I learned belatedly that my friend, Wayne “Red” Kaufman, had died of COVID-19. Saddened, I drove to the West Plaza Barbershop in Aurora to talk with Ed Bunce, one of Kaufman’s original partners, and Carlos Martinez, the current owner of the shop. Because I was the only patron at lunchtime, I decided to get my hair cut while we talked. Then I called Red’s widow, Irene.
“I’ve lost everything I ever worked for,” Red was quoted as saying in another publication.
“That’s just not true!” I exclaimed. Irene heartily agreed, seeming relieved that someone else understood what she did about the humble, wonderful, hard-working man she had met at a dance in 1955. They were married in 1957. In his humility, Red never fully realized his impact on the lives of residents in Aurora, generations of people from all walks of life!
Red made the world a better place by making Aurora kinder and friendlier. The love people feel for him is still real. The 61-year success of the barber shop is real. It was just hard for Red to see it in those dark, final, days.
In 1961 Red, Ed Bunce, and the late Roger Mahr, in spite of their youth, took a chance at building a business on the outskirts of a city that wasn’t yet developed as far west. West Plaza was new and some said no one would come “out to the cornfields” to get a haircut. Sixty years later, the barbershop has watched many other businesses come and go. They remain, similar to a time capsule of a simpler time when life moved more slowly.
Ed Bunce said when I interviewed him a decade ago: “We trusted that if we did our best work, customers would come back.” It was true. This time when we spoke, Ed talked of others who kept their dream alive, like Rollie Burkhart, who was an integral part of their team from 1962 until his death in 1998.
Red and Ed inspired everyone around them to put their hearts into the things they do. Red knew that a haircut was always about more than just a haircut, which is why a simple trim could take 45 minutes to an hour. He knew it was time to build camaraderie among staff members and patrons. Patrons left his shop feeling heard, accepted, and appreciated in a world that can make us all feel lonely and misunderstood sometimes.
Red was proud of our local soldiers and veterans. He always thanked those who had served. He was quick to remind them that he was praying for their safety. Red was a Korean War veteran and I was pleased when Irene told me about the military honors at his funeral. She noted that there were eight guns at his 21-gun salute because so many soldiers wanted to honor him.
Red was blessed with some of the greatest things this life affords: A meaningful vocation; the enduring love of a devoted life partner; and the genuine friendship and admiration of many in the community.
One patron wrote a message on the front door of the barber shop that begins: “RED, You will be missed . . . .” Carlos, told me grown men have cried in the shop at hearing the news that Red is gone.
Aurora lost a little of its unique character with Red’s passing, but the legendary barbershop still stands as a testament to hard work, friendship, and a culture where we listen to one another.
I hope that, as he gives God’s hair a trim, Red knows that it all mattered and that he is so very much loved and missed.