BUZ BLUM

Thirty-four-year Alaska resident Buz Blum died at his home in Sutton on March 6, 2002, of natural causes. He was 63 years old.

Mr. Blum was born Jan. 29, 1939, in New York, N.Y.

He and his wife, Alma, moved to Sutton in 1968.

He was a self-employed artist making ivory jewelry and boxes until he started making wood bowls in 1983. The couple opened their home as a bed and breakfast in 1987 and started raising alpacas in 1993.

Mr. Blum was a founding charter member of the American Association of Woodturners and a member of the Anchorage Zen community.

His wife said, "For a man who walked so quietly through life, he certainly left deep footprints. He met people through his artwork, his dogs, the bed and breakfast, yoga and the Zen community. People who had known him for years would be surprised to discover a parent or son or mutual friend who also cherished his friendship. He will be missed because he was so much a part of life."

Mr. Blum is survived by his wife, Alma; daughter, Elisabeth; aunts DeeDee Knaus, Ruth Knaus and Duffy Knaus; sister, Dale Blum and her children, Ruth Borgenicht, Carrie Borgenicht, Daniel Borgenicht, Yoel Borgenicht and Steve Rothman; in-laws Ed, Pat and Ben Eckert, Beth and Jordan Perry, Cheryl, John and Brian Dirner.

There will be a memorial gathering Saturday, March 30, at the Palmer Moose Lodge at 793 S. Cobb St. The family requests no flowers.

Arrangements were made by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.