In Memory of Malcom Buffington

Obituary

Malcolm Buffington, age 84, of New Hartford, NY, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He will be deeply missed.

Born in Malta, Montana, he was the middle son of a large family. At seven years old, his life took a new turn when he was adopted. He was welcomed into the home of Kenneth Clark (KC) and Mary Jo Buffington in Great Falls.K.C. was a farmer and Mary Jo worked as a nurse. He enjoyed having a brother, Jerry.

From his earliest days, Malcolm possessed a deep love for reading and learning about American history and especially indigenous cultures. One of his first jobs was as a teacher on the Blackfoot Reservation. Pursuing higher education, Malcolm attended Macalester College, earning a bachelor's degree in counseling. It was during these formative years that he discovered his spiritual home within the Unitarian Universalist Church. During the Vietnam War, he stood as the first conscientious objector from his community, citing religious convictions and a personal aversion to the violence he experienced during his early childhood. This experience helped fuel his lifelong interest in pacifism.

After his time in the Army, he returned to his academic pursuits, enrolling in the English department at the University of Montana to refine his craft as a writer.Malcolm then met his perfect match when he began dating Susan Ehrlich.The couple married, successfully completed their degrees, and started their family together. They enjoyed a conversation, collaboration and creative partnership that endured decades.The Buffingtons relocated to New York State in the early 1970s. Malcolm worked for as a day care center director, circulation manager for a newspaper, and a Correction Officer.In his later years, Malcolm found great fulfillment in his retirement. He was a frequent volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, The Refugee Center, the American Red Cross and at his church. 

Malcolm is survived by his son, Andrew, and daughter-in-law Traci of New Hartford and his daughter, Rachael, and son-in-law John of Rochester. He shared an especially close bond with his two grandchildren, Nora and Ben who cherish warm memories of the quality time they spent with their grandfather, affectionately known as "Papa" or "the old cowboy."

Please join the family for a celebration of life for Malcolm and Susan Buffington on August 22 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Utica.