Dec. 21, 1924 — March 22, 2025
Ralph Busby
Ralph Thomas “Buz” Busby — the longtime co-partner in the well-known local business, Fluetsch and Busby Insurance — passed away last Saturday morning, March 22. He was 100.
“It was a peaceful passing,” said Doug Fluetsch, a fourth-generation partner in the ‘F&B’ firm that has operated in town for some 113 years. “He was a longtime role model and mentor of mine, the kind of guy who really, really cared about Merced. When I first joined F&B, Buz took me in and taught me about our client base, our way of doing business, the honor of respecting relationships, and keeping your word — something he did very well.”
Busby was born in Berkeley on Dec. 21, 1924. He grew up in Berkeley until he reached high school, then moved in with his mother’s sister Portia and her husband Don Wilson, who remained as parent and grandparent figures in the family for the rest of their lives.
After graduating from high school Buz joined the U.S. Army and served from 1943 to 1945. When he was discharged, he returned to Berkeley and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business in 1949. He also met his future wife Betty Jean “Bunny” Robinson.
After graduating, they moved to Merced, and Ralph eventually got a job in 1955 with the Fluetsch and Shaffer insurance agency, directed by John Fluetsch and HS Shaffer, inside the Shaffer building, at the corner of M and 17th streets. Soon after Ralph was hired, John’s son, Peter Fluetsch, entered the ranks.
The team of Ralph and Peter would end up leaving a lasting mark on the Merced community. They became great friends and business partners. They changed the name to Fluetsch & Busby Insurance in 1966 and moved the business to 725 W. 18th Street where the business is located today. Busby remained in the business and became a senior partner until he retired in 1996.
Meanwhile, Busby also served on the Merced City Council. According to longtime friend, E.J. Lorenzi, Busby was one of the leaders responsible for the naming of Bob Hart Square to honor a fellow city leader.
In addition, he held leadership positions in civic-minded organizations including the Merced Cemetery District, Trade Club, Elks, Masons, Scottish Rite, Shriners, Merced Chamber of Commerce, the Merced Boosters, and the Central Presbyterian Church.
Most notably, Busby was the founding president of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced, and he helped install the train tracks at Kiddieland.
Into his late years, Busby was involved in supporting efforts to improving the quality of life in Merced.
Said Doug Fluetsch, “Back when Fluetsch & Busby Insurance adopted the planter box at Bob Hart Square, Buz — then in his early 90s — came down to help us dig the holes for the trees and plants. He never lost the love of Merced and its people.”
Busby was predeceased by his beloved wife Bunny, by his parents, and by Portia and Don Wilson and is survived by his four children Linda McCollum (Mike), Carol Busby (Rick Davidson), Diane McMurry, and Robert Busby (Sheryl), five grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, and his partner Nancy Olsen.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on May 31, at 11 a.m. Details forthcoming.