Robert Buz Tapply

Robert “Buz” Tapply, 84, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024, at Poudre Canyon Health and Rehab in Fort Collins, CO.

Buz was preceded in death by his son Todd and his parents Robert and Bethel. He is survived by his wife Tina; daughter Lisa Maddux and son-in-law Ward; grandchildren Zachary, Lila, and Rory; sister Launa Godley; cousin Adrienne Tapply Smela, her husband Jon and children Curtis and Levi; and family friend Joanne Eskildsen.

He was born on December 27, 1939, in Lebanon, NH. He graduated from Lunenburg High School in Lunenburg, MA in 1958 and served in the Navy from 1958 to 1963. He married Tina in 1965 and they immediately headed west in their Volkswagen bus. Buz took flying lessons in Hawaii and continued with flight school in Carson City, NV. Buz flew for most of his lifetime, including aerial spraying for 42 years in the Fort Collins and Greeley, CO areas as well as owning and flying helicopters and vintage WWII airplanes.

After two years in Nevada Buz and Tina moved to Fort Collins, CO to purchase a crop dusting business. This is where they settled and would remain to raise their family. As the demands of the business were primarily during the summer months, Buz was free to pursue additional interests during the winter months. A great downhill skier, Buz became the first paid ski patrolman in Steamboat Springs and the family enjoyed many winter weekends there throughout the years.

The Tapply family was in the lumber business in Massachusetts. Buz used his carpentry skills to construct two homes for his family as well as several other families. He also enjoyed woodworking and used his skill and creativity to build numerous furniture pieces over the years. Enjoying anything that went fast, one of Buz’s hobbies was building and racing cars. He owned and raced midgets and sprint cars and was a fixture at Colorado National Speedway for a number of years. He also restored several classic cars.

Buz lived a life filled with variety doing the things he loved. He was a risk-taker. He was a naturally talented carpenter, handyman, and mechanic; generally able to do anything with his hands. He enjoyed being his own boss and owned several businesses. He had a generous nature and would do anything for his family and friends. He left his mark and he will be missed.

No service is planned. Memorial donations may be made to the Northern Colorado Humane Society.