely contrasting with their 53 years of loving and harmonious marriage.

Don spent most of his career in IT leadership with Central Vermont Railway and various local hospitals.

A lifelong Vermonter, Don was strong, reliable, considerate, loyal, patient, and compassionate. He led by example, shaped by integrity, honesty, and unwavering moral conviction. He had a massive heart.

Don was an architect, storyteller, problem-solver, water-skier, animal-lover, rule-follower, inventor, fisherman, listener, advisor, planner, handyman, cheerleader, teacher, weatherman, historian, peacemaker, role model, and friend. Don, Dad, and Grandpa – he is profoundly missed.

Don is survived by his wife; his son Scott (Monika) and their children, Paul, Luke, Adam, and Mark; his son Daniel (Lisa) and their children, Madison and Emily; his son Randall (Erin), and their children, Lucy and Charlotte; and his siblings Jan (Mike), Bob (Ann), and Jay (Kathy). He is predeceased by his parents.

A wake for Don will be held from 6-8pm on Friday January 9th at Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home in Shelburne. The funeral will take place at 10:30am on Saturday January 10th at the Congregational Church of South Hero. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Cleveland Clinic.

Dana Farber Cancer Institute:

http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/donbuermann

Cleveland Clinic:

https://give.ccf.org/donbuermann