At her wits end, Buzz’s mom put Buzz on a bus to Los Angeles, where he reacquainted himself with his father Ray, whom he hadn’t really had any contact since childhood. His father was a janitor at a Hollywood church, and a jazz musician by night. Ray was involved in Alcoholics Anonymous and thought Buzz might also benefit from this program. Buzz went begrudgingly, finding that the members were just too different from him. However, he found his tribe at Hollywood Young People’s group with some guys who were enrolled in LA City College and started hanging out with them. They were all on education and career paths, so he gave the school thing a shot.

Buzz graduated from Santa Monica Community College, built a canoe in his apartment, played the guitar, and got sober. Then, he moved to Long Beach graduating from Cal State Long Beach. He found a small apartment on Alamitos Bay Peninsula and began his pursuit of a degree in Social Work. He bought a small sailboat, was enjoying life to the fullest, attending A.A. meetings, making new friends and listening to old timers such as Walter, Ann & Gerard; Frank Hunnicutt.

He made friends in the area who were also career bound, sober and had fun carousing around with “Jumping Jack”, “Fast Eddie”, “TV Steve,” attending dances by DJ George, going to meetings and dances up and down the coast, enjoying Long Beach, Newport, Laguna, and other beach cities.

After graduating from the school of Social Work, Buzz continued his education at California State Fresno obtaining a master’s in social work. While working as a bus driver, taking students on field trips, and learning about all kinds of State parks that he would enjoy for the rest of his life, he also worked as a chef at the International Airport Hotel. He worked his way through school while starting in the field of Alcohol treatment.

With his master’s in social work in hand, he moved into his Dodge Van, and drove up and down the coast applying for jobs. He had mentors along the way, one of whom guided him to obtain a full pardon on his felony record from the Governor of Wisconsin, which cleared the path for him to apply for a job with the California Department of Corrections. He believed that his calling was to help inmates to see that like him, they could turn their life around and rebuild a life of quiet dignity, IF they put in the work. A mentor convinced him to turn down a job at Atascadero Mental Institute and apply to the California Youth Authority (Dept of Corrections), where he found his home and calling for the next 33 years.

During that time, his mother and stepfather followed him out to California, as did sister Sharon, who similarly followed his lead into the field of social work and a state job.
Back in Wisconsin, Roberta remained a housewife, and Buzz brought her out once a year or more giving her the opportunity to rebuild her relationship with their father, Ray, all to everyone’s enjoyment. Roberta’s daughter, Cathy Speckmann, eventually migrated from the Badger state to the California Coast, also a Social Worker (MSW) and in the Orange County Corrections system. Her daughter, Angela Taylor, is the newest MSW and works for the VA In North Carolina. Cathy’s other daughters, Maria Speckmann Kelly, works in human resources, and Stephanie is raising three youngsters.

In his work, Buzz ferreted out every resource for parolees, such as rehabilitation programs, 12 step houses, food banks, clothing centers, etc. He worked with professionals in “Volunteers in Parole” and believed whole heartedly in rehabilitation and second chances. He worked with hope and optimism in his heart. He was frank, fair, and encouraging. He never disclosed his own struggles (except for one time), as he wanted his clients to know that someone in the professional community believed in them.
Buzz met the love of his life JoAnn Fitzpatrick at an AA convention in Palm Springs. She invited him to fill a speaker slot for her Sunday meeting in South Bay, while he was scoping her out. He pursued her the same way he went after his career and goals, methodically, logically, and persistently. JoAnn hesitant, listened to a sage advisor Tory and opened the door to his pursuit… Thank God!!

On a road trip with a treasured friend, Cindi, early on, Cindi laughed hysterically in the backseat, and noted, “the two of you are both so weird in so many of the same ways!!” It was a love match that lasted 32 years. Many of Buzz’s friends could not believe that he was FINALLY, settling down… not sure if that is what he did, but it was a great marriage and partnership, with lots of love, travel, adventures…and always laughter! Buzz inspired and encouraged JoAnn to pursue education goals that she thought were beyond her capabilities. He encouraged her until she started to believe that she could achieve their shared vision of becoming a legal professional.

He never stopped being her favorite and most loyal cheerleader. She adored him and always sent him to work with a homemade lunch. She continued cooking his favorite food and loved being by his side though all of life’s adventures and challenges.

He was a great son to his parents, and great son-in-law to JoAnn’s parents, Margaret & Raymond Fitzpatrick, as well as a wonderful brother, uncle, and brother-in-law. Buzz often took his parents and inlaws to Laughlin, where they could gamble, eat, and dance. When considering a promotional move to San Diego, with both wanting to go, he turned down the opportunity, so that he could continue to help his 86-year-old stepfather. He continued to care for this person who gave him difficulty in his early life, simply because it was the right thing and his mother had asked him. He was loyal and caring to the end.

In marriage Buzz gained a large extended family with JoAnn’s six siblings: Susan Penney, Barbara Fortunato, Steven & Roseann Fitzpatrick, John & Suzie Fitzpatrick, Raymond Fitzpatrick & James Fitzpatrick, along with a host of nieces and nephews…He was always quiet and steady within her enthusiastic family as well as a great sounding board.

Buzz loved Hawaii and embraced the Hawaiian spirit. He loved music, whether playing, listening, and/or dancing and always enjoyed AA dances, live concerts, and any other opportunity to sing along and dance. He celebrated life, was always positive and felt so very fortunate in life and in love.

Buzz was a gentle soul. He was a quiet supportive presence. He never used foul language, almost never raised his voice, was always well mannered and considerate and kind with everyone. He always had a bright ready smile and sparkle in his eye. He was humble and dignified in all he was and did. He exemplified dignity!