1926 – 2014

VENICE, Fla. — Richard Coolidge Buerhaus of Auburn passed away on Saturday, July 26, in Venice, Fla., with his love of 17 years, Myrna Bianco, by his side. He left quietly after a long illness.

Richard was well-known in the Lewiston-Auburn area as a generous and considerate longtime resident, and for his work as CEO of Buerhaus Industries for more than 38 years.

Born in Providence, R.I., on March 26, 1926, to Hope Bronsdon Buerhaus and William Richard Buerhaus, he grew up in Needham, Mass., moved to Auburn in 1950, and retired to Venice, Fla., in 1988. Richard was a graduate of Needham (Mass.) High School and Northeastern University in Boston, Mass.

After serving in the Merchant Marines during World War II, he married his high school sweetheart, Marilouise “Lou” Crosby, of Needham, Mass., on May 3, 1948. They raised four children and enjoyed an amazing love story for more than 46 years, until her death in 1994.

With Marilouise by his side, they built Buerhaus Industries, which was an umbrella to many corporations. Richard 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 for the children’s aid program.

After he and Marilouise retired to Florida, both became avid golfers. Richard continued his civic leadership as a member of the Homeowners Association of Plantation Estates and a mediator for the city court.

Surviving Richard are his four children, Susan Bernier of North Conway, N.H., Scott Buerhaus and John Connole, traveling the U.S., Jeff Buerhaus and his wife, Cheryl Buerhaus, of Scarborough and Wendy Barton and her husband, Joe Barton, of Yarmouth; his brother, Robert Buerhaus and his wife, Charlotte, of Morristown, N.J.; and his eight grandchildren. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren, five nieces and two nephews.

Hope and William Buerhaus of Needham, Mass., Beth Buerhaus of Fayetteville, N.C., Marilouise “Lou” Buerhaus of Venice, Fla., and Gregg Buerhaus of Morristown, N.J., preceded him in death.