Buford "Buff" Haff

Biography

Buford 'Buff' Haff was born in 1926 in Fort Scott, Kansas. As a child he lived in Coffeyville and spent summers working on the family farm during the Dust Bowl. He often described battling the dust, which killed the crops and livestock and managed to seep in through the tiniest crack. During World War II, when Buff was 17 years old, he joined the Army and went to Germany, where he was a part of the 20th Armored Division and took part in the liberation of Dachau. He earned the combat infantry badge. After he returned to the United States and graduated from Kansas State, Buff's sister Donna fixed him up on a blind date with his future wife, Dorothy, whom he married a year and a half later in 1949. They had three children, Eric, Janet, and Kris. Buff and his family moved to Idaho in 1960, when he was employed as an engineer at Idaho National Laboratory. Buff was a Renaissance man with many interests that he pursued passionately. He loved Appaloosa horses and enjoyed riding. He and Dorothy were both pilots and members of the Kelly Canyon Ski Patrol, and Buff was a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He enjoyed singing, playing classical guitar, and photography, and he loved skiing, flying, and going to jazz festivals. Buff was known for his enthusiastic and fun-loving personality. He always saw the good in people and enjoyed hearing their stories (and telling just a few of his own). His profound empathy for animals is shared by his entire family. Our deepest thanks to Hands of Hope Hospice. In lieu of flowers, Buff would have appreciated donations to the Kelly Canyon Ski Patrol. There will be a gathering for friends and family at a later date.

Gathering With Friends and Family at a Later Date

Friday December 27, 2013