William Jay Buzzell Sr., 77

William Jay Buzzell Sr., 77, “left this world to be with our heavenly Father” on Aug. 5, 2014, after a long battle with renal failure and cancer.

He was preceded in death by the untimely passing of his wife, Loretta; father, Curtis; mother, Martha; and his brothers, Arthur and Keith.

He is survived by his sisters, Joyce and Walt Jensen, and Luann Copeland; brother, DeWayne Buzzell, and Janice; daughter, Bonnie Buzzell; sons, Randall Buzzell, and Bill Buzzell and Colleen; grandchildren, Ryan Zimmerman and Krissy, Alina Jones and Jason, Will and Jacque, Russ, Jordan and Shalae, Kendra and R.J; great-granddaughter, Maddie; great-grandsons, Peyton and Ryker; and three expected great-grandchildren.

While steadfastly claiming that he was not a religious man, he professed that he did believe in God, his faithfulness, truth and the gift of Jesus Christ. As was the case with his father, Curtis, his favorite scripture was John 3:16.

Throughout his life he demonstrated that he was a true believer in second chances, frequently noting that he had received more than his share. His passing has left us all at a loss for words. He was a complex and hardworking man with a soft side that he did not like to show to the world. Despite the lack of words and outward signs of affection, we know that he loved each of us in his own way and in our own way each of us loved and respected him.

In his last days he loved to reminisce about life with his wife, Loretta, his many relatives and friends, and the things his children did to speed up his aging process.

No services are planned at this time.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service in Bozeman; www.dokkennelson.com.