Mel Henry Buss, age 71, a Burlington resident, passed away unexpectedly on October 31, 2025. He was the son of Irene and Henry Buss and was born in Tecumseh, Mich., and raised in Chelsea. He later graduated with a degree in engineering from Oakland University.
He was a man of great creativity and 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 and was an avid operagoer, 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.
Arrangements are in the care of LaVigne Funeral Home & Cremation Service. To send condolences to his family please visit vtfuneralhomes.com.
“Picture yourself in a boat on a river, with tangerine trees and marmalade skies.”
This article appears in The Winter Preview Issue 2025.
Please know that Mel’s family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Ron & Paulette
Dear Nina and family,
Sending you heartfelt condolences.
Blessings,
France
Nina, it’s been too long since we have seen you at All Souls, better late than never ‼️🙏😇
Nina – you don’t know me, but I was a member of Mel’s Wednesday circle meditation group. I was so sorry to hear about his death. He was a gentle spirit in our group, and he will be deeply missed. Love to you and your family in this difficult time.