Paul A. Buchsen

Paul A. Buchsen “beloved husband, father, and businessman”

COUDERSPORT, PA---Paul A. Buchsen, 82, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

Born on Monday, June 22, 1942 in Coudersport, he was a son of George and Steffie Pransky Buchsen. On October 31, 1964 in St. Bibiana’s Catholic Church in Galeton, he married Dolores M. Rankin, who survives. He passed away one day short of their 60th wedding anniversary.

Paul was a graduate of Coudersport High School. In 1960 he briefly attended Penn State University returning home to help his family. In 1961 he was hired at the Bureau of Forestry as a labor assistant in their Timber Management program. In 1964 he was hired by Hammermill Paper Company for timber management of over 60,000 acres and became their District Forester. In 1981 Paul saw a need for specialty markets in the timber industry, successfully starting and managed log sales programs and log yards in Port Allegany, PA, Lakewood, NY, and Kane, PA. In 1987 Paul made the decision to start his own company, Northern Appalachian Log & Forestry Company based in Coudersport, where he was the CEO and President until his passing. He was an owner of Northern Appalachian Timberlands LLC and an owner and officer of the current operating company, Northern Appalachian Logging & Forestry LLC, with the Lyme Timber Company. For many years Paul was a Pennsylvania State Forest Fire Warden.

Paul had over 63 years of experience in the industry and loved every minute of it. He prided himself on building a company with hardworking individuals, which in turn gave long standing employment to our community. He was always happy to meet with people to talk and educate them about the hardwood trees on their property. As time progressed and he was not physically able to be in the log yards, he enjoyed renovating and establishing the company’s office located on Main Street in Coudersport, where he continued to meet with clients and continue going to work every day.

He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his beloved dog, Taylor. He enjoyed trips with his good friends to Alaska and out West. However Paul’s passion was truly the hardwood industry and he will leave behind a lasting legacy.

Surviving are his beloved wife; two daughters, Kim Buchsen of Florida and Kari Buchsen of Roulette; three brothers, Ron Buchsen of Virginia, Gary (Diana) Buchsen of Roulette, and George Buchsen of Coudersport; and several nieces and nephews.

Paul was predeceased by his parents.

Family and friends may call from 9am to 11am on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the Gathering Space of St. Eulalia Catholic Church, Coudersport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am in the church with the Rev. Christopher Wheeler, as celebrant. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Coudersport. 

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials in Paul’s name may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915 or the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 161, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Paul’s family entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Paul, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.