John Van Buskirk ... gifted caner, lover of theater

ROCHESTER - John L. Van Buskirk, 78, of 35 Summer Street, died unexpectedly at his home on Friday, July 20, 2018. Born on October 18, 1939, the son of John N. and Eva (Hamel) Van Buskirk, he was a lifelong Resident of Rochester.
In 1972 he received his GED from the Rochester School Department. In addition to the required classes, he went on to take classes in accounting and typing. During the late 1950s he learned to cane while attending therapy sessions at the Portsmouth Rehabilitation Center. He practiced his craft for over 10 years becoming an accomplished craftsman, running his own business caning and refurbishing furniture. He was also proficient in woodworking creating several items he sold in a small shed in front of his home. By 1978 he had received 19 "special" trophy ribbons from the Rochester Fair Association for his work.
While attending GED classes, he met Jerome MacConnell, director of the program who after seeing John's work with caning asked if he would be willing to share his knowledge by teaching caning classes as part of the Rochester and Dover Adult Learning Program. He agreed and there was soon a waiting list of students hoping to benefit from his expertise.
When he wasn't caning, teaching, attending concerts or the theater he was working for the Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Portsmouth as a driver, shuttling patients who were blind or disabled to appointments all over the state.
He was an active supporter of and a recipient of services from Granite State Independent Living (GSIL). Part of his involvement in GSIL was being a member of Seacoast Advocates for Independent Living (SAIL). SAIL is a group that meets monthly to take on projects individually and support each other in addressing issue concerning those with disabilities. One of John's biggest concerns was transportation and accessibility to various restaurants and entertainment venues. He had a great love for music and many times he was unable to attend certain performances because of their lack of accessibility.
One of his greatest passions was the theater, especially musical theater. He was a season ticket holder at the Ogunquit Playhouse for over 40 years. Some of his happiest times were sitting front row center for the many spectacular performances. He loved chatting with his fellow front row theatergoers.
Throughout his later years, he enjoyed traveling to Cocoa Beach and Stuart, Fla.. While in Florida he created many wonderful memories visiting family and friends, attending the Lyric Theatre in Stuart and even viewing a space shuttle launch at Kennedy Space Center as a VIP guest.
He is predeceased by his mother and father, his sisters Jacqueline (Van Buskirk) Taffe, Shirley (Simon) Copp and brother Gerald Simon.
He is survived by his niece, Kathleen (Taffe) Poulis, her husband Aristedes and their five daughters, of Rochester; his nephew Joseph L. Taffe Jr., his wife Jackie and their two children of Colorado Springs, Colo.; as well as several other nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. He was adored by all his family and friends. He will be greatly missed for among other things, his quick wit, his generous heart and his deep sense of family.