Claude T. Buzby lived 86 full and adventurous years before passing peacefully at home in Surprise, Arizona, on February 20, 2026.

Born in Woodstown, New Jersey, Claude was the son of Claude T. Buzby Sr. and Eleanor (Moffitt) Buzby. He grew up in New Jersey and, after high school, proudly served in the United States Navy. As an electronics technician and decorated rescue swimmer, he demonstrated the steadiness, courage, and quiet competence that would define his life.

After his military service, Claude reconnected with Christine White, whom he had known since their childhoods. Though life had taken them separate ways in early adulthood, they found each other again and built a marriage that lasted 51 devoted years. Their love was steady and enduring. Christine often said there was nothing hard about loving Claude — that he was gentle, kind-hearted, and constant. When asked what made him smile, her answer was simple: “Me.” Their shared life was built on loyalty, humor, and deep companionship.

Claude spent much of his professional career at IBM, where he worked as a technical writer and engineer. He began documenting the famed IBM Selectric typewriters that once filled offices across the country and later advanced into complex computing systems. Near the end of his career, he worked on developing high-speed variable-data printing systems. Through every technological evolution, Claude remained curious, precise, and committed to doing things the right way.

Beyond his profession, Claude was, at heart, an explorer. He approached life with discipline and determination, always pushing himself toward the next horizon. A dedicated cyclist, he logged nearly 65,000 miles over the years, riding across Florida and New Jersey and climbing the punishing ascents of the Colorado Rockies. He found freedom and clarity on two wheels.

He was also an accomplished scuba diver whose Navy rescue training resurfaced in a remarkable moment when he helped save three fellow divers during a crisis. Underwater exploration, cycling, and fishing were not just hobbies — they were expressions of his resilience, independence, and love of discovery. He cherished fishing trips to the remote waters of Canada’s Northwest Territories with his son-in-law, where he pursued northern pike, lake trout, and Arctic grayling with patience and quiet joy.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Christine; four daughters, one son, and twelve grandchildren. He lived with intention. He loved without condition those who let him. He will be profoundly and deeply missed.