Mel Henry Buss, age 71, a Burlington resident, passed away unexpectedly on October 31, 2025. He was the son of Irene and Henry Buss, born in Tecumseh, MI, and raised in Chelsea. He later graduated with a degree in engineering from Oakland University.

He was a man of great creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit, working for years as a product designer at Gardener's Supply and later as a self-taught lighting designer. Outside of his work, he pursued diverse passions: an avid opera-goer, a music lover, and a talented furniture builder. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Nina, fishing, and sharing his love of fishing as a volunteer for Let's Go Fishing.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Nina Dahlstedt Buss; his three children: Jason (Carrie), Sarah (Nate), and Elisha; and his former wife, Nancy Buss, the mother of his children. Mel was the proud grandfather of four beautiful grandchildren: Oliver, Lincoln, Julien, and Juniper.

His sisters also survive him: Phyllis (Roger) Wildey, Kay LeFurge, and Karen Polliey, as well as several nieces and nephews. Mel was predeceased by his parents and brothers-in-law, Rusty LeFurge and Bill Polliey.

Services will be held at All Souls Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne, VT, in the new year. In lieu of flowers, please honor Mel with a donation to Special Olympics Vermont or All Souls Interfaith Gathering.

"Picture yourself in a boat on a river, with tangerine trees and marmalade skies."