Charles Duane Buist

A Sons Reflection Back Into The Mirror Of Time Yes it is true as a young businessman, still in school at age 16, he began a life that he himself, had no idea would flourish into what it did. Starting out with one simple popcorn wagon in the early days of concessionaires, he led the way into a field of special event food sales. Starting with a simple popcorn wagon, he managed to secure locations thru his gift of gab, high quality products and cleanliness. Surprised by the outpouring of support for his products, and the admiration of the man himself the story continued. Thru the following years he developed not only a following from the general public, but also allowed him to break into the carnival industry, which was a truly positive development. WHY? Most of you have NO idea of this, but, in that time, carnivals implemented rides only and depended on what we call “independent concessionaires” to provide food to their patrons. The carnivals had no food wagons, opening a door to a new opportunity. At this point or shortly before is when he had married our mother and we all became part of the Buist concessions family. Things progressed from there, owning and operating now several types of food stands for product sales. If I remember correctly believe at that time it was “nutty dip” ice cream booth, popcorn wagons, a cotton candy snow cone wagon and even a small merchandise trailer that sold balloons, stretched bottles we stretched in the basement from old glass pop bottles as well as a lot of other novelty items. The list of locations was extensive, from county fairs to rodeos, the whole family was involved and we all tried to do our parts to help the business succeed. In later years, selling off the other wagons, he and mom became very well known for the “sausage” wagon they conducted business in for several more years. This was the last wagon they were to ever operated. In Chuck’s life he also sold items in the grand stands of events like the circus and the golden gloves to add income to the family, (having put us all thru “good schools” was pricey) even managing to train us boys in the art of “hawking” so we too could make some extra money and we all aced that. (Hawking meaning: To run up and down the grandstands at events like a crazy person, screaming out at the top of your lungs the name of everything we were selling at that particular show, dealing with “Joe Public” on a one to one basis in the absolute quickest and politest way possible, all the while smiling and sweating making change for their dollars.) Now ya know. Then in later years, mostly he sold “Nutty Dip” ice cream to the patrons at car shows, rv shows and many others in downtown Grand Rapids Amway for several years, before finally retiring, and giving in to his wife’s call to do so. He loved it so much, we are sure he would have continued, if not for the convincing argument she put up. He was Never afraid of the work involved as he loved the people he served, and it showed. Even thru all the work and pressing times, he always managed to find time for some enjoyment with us 5 children, as he knew we worked hard to help. He loved snowmobiling, camping and yup, back it the day, even quads, those were a riot! And of course, knowing the true value of a dollar, showed us that if we worked hard and saved our money, we could purchase our own equipment, which each of us eventually did. He bought a Winnebago and we were off to somewhere to have a blast. Good times. After retirement he and mom spent most summers in the u.p. in their camper where the summers are most comfortable and the countryside’s splendor is spectacular. They did this for many years until they could no longer make the trip, due to moms failing health. Before, during and after her death, Chuck was a real trooper. He decided to try to make the best of a bad situation and did just that. He enjoyed or at the very least, tried to enjoy what time God had granted him, as he was a strong willed individual. He probably had severe aches and pains from the scars of life, but tolerated them well and never complained and he just went on until his final day, which arrived a short time ago. You fully completed your life’s mission that God had so unselfishly put you on this earth for. You have relayed His message thru your teachings and example. Now dad, please rest in peace and enjoy the company of those you have longed to reunite with. In the comfort and presence of the Lord our God, please smile, knowing you have been a blessing and touched so many lives. As we wait to be called by the Lord at the end of our journey, we will carry your spirit with us always. We promise we will look back into “The Mirror Of Time”, relive the memories thru conversation and laughter, although, shedding tears occasionally, to let you know you will be with our hearts and minds forever. These are just some of the many things that the man had accomplished in his lifetime, thru (my recollection). I had no intentions to forget or misrepresent anything or anyone. There are so many things I could go on for days. I hope I have represented my father in the most positive and honest way possible thru my words and hope you enjoyed the read. Thank you all for your love and support you have blessed us with, and most of all, for the respect and love you showed our father throughout his life. God Bless You. Sincerely, Denis Opolski

- Denis Opolski