Upon presenting copies of my book "what if? The Question or a Statement" to my friends, I asked for their comments, and I have included some of them in the opening of this book. I quote part of the comment from Winfield which has hit home. "Hey Rich. Congratulation on the for book, it brings back memories, you asked for comments on the script, well I can tell you that the story presentation and the way it was writte4n is pure Richard...People who do not know you.. . Need to know you first... I think you have enough material about you, your family and your works... be separated into two books. My take." This confirmed my initial thoughts. After starting my book, not to dwell on my personal life it was autobiographical and my involvement in the building of a new church. This book is an expanded version of my daily life, works, and D.I.Y. projects as I travel the path.
About the Author: The son of Richard M. Buery and Winifred J. Buery born in Colon Republic of Panama. His formal education started at Christ Church Academy, then transferred to the Public schools Pablo Arosemena, continuing on to Colegio Abel Bravo, he graduated with a (Bachelor in Commerce) with special interest in Mechanical Drawing, and musical Education. He enrolled in the school choir also the drum and bugle core. He attended Church services at Christ Church By-the-sea Episcopal Church, Colon Republic of Panama, where he served as an acolyte and was eventually drafted by the reverend (who was also the Choir director), as the youngest member in the senior choir as a Tenor, and became quite active in the church's life. He continued his singing pursuit and joined various vocal ensembles, quartet as leading tenor, and other mixed musical groups. His musical interest led him to be part of "The Harmonizers" a quartet that became recognized as the best in town. After graduating from school, he was employed by the U.S.Caribbean Command Post Exchange at Ft Kobe, Canal Zone as a sales clerk, and occasionally helped in the Photography section. He received a letter of commendation for excellent service. From the Major, QMC. On leaving. His interest in Photography, led him to enroll in a correspondence course the School of Modern Photography. He joined International Photo Co. as a stock control clerk/Paymaster and part-time salesperson where he worked until December 15, 1962 when he traveled to the U.S.A. and pursued his passion, Photography, working as a wedding photographer with 2 Photo studious on weekends, as well as affiliation as official photographer for the Black Athletes Hall of Fame held that year in Las Vegas, NV. Also Miss Black America. He was employed with Commanded Steamship Co. as a Bookkeeper, then Bunge Corp. as a Commodity Traffic Mgr. and retired after 23 years. He met and married Olivia in 1964 and was blessed with 3 wonderful children, who presented us with 8 sources of joy (grandchildren). He continued musical endeavors with, Choral groups, choirs and very involved With St Gabriel's Episcopal Church Brooklyn., New York. As an author he wrote a book "What if? The question or a Statement" which expresses the experiences sustained "from demolition to construction" of the new church.