George Buffett

GEORGE DUVAL BUFFETTAge 83, a resident of Albuquerque since 1938 died Saturday, October 13, 2012. He is survived by his wifee, Jeanette, sons, George II and wife, Rhonda, John and wife, Donna, and daughter, Patricia; grandchildren: Tyler, Rachael, Mitchell, George III and Lauren Buffett, all of Albuquerque. He is also survived by his nephews: Don Wunsch II of Rolla, MO, Tom Wunsch of ABQ, Doug Buffett of Seattle, Brad Buffett of Durango and nieces Debbie Byrd of Maryville, TN, and Sandra Buffett of Santa Fe. Other survivors include sister-in-law and husband, Marilyn and Don Wunsch of ABQ, sister-in-law Linda Buffett of ABQ and brother-in-law and wife, Richard and Skip Franzen of Palm Desert, CA. His father, Clarence Buffett, his mother, Irma Buffett and his brother, Robert Buffett, preceded George in death. George, along with his mother Irma, was a founding member of Unity Spiritual Center over 65 years ago. He attended Sunday services regularly with his entire family. He was also an influential person in ABQ through his various businesses and involvement in politics. George's interest in politics stemmed from his uncle, Howard Buffett (a congressman from Nebraska) and he started getting involved in Young Republicans at UNM. He first attended the Republican National Convention in 1952 in Chicago and he served as a State Representative for 24 years (1979-2002). During his years in the Legislature, he served on the Appropriations and Finance Committee for many years and was best known for introducing the fewest number of bills during a session. He was a fiscal conservative, pro small business and fought against wasteful spending in Santa Fe. To further his cause, he started writing a political newsletter to educate and to provide insight into the inner workings of politics in NM. He wrote these newsletters, called Buffett's Bullets, from 1989 through 2008 and had a mailing list that grew from 150 to over 10,000 people from across the state. Once leaving the legislature, he also served as the Republican National Committeeman for the State of NM for 4 years (2004-2008) where his journey came full circle and he again attended the Republican National Convention in 2008 in Minneapolis. George founded BandH Company in 1952, which ran concessions at various fiestas and fairs across the state. This business also ran the concessions at the ABQ Zoo for 16 years, the concessions at Speedway Park, the concessions at the Civic Auditorium and the concessions at the ABQ Dukes for 18 years. This business grew into BandH Wholesale, which supplies other concessionaires, their products and currently distributes across the state of NM and into parts of AZ, CO, OK, TX and UT. His two sons run this business. In 1956, George founded Buffett's Candies. Quality candy in addition to the giant candy cane decorating the building turned the candy store into an iconic landmark in ABQ. His daughter currently runs this business. In the early 80's George founded the Popcorn Cannery, which produces and distributes pre-popped and flavored popcorn to grocery stores in ABQ. Jim Poland, a long time employee and family friend, currently runs this business. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, October 19, 2012 at 1:00pm at Mountainside Church of Christ, 12300 Indian School Road NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in George's name may be made to the New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranch, PO Box 9, Belen, NM 87002-9901 or United Way of Central New Mexico, .