Richard “Buzz” Hemwall passed away May 18, 2025. He was born in Oak Park, IL to George Hemwall and Gertrude Jones Hemwall and grew up in Holland, MI.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth Hames Hemwall, along with his son Daniel Hemwall, and sister, Toddy Van Wieren. He is survived by his wife, Judith of Holland; children by his first marriage: Margie (Del) Brewer of Sahuirita, AZ, Drew Hemwall, of Placentia, CA, and Amy (Rodger) Burrow of Mansfield, TX. He has four granddaughters, Camryn, Jayna, Faye, and Kiera. He is also survived by a brother, Alan Hemwall, of Monroe, MI along with several nieces and nephews.
Buzz was a secondary school music educator and band director for 37 years in Michigan and Arizona. His Sahuarita, AZ high school band was invited to play at Disneyland and the Fiesta Bowl. He played trumpet as a member of several big bands and jazz groups during his career. While living in Arizona, he was director of the Rhythm Gang Big Band and the Tucson Boys Band. He played taps for several veterans’ association and funeral homes for veterans’ memorial services in Arizona and Michigan. Buzz was a member of the Holland American Legion Band and Zeeland Community Band.
He was a graduate of Holland High School, Class of 1955, graduated from Kalamazoo College with a B.A in music education and the University of Arizona with an M.M.Ed.
Private inurnment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Saugatuck. The family wishes to thank the staff at Golden Orchards and Hospice of Holland for their excellent care and oversight.
Pleasure playing alongside Buzz, both in Zeeland and the Holland American Legion Band. A nice guy to talk to, as well. Always had a kind word.