Remembering Kim D. Buty, 1955-2024

Family and friends are remembering Kim Buty, and sharing this remembrance with his community:

Kim David Buty passed away at age 68 on February 9, 2024, at his beach home in West Seattle. He was born November 9, 1955, in Seattle, the fourth child of Frank and Bettie Buty. He attended Our Lady of Fatima Parish School and O’Dea High School, later studying at Western Washington University and then graduating from the University of Washington. He was married August 7, 1982, at Holy Rosary Church in Seattle.

Kim started working for his father’s Independent Delivery business at an early age and later owned and managed Master Movers, another family enterprise that was one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Seattle. Initially his main customer was Washington Natural Gas. His customer base evolved as he specialized in moving seniors into retirement homes. His efficient work and kindness toward seniors gained him many friends in Seattle retirement residences.

Kim was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, great-uncle, and cousin to a large extended family. His fun-loving nature brought him a wide circle of friends as well. For him, hosting a large gathering on the Fourth of July was always the highlight of the year. He was a 38-year member of the Northwest Alfa Romeo Owners Club, serving three years as treasurer and two years as activities chair.

Kim enjoyed sailing and boating, beach time, his Samoyed dogs, tropical fish, travel, restoration of antique clocks, and gardening. He took pride in his garage he organized to house and display vintage cars and all things Alfa Romeo.

Besides his parents, Kim was predeceased by his sister, Sherry, and nephews Ryan and Nicholas. He is survived by his wife Paula, son Rocco, brothers Frank (Carlene), and Steven (Erin), nieces Nina, Christie Heartquist (Scott), and Shelley McCanna (Pat); nephew Mario (Janelle), as well as great-nieces and great-nephews. And Kayli, the family’s Samoyed.

Memorials may be made to Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation or the American Parkinson Disease Association.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Family burial service will be at Calvary Cemetery.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

alicekuder February 25, 2024 (12:00 pm)

I am so grateful that you publish obituaries such as this one as a community service. I did not know this gentleman, but appreciate the opportunity to send gratitude to the Universe for all that he contributed to our community and our world. I find it appalling that newspapers charge for printing obituaries. Surely, births and deaths are some of the most significant “news” there is to print. Thank you for not following suit.

Kylene February 25, 2024 (1:35 pm)

My thoughts are with you Paula and Rocco. It has been a long time but I remember Kim’s great smile when he would come to visit class. Hugs to you both and to your family.

Paula Buty February 25, 2024 (2:38 pm)

Omigosh, it truly is a long time, Kylene! Thank you for your caring thoughts and for sharing this special memory.

Al King February 25, 2024 (2:22 pm)

WSB’s service by providing these notices also highlights how many unique and interesting people West Seattle has. My plea is for families to write down and/or record your stories. There is a lot of history here.

John Nuler February 25, 2024 (2:48 pm)

My thoughts and condolences to Paula and Rocco.

Greg and Gail February 25, 2024 (6:54 pm)

Paula and Rocco,We are so sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. He was such a beautiful soul. The last time I saw him he came over to help us with Gail’s dad’s clock after his passing. He was always generous with his time. We always missed you guys being on the corner. We did not even know he was sick. I hope it is a comfort to you that he loved and was loved by so many.

SUZANNE MURRAY February 25, 2024 (8:53 pm)

Paula and Rocco,We sure loved Kim. Being a neighbor for all those years was wonderful. Kim was so kind. His help with all my different moves was great. I will always remember being on the beach and boating adventures like the sea lion on your boat.

Bil and Judy February 25, 2024 (9:12 pm)

Thank you, West Seattle Blog, for posting this. We joined the Alfa Romeo Club about the same time as Kim and Paula and have been friends since. Kim was a wonderful person, and this is a big hole in our life. Great memories, though. Bill and Judy (in Kirkland)

Fred Russell February 28, 2024 (5:40 pm)

As a fellow Alfa Romeo nut, I spent a lot of time on drives and at car events with Kim, Paula, and Rocco. It was always a treat since Kim was always kind, gentle, generous, and so supportive of those around him. In a world where people forget to say nice things to others around them, Kim didn’t forget. He often would just quietly tell me how much he enjoyed the drive, or remind me if he appreciated the event. I’m proud to have known him for many years, and to have enjoyed the time we did have together.

Steve Schaeffer February 28, 2024 (6:13 pm)

I joined the Northwest Alfa Romeo Club in 1989 and quickly became friends with Kim and Paula. They were always such a pleasure to be around. Kim and Paula both had the most youthful nature and clearly enjoyed life. I will have nothing but the finest memories of Kim. I’m devastated to learn of his untimely passing. Thinking of Paula and Rocco now…