Douglas J. '"Buss"' Rauscher

Douglas J. "Buss" Rauscher, 80, of Ammon Rd., a life long resident of West Leyden, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, January 23, 2008. He was born in Rome, on August 3, 1927, a son of Elmer A. and Bertha C. Grubel Rauscher. Buss graduated from West Leyden High School with the Class of 1945, and from 1945-1946, he served over seas in WWII. Upon his return from the war, he was employed as a bus driver and mechanic for the West Leyden School, and concurrently in the early 1960's he worked as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator on the construction project of Boyd's Dam in the Town of Lewis. For a time during the 1970's he shared in the operation of the Rauscher family farm in West Leyden. In 1990 Mr. Rauscher retired as head bus mechanic from the Adirondack Central School System in Boonville. Buss had a life long interest in aircraft and flying airplanes. He constructed his own airport on the Fish Creek Road, near West Leyden, where he stored his planes. He greatly enjoyed his flights in the upstate area, and sharing his airport with fellow pilots. In addition to his long time interest in working on his model T and A autos, in the early 1950's, he enjoyed stock car races, driving cars at tracks in Canton, Watertown, and Vernon. In June, 1953, he was married to Barbara Elinor Denton. The couple were later divorced. He was a member of the West Leyden Reformed Church, and for many years he was a member of the West Leyden Fire Co., serving as chief for several years. At this time he was an honorary member of the department. Buss is survived by four sons: John D., West Leyden, David C. and wife, Kelly M.., Peter R. and partner, Carol Hendrickson, all of Waterloo, NY., Douglas E., and Cheryl, West Leyden, one daughter, Barbara J. Rauscher, and partner, Daniel Ward, Syracuse, eleven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a grandson, Bryan. Also surviving are three sisters: Margaret and husband, Phillip Pribble, Arkport, NY, Jean E. Rauscher, West Leyden, Janet and husband, James, Farrell, Ogdensburg. He was predeceased by two brothers, Donald "Pete" Rauscher in 1951, and Ralph C. Rauscher in 1998. His funeral will be on Saturday at 1 P.M. at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where Rev. William A. Mudge, pastor of the Boonville United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment in the spring will be in West Leyden Cemetery. Calling hours are Saturday 11 A.M. until 1 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to West Leyden Fire Co. Ambulance Fund.