Richard Buskirk

Richard Arthur Buskirk, 76, of Lincolnton died Sunday, October 13, 2024. Born October 14th, 1947 he was the son of the late Claude Heckman and Stella Heckman.

Those left to cherish his memory are is loving wife, Jennifer Faulk, children and grandchildren.

Brittany:
I have written and rewritten words to try and express the man my father was to me. Unfortunately, no words can truly describe how lucky I am to have been raised by such a character. From his jokes that only he can make funny to his nonsensical road rage, I will forever be quoting him. It’s funny how life takes you from rolling your eyes at his quirkiness to that being what you miss the most about him. My dad never failed to tell me how proud he was of me, and I truly believe that he was. As I grew older, we bonded over the simple things: family, quality time, flowers, and love. He never told me how I should live but rather showed me. Dad showed me what love should look like, and I have always admired how he loved Jen. I found this quote that I believe truly represents the man my father was: “That man is a success—who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children, who has filled his niche and accomplished his task. Who leaves the world better than he found it, who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty or failed to express it, who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.” -unknown. I’ll miss you forever, Daddy Buskirk.

Adam:
My dad is easily the most inspiring, selfless, and genuine person I have ever known. He shared with me that one of his fondest memories of us is when I was four and we were moving back from California. He and I drove across the country in a U-Haul. While stopped at a truck stop one night, I wrote him a letter about how much fun I was having and that he was my best friend. He carried that letter in his wallet from that moment on. He was always so happy to see you and so much fun to be around. Growing up at 313, all of the neighborhood kids would cram into our house for sleepovers, and everyone loved him. He was the "neighborhood's dad". We're all in our 30s now, and they all still love him and think of him as such. He loved me so much. He truly was my number one fan. He believed so much in my talents. Every time I saw him, he would insist that I pursue those ventures. Now I'm on that journey with my best friend, who has known and loved my dad since we were children. Dad was so proud, and I know he would love to see where this takes us. We won't be romping in your house anymore, dad, but we'll always be romping in the house. I love you so much.

Jacob:
Richard Buskirk, A man with great wisdom and life lessons. He shared so many of these lessons like when how to fully stretch a bottle of ketchups life existence…wetchup. If you don’t know, everything was watered slightly down till it was gone. Another one, Rick would say a lot is that no matter what, tomorrow is a brand new day and you should wake up happy. I know moving forward, Rick would want that for all of us. Love you Rick Buskirk.

Hannah:
Rick stepped up when he did not have to. He loved me unconditionally through all of the easy times and the hard times and i definitely did not make it easy for him most of the time. He not only loved me but he loved my husband and our 3 babies as well. He was the most amazing pap. He showed up for all of their games, events and parties even when he wasn’t feeling well. He made sure to show up. He was my husband’s go to for projects, tools (he always had everything you could ever need) and advice. He was the best dad i could have ever asked for. I had him for almost 27 years and it still wasn’t long enough. Nobody will ever be able to replace him in our hearts and lives.

Justin:
I am because you were… Rick, you had a way of connecting with everyone you met. You always knew what to say, how to comfort, how to lift spirits. Your wisdom was boundless, your knowledge deep, and your love, truly unconditional. You didn’t have to be a part of our lives, but you chose to, and that choice changed everything for me. I’m heartbroken beyond words that I won’t be able to talk to you, to hear your voice, or share moments of my life with you anymore. But I take comfort in knowing you’ll still be watching over me, cheering me on like you always did. I can almost hear you now, saying, “Way to go, Justin!” We will continue to celebrate your life, and we will do it as if you were still here—because in so many ways, you still are. You’ll always be with us, even though you’re in a far better place now than we are. Your legacy will live on and amongst those who you raised and met. Rick, I love you deeply. Rest in peace, and one day, we’ll see each other again. I am because you were… -Justin

The family will receive friends Friday, October 18, 2024 from 11AM-12PM at Jenkins Funeral Home Celebration Center
Service will follow at 12PM in the Chapel at Jenkins Funeral Home

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Buskirk family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555.