Samuel John Irvine (€Œbuzz”)

SJ Irvine III Samuel John Irvine III ("Buzz") passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, February 27, 2015 while surrounded by his family. Born on March 9, 1933, Buzz was raised in Evans City, PA and most recently split time between Butler, PA, Bluffton, SC, and Key Largo, FL. He was the third generation leader of NexTier Bank (formally Citizens National Bank), retiring as chairman of the board in 2011 after 52 years. Prior to joining the bank, Buzz enjoyed a successful football career. He was a standout player at University of Maryland, where he was co-captain of the 1953 National Championship team. Afterwards he played professionally for the Chicago Cardinals and eventually joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Canada. Buzz was both an industry and community leader. He was the first president of the Community Bankers of Pennsylvania (now PA Association of Community Bankers) when it was formed in 1972 and served on many boards including the Butler Country Club, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and the Evans City Historical Society. Buzz and his family donated the building that now houses the Evans City Library. He also served on the board of Oberg Industries for over 50 years. Buzz was proudly inducted into the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame in 1988. Buzz was an extremely adventurous man who loved spending time on his boat with family and friends, as well as snowmobiling anywhere he could find snow. Golfing was more than a passion for Buzz, as he pursued his goal of playing top 100 courses in the world. One of his most cherished pastimes was playing Gin every morning to start the day with his best friend and wife, Lois. Buzz is survived by his wife of 24 years, Lois (Cooley) Irvine, as well as his four children SJ Irvine IV (Charro), William B Irvine (Deborah), Margaret Irvine Weir, and Laura Irvine Scheeler (Donald). He was also loved by his step children Beth Hugh, Phillip Hugh (Brigid), and Christopher Hugh (Tammy). He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Anne Livingston Irvine, and stepson Jeffrey Hugh (Lori). Having to proceed without his current toy collection, Buzz was also predeceased by a hovercraft and a few snowmobiles. His friends described Buzz as a gentle giant and a larger than life hero whom was blessed with a mind and imagination beyond the perimeters of the norm. A shared favorite comment among those who were close reads: "if we were to live life as fully as he did we would have a ton of catching up to do." Buzz excelled in sports, his career, and the allotted playtime. He was a mentor to many, a friend to all, and will be deeply missed but forever honored. In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations to be made in Buzz Irvine's name to the University of Maryland Terrapin Club Scholarship Fund. Online gifts can be accessed at http://www.terrapinclub.com or checks can be mailed to 2740 XFINITY Center, College Park, MD 20742. The family held a private service in Bluffton, SC. A celebration of his life will be held at the Butler Country Club on Saturday, March 7th from 1:00 - 3:00. Services will also be held in Bluffton, SC and Key Largo in the near future. A celebration of his life will be held at the Butler Country Club on Saturday, March 7th from 1:00 - 3:00. Services will also be held in Bluffton, SC and Key Largo in the near future.