David Jerome Buness
After many years bringing music into the hearts of many of us, Dave Buness departed on Nov. 23rd to direct the great choir in the sky. He passed peacefully with his wife Fay and son Steve by his side, at Edgewood Senior Living in Helena, MT. Dave was 88 years old.
Dave was born a farmboy in Powers Lake, ND. He was the middle child and the only boy among five sisters, a full house for his folks David (Senior) and Mildred Buness. Dave always chafed at being called “Junior.”
Dave got his bachelor’s in music from Minot State College, ND, then dove into his first teaching job at White Shield, ND. He was activated by the Army National Guard during the Berlin Crisis in 1961, where he attended medic school and learned drafting.
Crisis resolved, he moved to Montana for a Master of Music Education at the University of MT at Missoula, where he always said his greatest accomplishment was meeting the love of his life, Fay Gonsior, in the library. He kept asking her out, and when she finally said yes his heart sang. When she met his ND family, and felt the love they shared, Fay’s heart sang too. They married December 28th, 1965, at First Methodist Church in Missoula MT.
The newlyweds moved to Glasgow, MT where he worked as band director on the Air Force Base. They then moved back to Missoula, with baby Jennifer in tow, so he could pursue his Doctorate. He then moved the family to Helena, where he was first choral director at C.R. Anderson, and later built the Choral program at Capital High School. He also took on directing the Helena Symphony Chorale, with Fay singing soprano, and St Paul’s United Methodist Church Choir, with Fay accompanying on piano and organ. Against this musical background they also built their family, with the arrival of daughter Megan, followed a tempo by Steve. Meanwhile Dave designed and built a beautiful house among the hills and horse pastures of Clancy, MT.
After teaching in the Helena school system for 19 years, directing the Helena Symphony Chorale for 25 years, and directing the church choir for 40 years, Dave retired. This gave him time to start “Dave’s Remodeling,” with fellow retiree Norm Brunken. Their decks, projects and handiwork are visible all over Helena. Retirement also meant more time for the tireless farm boy to cultivate a garden that is the envy of the neighborhood.
In his spare time Dave played tuba in the New Horizons Band and the Capital City Summer Band, created woodworking projects, and restored a 1928 Model A Ford. And he and Fay loved spontaneous road trips through the majestic beauty of Montana—from the Beartooth Highway to Glacier Park, or just a jaunt to Butte for lunch. Dave was always first to spot deer and other wildlife and found a beautiful sight worth pulling over for.
Dave’s professional achievements include Music Supervisor for the Helena School Districts, President of the Montana State Choral Directors, President of the Montana State Music Educators Association, Board Member of the Helena Boy Choir, and a proud member of Civitans. Dave also loved organizing overseas tours with the Helena and Butte Symphony Chorales, as well as a frequent adjudicator for District and State Music Festivals. Perhaps his greatest professional achievement was doing it all with skill, wisdom, and good humor.
For his family and his many friends, Dave was the resonant bass line that added depth and a lively beat to the music of our lives.
Dave was preceded in death by:
Mildred and Dave Buness, Parents
Carole (Fred) Barenthsen
Ardyce (Avin) Enget
Delight (Charles)
Macias (Bill Schroeder)
Dawn (Dave) Brenno
Dave is survived by his wife Fay, daughters Jennifer Dunn, Megan Buness (Michael Casteel), and son Steven Buness; by grandchildren Dacia Horne, Ryan Buness, and Faith Casteel; and by sister Sandra Buness, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be a memorial service announced at a later date.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Kim says
Aww, I had Mr Buness for a teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with all loved ones. What a kind man he was.
May you find comfort in your memories. God Bless
Richard Livesay says
Dave was a awesome neighbor an was always so kind an always helped the neighbors around the neighborhood, he will be greatly missed, my god Bless.
Debbie says
Mr. Buness was my music teacher at Radley School in East Helena. He was amazing and patient loved the kids.
I used to see him and his wife at Our Redeemers church. Always gave me a big hug. Will miss him.
