LaVern “Buck” John Amestoy
On the evening of November 22, 2022, Buck passed away peacefully of natural causes. His family was lucky enough to spend the day with him and have an opportunity to say goodbye. Buck was 89 years old.
Buck was born in Tobison, MT on April 10, 1933. He was the 8th of 11 children born to John and Louise (Valez) Amestoy.
Buck went to school in Hinsdale, MT and graduated in 1952. Over the years, he rarely missed a class reunion and the opportunity to visit with old friends. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served in the Korean War. Buck was honorably discharged and returned to the family farm. After a few years of this, he moved to Jerome, ID, with his older brother Art to work as a fireman. He then returned to Montana and moved to Conrad, where he met his future wife, Kathleen Alice McIntyre. They were married November 27, 1964, and their only son John Kevin was born in 1965.
When John was 9, Buck and Kathy packed up and moved to Augusta where Buck joined his friend Virgil Venetz and together, they opened A&V Garage. He and Virgil ran the shop for many years until Virgil had an opportunity to return to his family farm. During this time, Buck and Kathy were very active in the Augusta community, introducing the first ambulance service and providing medical assistance and transport to those in the Augusta area. Buck also served as a Special Deputy for the Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office at no cost to the County. Buck continued to serve the Augusta community in many ways until he moved to Helena in 2019 to be closer to his son and family.
Kathy was the love of Buck’s life but died in 1992. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Art, Albert (Buster), Fred, Johnny & Jerry; sisters Grace, Bernadine, Darlene and Marie.
Buck is survived by his son John and John’s wife Brooke; grandsons Ian (Hannah) and Nicholas and granddaughter Taylor (Jacob); great-grandsons Cameron & Chase Gambill-Mann & Kane Carter Amestoy. He is also survived by his sister Joan Josephine (JoJo) along with numerous nieces, nephews & cousins.
Buck was an avid fisherman and asked John to take him out right up to his last days. He also loved to hunt, and it wasn’t unusual to find him dancing at the Moose, Eagles or Elks on a Saturday night. Buck was also known for his jokes and never hesitated to share one, even in mixed company. He was most proud of his son John and grandkids, taking every opportunity to talk about them to anyone that would listen. He will be missed by each one of us.
The family would like to thank Misty, Christa, Dustin and the Stone Meadow group for the great care and the St Peter’s staff for making his final hours peaceful.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 1:00 PM at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a Reception to follow.
Sally Russell says
Sorry for you loss. I had not know this
Barbaa Anderson says
So sorry John and Brooke. I know this is a really sad time, and I’m thinking about you and your family. .
Gary Gollehon says
Sorry for the passing of Buck. We won’t be able to attend the memorial, but am sure you have many memories of “Buck”, that will be passed on forever. He was a “one-of-a-kind guy and told it like it is; something we should all do in this crazy world. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Gary and Becky Gollehon
Diane Tordale says
Sorry for your loss, John & Brooke.
I’ll be thinking of you both.
Hold close all your wonderful memories of Buck
Earle Damon says
John and family, sorry i won’t be able to attend, i am still overseas. Buck was a great friend, and always had room to park my camper, and the coffee pot on and many stories and jokes. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy.
Earle
Jeanette Squires says
I was a Hinsdale classmate of Buck and enjoyed seeing him at our many class reunions. He was a faithful attendee and usually the life of the party. I have great memories of the Amestoy family. My father knew them through the Farmers Union Association, and I knew several of his sisters. He will be missed by all of us.
Susan Melaney says
Chuck an I enjoyed Bucks friendship. He will be missed.
Bradley Bruce says
JOHN AND BROOKE
Loosing family is a hard thing. I am sorry for your loss. I am glad you were able to go fishing with him several times. I’m sure those are good memories. Buck was a genuine soul aand it was a pleasure to meet and talk with him. As I recall he liked his Cadillacs. Driving one of them is kind of a lifestyle. A life well lived and remembered by a son and family is as good as a man can do.
With Sympathy
Bradley
Howard A Pippin says
During the early 60s we attended many dances at the same time and Buckshot was really a good dancer. Of course he never danced with me, but him and the single gals could really dance and we had a lot of fun together. He was a very friendly sociable friend and I’m glad to say that we were friends.