J. Kim Buland, 88, of West Hartford, passed away peacefully in his sleep Monday, November 17, 2008. He was the beloved husband of Roberta (Friend) Buland for 42 years. Born in Germany, he was the son of the late Morris and Adele Bulwachter. They emigrated to the United States in 1939 and settled in New York City. He was a US Army veteran of World War II. Kim worked as an optician in Manhattan, Westchester County, and West Hartford. In 1985, he and his family made aliyah to Israel where they lived five years. Kim loved music and literature and was bi-lingual in German and English. He wrote poetry, essays and plays in both languages and was an award winning poet in German. Kim was a member of the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He composed music and played operas by ear on the piano. He was a member of Beth El Temple in West Hartford. Besides his wife, he is survived by his son, Joshua of Waterbury; and his daughter, Vali, son-in-law Ivan Bath and grandson, Benjamin Bath of Cambridge, MA. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Rita. The family thanks the excellent care givers at the Hebrew Home and Hospital in West Hartford. The funeral will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 19th, in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford with Rabbi James Rosen officiating. Interment will follow in the Congregation Beth Shalom Cemetery in Deep River. The family will receive relatives and friends following interment and shiva will be observed at Roberta?s home through Sunday with minyan at 7:30 PM each night. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rabbi James Rosen?s Discretionary Fund, Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford 06117 or to the Hebrew Home and Hospital, 1 Abrahms Blvd., West Hartford 06117. For further information, directions, or to sharer memories of Kim with his family, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.