Condolence: Dear (Ellen) Joyce & family, I was thinking of you and my daughter- in- law found Buff's obituary. He was indeed an extraordinary man as I knew him to be. He always had a laugh and a smile. He touched a lot of people and I will always remember him. God Bless you all. Love, Betty Dyar

Condolence: I knew Mr. Oldridge from 1994-1996 when I was in my impressionable early twenties working at a bank at UBC. I can say that without a doubt, Mr. Oldridge was everybody's favourite customer. He was whistling from the moment he walked in the door, and always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. If he wasn't whistling he was singing - "Misty" was my favourite and what I will always remember. Mr. Oldridge was one of those people who could bring joy to every room he entered, and I absolutely adored him. From his songs, to his stories, to his undeniable love for life, he truly was one of my favourite people in the world.

I remember being devastated at learning he had cancer, and I asked if I could visit him. I remember I showed up in Lions Bay with a plant, not knowing what else to do. He gave me a tour of the house, introduced me to Ellen, and told stories about the day he first saw her, right down to the colours in the blouse she was wearing. Despite his diagnosis, Mr. Oldridge was still happy, still smiling, still singing. He had surrounded himself with nature, peace, beauty, and love. I left there knowing that he would beat cancer and be just fine.

Some time later I returned to his home in Lions Bay with my passport documents in hand, as Mr. Oldridge was the only person I knew at the time with authority to sign passport documents. He signed them for me, saying that he had signed many for his students, and was somewhat baffled as to why everyone wanted to go to Europe after they graduated, before they got on with their lives. He was so ready to get on with his life after he graduated, but he couldn't, because he was sent to Europe. I will never be able to fully appreciate what he went through during the war, but the fact that I had the freedom to travel around Europe because of what he did when he was in his impressionable early twenties was not lost on me. I was then, and still am today, grateful for his service, his strength, his precision, and his determination that good would prevail. But mostly I am grateful that he survived, and that I was able to know him.

I never saw him again after that day he signed my passport. I quit the bank, travelled Europe for three months with my future husband, and got on with my adult life. I never forgot about Mr. Oldridge. I still talk to my husband about him, and I think about him often, particularly around this time of year. I would google his name, just to make sure no obituaries came up, and I'd quietly say thank you and wish him well. Occasionally I sent a card. This year when I googled him, I came across the beautiful message that his grandson had written.

Mr. Oldridge left a lasting impression on me. He was a shining example of how awesome human beings can be. The world is certainly sadder without him, but the stars just got much brighter. My deepest sympathies to his family for your loss. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us.

Condolence: Too many wonderful memories of Uncle Buff to list them all here. The summer fishing trips to Montana were formational experiences for me. As the youngest of the nephews, I’m sure Buff saved my life a few times; not from the dangers of camping, but from the pranks of my older cousins! Buff’s joy of life was contagious. It filled the room and we were all happier when he was around; quick with a song, a story and a smile. I think we can all agree that his older sisters doted on him too much, but their pride in him was palpable, and deservedly so. If it’s true that “a rising tide floats all boats,” then Buff’s tide certainly elevated us all. See you on the other side, Uncle Buff!

Condolence: Sincere condolences to Ellen, Lee and all of Buff’s family. Buff was my teacher and later advisor in the School Psychology program at UBC in the 80’s. His ability to expound the theoretical background of intelligence along with his practical insights gave students a true understanding of the subjects he taught. He was a fixture in the Education Clinic which he founded. At the same time as he taught at UBC, Buff developed relationships with personnel in school districts throughout British Columbia and provided support to them. This was especially true in areas of Northern B.C.and fly-in locations on the coast. That support was often his own help when he travelled thousands of kilometres on his motorbike! After his retirement from UBC, I heard that Buff worked in the jails of British Columbia assessing prisoners and recommending ways for them to rehabilitate. His is a great loss to the profession of School Psychology in British Columbia.

Condolence: Goodby to Uncle Buff.
Happy memories of growing up in Walla Walla. You baby sitting us so you could have Dad's car for your date night. Family get togethers with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandpa and grandma. Sunday dinners, church, listening to war news on the radio and wondering where you were. So nice to have had you in my life.
Until we meet again.

Condolence: What to say about Uncle Buff. Great friend, great motorcycle companion, wonderful story teller, lousy fisherman, generous to family, friends and strangers alike. We will miss you Buffy. RIP. You deserve it.

Condolence: I did not know Buff well but the few precious times I visited with him I really enjoyed his company.. He was so smart and very personable with a great sense of humor. I know he will be missed by Ellen and all his family and friends. My deepest condolences

Condolence: May you find comfort and peace in knowing that God will soon do away with death, sorrow and pain forever. Revelation 21:4. visit the website at JW.org to see Video on what hope is there for the dead?