Celebration of Life for UAA student Colin Buness - July 23, 2012

The Wrangell Sentinel reported UAA student Colin Buness missing since June 22, 2012, when he last reported in with his GPS SPOT locator while on a hiking and kayaking trip toward Aaron Creek and the Katete River in Southeast Alaska. (See the original story here.)

A search was conducted through June 30 and on July 5, the Wrangell Sentinel published an obituary for Colin.

We are deeply saddened by Colin's disappearance and presumed death.

Colin's love of adventure was well known to the students, staff and faculty in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Department where he was pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education.

"Colin was a bright, energetic young man with a panache for adventure," Assistant Professor T.J. Miller commented. "From running a 100-mile race in the winter to canoeing the Inside Passage or leading youth in his Alaska backyard, Colin put all of his heart into all that he did. Colin's amazing talent and adventurous life were cut too short; his impact will not be forgotten."

HPER Director and Associate Professor Sandra Caroll-Cobb said that, "Colin was a breath of fresh air, a strong young man with a strong sense of self and of service to others--quite an inspiration to those around him. My heart aches for his family and for all of us. This is a tremendous loss."

Colin also worked at the Student Union Information Desk and was a Sergeant in the Army National Guard. "Colin's presence, smile, laugh and words of encouragement will be greatly missed among the Student Union and Commuter Student Services staff and the many students Colin interacted with every week," Commuter Student Services Coordinator David Murdoch stated.

Colin's disappearance and presumed death is a great loss, which affects our entire UAA family. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, classmates and those most closely affected by Colin's absence.

Students, staff, faculty, alumni, family and community members are invited to a celebration of Colin's life being held on Monday, July 23, at 5 p.m., in the Student Union Den. This will be an opportunity to share and reflect as a community on the many memories and life lessons Colin left as a legacy.

During difficult times like this the university has programs and resources available for students and employees. We would like to share phone numbers for several resources.

For students:

• UAA Student Health and Counseling Center: (907) 786-4040
• UAA Psychological Services Center: (907) 786-1795
• UAA Student Development Counseling Services: (907) 786-6158

For employees:

• ComPsych Employee Assistance Program: (866) 465-8934 (company #GC5901Q)