Neither knows now what they will do next June to celebrate the 50th anniversary of when they first met, but Ed Buzinski and Dick Beck agree it truly will be a golden moment—and no doubt a party with family and friends at or near their far northwest suburban home in Marengo.
Yep, Buzinski and Beck have to be one of Chicago's greatest LGBT success stories. Heck, they've been together longer than many in the community have been alive.
Beck, 80, was born in Macomb, Ill., one of 10 children raised in downstate Illinois. Buzinski comes from Elmwood Park. They have been living together in their two-story, well-decorated ranch home for 38 years; their home was built in 1972.
Buzinski, 77, worked for years for the Brethren Press, specializing in graphic arts. He also was involved with photography. He later worked for the Elgin Printing, Inc., which he co-owned for about 10 years. He retired in 2009, though he admits that he wanted to retire earlier.
"It was a good ride; I loved what I did," said Buzinski, who spent four years ( 1953-'57 ) in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
While serving, Buzinski said he "suppressed" his feelings for men, though he knew then that he was gay. "I had feelings," then for men.
Beck, meanwhile, spent four years in the Navy ( 1951-'55 ) as a dental technician. He eventually left the military, returned home, supported his family, went to school and worked at a bank. He also spent time working for the Elgin Watch Company and the Union Oil Company.
Beck's work resume also included 17 years at Sherman Hospital as director of material management and 15 years at Alexian Hospital in Elk Grove as the purchasing manager.
Beck retired in 2000.
Buzinski and Beck met in 1961 when Buzinski went to Homecoming at Western Illinois University in Macomb. They met almost on accident when Beck started talking with Buzinski.
"My heart did flitter flops; I was instantly attracted to him," Buzinski said.
Beck joked, "I was a good-looking dude back then."
Their friendship developed over the distance, supported by phone calls and letters.
By mid-1962, they were together—for good.
And no one ever questioned their sexuality, nor did they ever say anything publicly. "We just lived our lives," Beck said. "Gay really was not a word in the 1960s; queer was the word back then."
Added Buzinski, "I found someone who I wanted to spend my life with. I think we complemented each other."
Buzinski's mom lived with them for years later in her life.
Today, they are joined by the horses, seriously. They have eight Morgan horses in their backyard stable and 20 acres of land, though they once had 15 horses.
The two have spent years breeding and showing horses and now have hundreds, perhaps thousands, of horse-related relics inside their home. They also sang in the Elgin Choral Union, and their home also has countless beautiful Asian art, including jade items. Plus, they grow tomatoes, beets green peas and more on their property.
They are supporters of PFLAG and have participated in McHenry Pride. They are gay activists, despite their age, including participation in area parades and protests.
"We basically try to support [ the LGBT community ] as best we can," Buzinski said.
So what's the key to their staying together so long?
"We fight," Buzinski said, laughing.
Beck agreed.
"We have to communicate and say what we think. Sure, at times we don't agree, but we come to terms with our differences," Buzinski said.
Beck shook his head in agreement.
Both admitted that teen bullying, which is at the forefront of the headlines today, also was an issue during their childhood. "I just sucked it up and went on," Beck said. "I don't understand [ all of these suicides; kids ] today have all of these resources. If the bullying is that bad that you want to take your life, man, that's pretty bad."
Buzinski said he "felt rejected" when he was bullied, but he knew perseverance was key.
As a couple together nearly 50 years, they are role models, and hope to keep giving back to the community for a long time to come.
This is part of a series of articles about gays living in the Far Northwest suburbs of Chicago.
