Richard H. Buri

Richard H. Buri, 86, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2022 surrounded by his family in his favorite place, Wyoming.

Richard was born to Fred and Genevieve Buri on February 23, 1936 in Aurora, Illinois. He had four siblings, Charlene, Joanne, Jean and Fred Jr. Buri. Richard married the love of his life, Joy Darner and the two were married in June, 1956.    

Richard led a very active life. He played semi-pro football with the Aurora Clippers right after high school, then started his career as a brick layer followed by 15 years in the garment industry. While still working 2 jobs Richard had a vision of creating a place that brought families together for fun and entertainment. In 1959, with Walt Disney as his inspiration and his calling as a Businessman, Richard started Funway in Batavia, IL. Soon after that in 1967, Richard realized that they had outgrown the location and purchased 1335 S. River St., where Funway still resides to this day. Funway offered many activities, including a go-kart track, bumper cars, arcade, batting cages, and a skating rink, just to name a few. He was hands on with every new addition to the business since he loved building, fixing and creating. Richard also built a trackless train, he was often seen cruising through Batavia to visit friends, be a local chauffeur or pick his kids up from school.

Richard was also very involved in the community. He volunteered and participated in fundraising for many causes that were important to him; muscular dystrophy, the bicycle rodeo for the Valley Sheltered Workshop, church, school groups, scouts and Jaycees. In addition to his time, Richard was very generous in other ways. He got so much joy from teaching and sharing his knowledge with his kids, employees, or anyone he met. He was incredibly loyal and had a way of making everyone in his life feel special. He also spread joy by playing the piano and guitar, his children have fond memories of him playing for them after dinner.

Richard operated Funway for 30 years, but the adventures did not end when he retired. He first learned how to glide, and then took it to the next level and got his pilot’s license. Throughout Richards life he never stopped challenging himself and growing, he impacted everyone that knew him and left the world a better place. 

Richard is survived by his wife Joy and four children; Deidra Owen (Charlie) Peterson, Diana (Dan) Sauer, Brian (Allison) Buri, Babette (AJ) Suter; and eight grandchildren; Cassie Owen, Joshua, Zackary and Dustin Sauer, Taylor and Devon Buri, and Krystina and Kyle Suter.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and his grandson, Cody Owen.

If Richard could give one piece of advice to all, it would be ‘Don't wait around to live your life; go, do, see and be and love with your whole heart.’

No funeral services will be held.