Greg "Buzz" Caron, age 65 of Rochester passed away Friday, August 9 at his daughter's home in Shakopee, MN.

Greg was born July 8, 1948 to Lewis and Beulah Caron in Owatonna, MN.  He graduated from Owatonna high school and went on to study at the Chicago Institute of Arts.

He married Mary Carpenter in 1970 and moved to Rochester MN.  They welcomed a daughter, Melissa, in 1979. His wife Mary passed away 1982, and Greg raised their daughter in their family home. Greg was the loving and devoted father to Melissa (Brian) Semira, and the beloved Grandfather of Riley Jane and Brodie Semira.

Greg was a prominent wild life and landscape artist, who had true passion and talent for the visual arts. He was instrumental in SEMVA, Southeast Minnesota Visual Artists, where he served as president for nearly 10 years. He was a dedicated teacher of art throughout the Rochester community and found joy in helping others learn to love painting. He also loved training dogs and was active in the Zumbro Valley Retriever Club for many years. He was grateful to have cultivated lifelong friendships with many, many people throughout these organizations and others. For the last 15 years, Greg worked at the Post Bulletin Company.

Greg thoroughly enjoyed his family and spending time with his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. Lovingly called "YaYa" by the grandkids, the relationship they shared will be treasured forever. He found a tremendous amount of joy in sharing in the lives of his family and was a pillar of strength and best friend to his daughter throughout their lives together. He was a family man, professional artist, avid photographer and lover of wildlife, and a true and loyal friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, father Louis and mother Beulah Caron, and is survived by daughter Melissa, son-in-law Brian, grandchildren Riley and Brodie, and brother Craig (Overgaard, AZ).

Visitation is at Bethel Lutheran church on Wednesday August 14 ^th from 12 noon until 2:00pm with the service immediately following at 2pm, officiated by Rev. Norman Wahl.  A luncheon will follow, and the family encourages friends to share their best "Buzz" stories during this time to celebrate his wonderful life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family.