William Buak

William (aka ""Wild Bill"") Buak departed his beloved Green Valley region of Santa Cruz County on Sunday the 24th of January 2021, after spending his life living and farming within a mile from where he was born. Bill was 96 years old when he passed peacefully at home with his loving wife, Mary and son, Martin by his side.

Bill was the son of William N. and Minnie Buak, early pioneer apple growers in the Green Valley region and founders of Buak Fruit Co. In 1958 Bill met and married Mary Fragoso of Durango, Mexico. They spent the next 62 years in a loving and caring relationship. Bill leaves behind his wife Mary, brother Jake, and five children: Nick, Peggy Ann, Brock, Stephanie and Martin. In addition, he leaves behind eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. His second great-great-grandchild was born on Bill's 94th birthday. In addition to Bill's immediate family, he had a large extended family whom loved him very much and always referred to him as ""Uncle Bill"". Bill loved farming and the land he farmed. He was only away from the farm when he proudly served his country during WWII in the Army Air Corp; first as crew member (gunner) on B-17's and then as crew member (central fire control) on B-29's. Bill was extremely skilled and very talented in all necessary tasks to keep a farm running; both gas and diesel mechanics, refrigeration, welding and horticultural practices. Bill was also an innovator, introducing new varieties of apples and pears to the Pajaro Valley. In addition, Bill initiated new orchard planting techniques being used in Europe and Washington State, mainly high density vertical and V trellis systems. Bill was also instrumental along with others Pajaro Valley apples growers, in forming the ""California Apple Advisory Board"". Bill retired from Buak Fruit Co. in 2007 at the age of 83.Just like his father, who was an accomplished dowser (water witching), Bill inherited this natural talent. At the age of 60 he began experimenting with this gift of ""witching for water"". He soon became very proficient as a dowser and successfully found many water wells for farmers, growers, and home owners in the Pajaro Valley, and as far away as King City. Bill was recognized for this talent in an article published by the Register Pajaronian. Bill retired from being a dowser after a bad knee kept him from doing the necessary walking at age 92.In retirement, Bill enjoyed building radio control airplanes. His prize creation was a replica of his beloved B-29. Boasting a 12-foot wingspan, this model aircraft still hangs from the ceiling in his patio. Bill also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, spending countless hour working in his patio with his loving wife and family. Bill had a jovial sense of humor and an infectious smile that will always be remembered by all that knew him. He will truly be missed.

Due to his wishes no services will be held

Published in The Pajaronian · February 5, 2021