MOUNT VERNON – H. R. “Buss” Ransom, 84, passed away, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. He was born on Oct. 16, 1936, in Mount Vernon to the late Robert and Bessie (Roberts) Ransom.
Buss graduated from Mount Vernon High School and then The Ohio State University College of Engineering School of Architecture and went on to serve in the Ohio Army National Guard. He spent decades shaping the Central Ohio landscape and over the years received the BIA Washburn-Schofield Award and the Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects, as well as being inducted into the BIA of Central Ohio’s Hall of Fame and receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award from The Ohio State University College of Engineering. Buss was a past president of the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio and the Ohio Homebuilders Association.
Buss led an incredibly full life blessed with an abundance of deep friendships and an immediate and extended family, which was the most important thing in the world to him.
As a builder/developer/architect, he never shied away from a challenging project and his vision can be seen throughout Central Ohio in thoughtfully designed and built enclaves such as The Quarry on the Scioto, The Woods at Muirfield Village and Scioto Pointe. Buss also played a role in numerous communities developed in conjunction with his close friend and longtime colleague, Pete Edwards and Edwards Communities.
Buss was an avid golfer and spent life chasing the perfect swing. Though he never found it, his days spent with family and good friends at Muirfield Village, Scioto Country Club and Pelican Bay filled him with joy. It was as much about the opportunity to be with people and learn about their lives as it was the game he so loved.
Buss poured into the people he loved and was always deeply curious about people’s lives. Be it a close acquaintance, the checkout person at the grocery store, or a young friend of a grandchild, his thoughtful questions and sincere interest made it clear he was genuinely focused on YOU.
Buss had a wonderful sense of humor and a can-do attitude. He was always game to give something a try no matter how far from his comfort zone or how unlikely success seemed. He passed this positive attitude on to so many family members and friends and was always the greatest cheerleader anyone could ask for.
Buss was so fortunate to spend the last 16 years of his life with his beloved Lou Ann. They shared their passions for travel, family, friends and of course golf! They loved each other dearly and built an extended family and friends group which will carry Buss’s love, graciousness and passion forever.
In addition to his parents, Buss was preceded in death by brothers Robert and Charles Ransom.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Lou Ann; children, Eric (Nikki) and Carinne Phillips-Blackwell (Chris); step-children, Ann Airey, Jeff Moritz (Pam), Molly Tyger (Doug) and Cathy Presper (Dave); and grandchildren, Riley and Ella Ransom, Megan, Ted and Evan Airey, Emily, Sarah and Caroline Moritz, Ellie, Anna and Ingrid Tyger, Maria, Andrea, Kim and Stephanie Presper, and Ethan and Victoria Blackwell; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who meant the world to him.
Family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 29, at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221. Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30, at First Community Church North Campus, 3777 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43221.
Memorial contributions may be made to The First Community Foundation – 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212.
To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.
