Lester Osborn Bauska, 92

Lester Osborn Bauska, 92, passed away on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at the Heritage Place in Kalispell.

He was born on June 2, 1919, on the family ranch in Smith Valley to William and Harriet (Williams) Bauska.

He attended Boorman School through the eighth grade. He then joined his father in dairy farming. During this time, he pursued his lifelong interest in gunsmithing, setting up a small shop in a garage. In 1949, he moved from the farm into a new building on First Street West in Kalispell, where he did business as Les' Gun Shop, and later Bauska Rifle Barrels, Inc. He also worked for a number of years for John R. Buhmiller making rifle barrels.

In 1958, he began work at the Anaconda Aluminum Plant as a machinist. During all these years, he continued his business, specializing mostly in rifle barrels. His reputation as a rifle barrel maker is known throughout the world. Among his specialties were muzzleloader, gain twist and tapered octagon barrels.

In his younger years, Les was a competitive shooter, winning many awards. He was an avid duck hunter, and enjoyed antelope hunting with friends in eastern Montana. He became a life member of NRA (National Rifle Association) in 1950 and continued to support them throughout his life as a benefactor. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, and a member of Northwest Montana Arms Collectors. He was instrumental in building their gun club and shooting range, which bears his name. Collecting and trading books was also one of his passions.

Les was known for his love of dogs, especially the many Chesapeakes he had through the years. In younger years, he enjoyed get-togethers with the “potluck bunch,” which included dinners, playing cards and going out for New Year's Eve. He was a sought-after dance partner, because he liked to polka and schottische, as well as waltz.

With his children, he visited many countries in Southeast Asia and Europe. Especially meaningful was a trip to Prague, Czechoslovakia, with his son Jack, where they were hosted by many of the most famous firearms manufacturers in the world.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Ralph, Glen, Manual and Arnold.

He is survived by his wife, Camilla Bauska; three sons, Roy and friend Karen, Jack and wife Wendy, and Greg and wife Kathy; and one daughter, Leslie Millspaugh, and husband, Homer; one grandson, John; two great-grandsons, Jonathan and Joshua; and a foster son from Laos, Sang Le, of Sacramento, Calif.

At Les' request, no services will be held.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Flathead County Animal Shelter, 225 Cemetery Road, Kalispell, MT 59901; or to Rails to Trails, P.O. Box 1103, Kalispell, MT 59903.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Les' family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Les' guest book to offer condolences and view his tribute wall.