In 2001, after a lengthy and successful career with a global insurance firm, Marsh and McLennen, Neil Buechler retired to join his wife Verna in full-time appreciation of their children and grandchildren.
After they ensured that their family was taken care of, the Buechlers turned more attention to their community. As Verna explained, “Our philosophy has always been that we should make things better for people who need help.” Neil adds, “I believe in helping other people, particularly those less privileged, particularly kids.”
While Verna took care of the priorities at home, Neil volunteered his time to put his beliefs into action. He is a member of Rotary Club of Saskatoon Meewasin, and worked as a volunteer on the boards of Saskatoon Food Bank and Prairieland Park Corporation. The family also supports numerous local charities including Friendship Inn, Saskatoon Food Bank, SPCA, and the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra.
Both Verna’s and Neil’s families were caring and giving people. Those strong memories are never far from their thoughts. Being successful and very fortunate in their lives. Neil and Verna turned to Saskatoon Community Foundation as a means of having a larger influence on the needs of the community.
“We chose the Saskatoon Community Foundation because it covers many of the areas we are interested in, especially the issues that effect youth and families,” Neil says. “It is also a way that our legacy of caring lasts forever.”
The Neil & Verna Buechler and Family Fund supports Saskatoon families and young people always, now and into the future.
The Buechlers taught their children, Brent, Curtis, and Jill, about the duty and necessity to help others. Through this field-of-interest fund, the couple hopes they have initiated intergenerational assistance that will continue on an ongoing basis, long after they are gone. In that way, Neil and Verna’s legacy lives on.