Buettell Family Honors Robert Buettell With $350K Gift

A few weeks ago, the Foundation team received a heartfelt call from Bruce Buettell, who wished to make a gift in memory of his late father, Robert Buettell. 

In 1941, 15-year-old Robert was the victim of a hit-and-run accident while waiting for a bus, leaving him with a severely injured knee and a grim prognosis. Desperate for help, his mother brought him to Orthopaedic Hospital. Despite her being a single mother with no means to pay, they were welcomed with open arms. Thanks to the expert and compassionate care Robert received, he went on to live a long and fulfilling life.

He served in the U.S. Army, raised a family, and became a proud USC alumnus—known far and wide as the Trojans’ biggest fan. From age 21 to 86, he attended nearly every home game and even traveled out of state to cheer on his team.

Robert Buettell passed away in 2023 at the age of 96, but his legacy lives on through his son and grandsons, who continue to cheer on the Trojans. 

To learn more about making a gift in honor or memory of a loved one, please contact Mary Beth Perrine at MPerrine@mednet.ucla.edu. 

[Top photo: Three generations of the Buettell family proudly cheering on USC.]