Honouring the Legacy of Dr. John Buhler Blog
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The University of Winnipeg Foundation and our community mourn the loss of Dr. John Buhler, who passed away at the age of 91 in late December.
An incredible donor and philanthropist whose vision and financial support helped reshape UWinnipeg’s campus, Dr. Buhler’s impact on this institution was immense. The financial support he provided through the bourgeoning UWF during our first decade of operation cemented his legacy as a businessman committed to bettering the space that thousands of students and faculty use each year.
Born in Haskett, Manitoba in 1933, Dr. Buhler became a business owner at the age of 36 after purchasing Morden-based company Standard Gas Engine Works in the late ‘60s. After renaming it to Farm King Limited, he would transform the company into a supplier of farm equipment, initially supplying the local towns surrounding Morden and later much of Southern Manitoba.
A member of the Wesmen family and recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University in 2014, Dr. Buhler and his wife, Dr. Bonnie Buhler, began their philanthropic relationship with UWinnipeg in 2009 with a pair of gifts to the Norman J. and Gwen Axworthy Peace Education Bursary and Reeh & Pamela Taylor Family Academic Travel Award. The Buhler’s would go on to donate more than $4 million over the course of the next 15 years—with many of their gifts being directed towards the Buhler Centre Faculty of Business & Eco-Capital Fund.
Prior to 2010, the Southeastern corner of the University’s main campus was capped at the corner of Balmoral and Portage Avenue by the Rice Centre—but with Dr. Buhler’s support the University was able to expand its borders through the creation of the Buhler Centre. This unique building was envisioned as a space for the Faculty of Business and Economics, and now houses the Professional and Applied Continuing Education Program (PACE), the Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art, and a branch of Stella’s Café and Bakery. In addition to their sponsorship of the centre’s construction, the Buhlers helped create the Buhler Knowledge Access Fund, which provides scholarships and bursaries for students studying Business and Economics.
Dr. Buhler will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of meeting him, but his legacy of philanthropy, and dedication to helping hardworking UWinnipeg students succeed, will continue to resonate for generations.
In service,
Javier Schwersensky
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