Ernest W. 'Buz' Dickson, 62

Ernest W. “Buz” Dickson, 62, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, at Community Health Center in Missoula following complications of a stroke. 

Buz was born June 28, 1951, to Willard and Shirley (Pierce) Dickson in Missoula. He had two older sisters who called him “Buzzer,” which became Buz and stuck throughout his life.

The family moved from Missoula to Ronan when Buz was 2. They moved to Superior for six years and came to settle in Polson when Buz was in sixth grade. Buz graduated from Polson High School in 1969 and attended Montana State University for one year before coming back to work at Skyline Supply, the family business, with his dad, Willie, and brother-in-law, Allen Rogers.

On May 20, 1972, he married Leslee Trosper. He built their home at the age of 23 and had it done in a year; the family has called it home ever since. They had three children.

He worked at Skyline Supply until 1985. He went to work at Woody’s until 2000, when it became WBC Lumber, and stayed there until his retirement in August 2013.

He enjoyed all sports. He played baseball when he was younger and participated in track and basketball in high school. He played men’s league softball and enjoyed bowling. His bowling team won the state bowling title in 1981.

Buz was an avid hunter and could tell a great “hunting camp” story. He was also a rockhound with an extensive collection of rocks from around the world.

Buz is survived by his wife, Leslee; daughters, Lynda  and Zane Montgomery of Rosebud, and Lori Dickson of Polson; son, Erik and Jessica Dickson of Missoula; sisters, Joyce Rogers of Columbia Falls and Milanna and Alan Shear of Bethel, Alaska; sisters-in-law, Danna and Rich Hurtt, and Eldeana Davis, all of Billings; brothers-in-law, Brad and Marilyn Trosper and Bart Davis; grandkids, Layne, Ailee, Colton, Jade, Madeline and Keaghan; 11 nephews; three nieces; 16 great-nieces and great-nephews; and his mother-in-law, Alice Trosper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Shirley Dickson; sister, Susan Dickson; father-in-law, Lester Trosper; and brother-in-law, Randy Trosper.

Buz lived his life on his own terms and he passed on his own terms.

At his request, there will be no services or funeral planned. Cremation has taken place. The family will have a celebration of his life to scatter his ashes June 28, 2014, at The Cabin. All his friends and family are welcome to attend.

Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.