Kelly Downing says
There are so many fond memories being a member of St Paul’s Methodist church choir and having Dave as our choir director and then later being in the Helena Symphony choir with him and with his wife Faye. I have lovely memories of being at their house in Clancy for recitals. Dave had a great sense of humor and the most BEAUTIFUL baritone voice. Thank you Faye! for sharing Dave with the community 🙂 There are some amazing, ‘ heavenly’ people from St. Paul’s that are greeting him at this time such as Steve and Jani Harper and their dad, Matt Dale, Polly and Bob Holmes to just name a few.
I am fortunate to have met him and to have been in that church choir family. Thank you for all of the great music Dave! and for sharing your life with us!
Teresa Mergenthaler Sturm says
Faye, Jennifer, Megan & Steven I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Hold on to all tge wonderful memories you have if Dave as those can never be taken from you. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hugs to all. Terri (Mergenthaler)Sturm
Robyn Morrison says
Dave was an extraordinary human being who brought music and creativity everywhere his life touched. He will be deeply missed.
Ted Polette says
Dear Faye, Steve, and Family,
Dave was a pillar of the community and will be very missed. He graced the students of Helena High and the members of St. Paul’s with his talent of music direction and love from his heart.
Where there is sadness, love plants a garden of memories. May Dave’s garden bloom profusely forever!
Love, hugs, and prayers to all of you.
Martin Baker says
As an exchange student from Sweden in the early 1980s, I had the great fortune of living with the Buness family in Montana. During that time, Dave became a father figure to me in every meaningful sense of the word. His kindness, generosity, and steady warmth helped shape the person I would later become. His wife, Faye, also played an essential role in that experience, welcoming me into their home with a sincerity and openness that made me feel like part of the family from the very beginning.
Music was at the heart of their lives, and I was extraordinarily fortunate to be invited into that world. Dave’s passion for choral music was remarkable. At the time, he conducted eight choirs, and I had the privilege of singing in five of them — among them the Helena Symphony Chorale and the choir at St. Paul’s Methodist Church. Those experiences, and the musical community he built around him, left a lasting imprint on me.
Faye’s contribution was equally profound. As a dedicated musical tutor, she offered private lessons in voice and piano to countless students, nurturing their talents with patience, expertise, and genuine care. Her commitment to music and to the people she taught was inspiring to witness, and it enriched my time with the family immeasurably.
Dave also gave me two gifts that have stayed with me throughout my life: a deep and enduring love for choir music, and the inspiration for my own son’s name — David — chosen in his honor. Few people leave such a lasting legacy in another person’s life.
In later years, our contact naturally became more sporadic, as life often leads us down different paths. I had always hoped to return for a visit, to express my gratitude in person and reconnect, but it was not in the cards for that to happen. I regret that deeply, and I will carry him in my heart always.
I remain profoundly grateful for the time I had with Dave and Faye, and for the love, support, and music the entire Buness family shared with me. Dave’s influence extended far beyond his home, and I feel truly privileged to have been a small part of his life.
He will be dearly missed.
Marlene Petersen says
Faye, my dear friend….
I’m so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing – he was such a gift to all kids who were blessed to have him as their choral teacher and to me as a source for new limericks! What a guy –
Twenty years ago Larry and I moved from East Helena to south-central Kentucky and I still have fond memories of the vocal lessons you, yourself, gave Centre Stage quartet for some time – Dave was still teaching then.
Sending prayers and condolences to you and your family.
You are very special, Faye.
Shannon Bartole says
Steve and Family, I am sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.
Shannon Bartole
John says
One very nice man. He never forgot a friend or a favor, and always returned them x 10.
Bob Piccoy says
Dave was always upbeat, friendly and ready to chat for awhile. He added much to the community and to Saint Paul’s Church. I will miss him. And my prayers go to Fay on her loss.
Bob Piccolo says
From Bob Piccolo
Kelly T Brown says
Today as I found out about Dave’s passing my heart is sad as he was my favorite teacher. He taught me so many things, along with his wonderful wife Faye whom taught me the techniques of singing properly. May the family know that he is wrapped in God’s loving arms and singing with the Angels in Heaven.
Tim Holmes says
I am one of the longest-serving members of Dave and Fay’s choir at St. Paul’s. They both have had a powerful and lasting effect on me, enriching my musical life and modeling for all of us a great marriage and endless dedication to the community. I am forever grateful for my decades-long relationship to Dave and his amazing family and will never forget any of them. Blessings!