Fred W. 'Buck' Buchanan, 72

Fred W. "Buck" Buchanan, 72, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at his residence in Kalispell. He was born on March 16, 1937, in Renton, Wash., the son of Joseph Paul and Violet (Avoledo) Buchanan.

He was raised in Renton and attended schools, completing the 11th grade, and then entered the U.S. Marines.

On Aug. 8, 1961, he married Dolores Frances Kitzmiller at Bigfork.

He worked as a logger and long-haul trucker. He was an avid outdoorsman - he loved to hunt and fish. He later became one of the early outfitters and guides in the Swan Range. His license number was No. 10. He was an outfitter for over 30 years and 20 years with the Flathead Lake Lodge, fishing on Flathead Lake.

He owned numerous long-haul trucks, hauling for Kalispell Pole and Timber, was a self-employed logger and also worked for Tim Metcalf Logging.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores, in 2003.

He is survived by his son, Fred L. Buchanan, and his wife, Karen, of Kalispell; two granddaughters, Hannah Buchanan of Lawton, Okla., and Christina Vallindras and husband, Keith, of Butte; four grandsons, Tyler Buchanan of Lawton, Jason Schaeffer and wife, Stephanie, of Altus, Okla., and Daniel and Joseph Schaeffer, both of Kalispell; and six great -grandchildren and a seventh due in October 2009.

Graveside services for Fred will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at Glacier Memorial Gardens, with Pastor Jim Holman officiating.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Smith Valley Volunteer Fire Department, 3496 U.S. Highway 2 West, Kalispell, MT 59901; or to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Fred's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Fred's guest book.