On Sunday, October 21, 2018, Eugene “Buzz” William Walton, II, lost his life in a tragic hunting accident. He is survived by his wife of 15 years Leslie (Varhol), and two incredible daughters, Emma, 13 and Taylor, 10. He is preceded in death by his father, Eugene W. Walton, and is survived by his mother Rose (Carrollton, GA), older brother Matt (Laura) of Alpharetta, GA, older sisters Dana Reeve (Tee) of Carrollton, GA, Kayleen Anderson (George) of Greensboro, NC, Kathy Brabham (Casey) of Charleston, SC and younger brother Michael of Carrollton, GA. He was the fun-loving uncle to 15 nieces and nephews, and 1 great-niece.
Born in San Diego, CA in 1970, Buzz was raised in Atlanta, GA, where he attended Dunwoody High School. He went on to study at the University of Georgia, and graduated with a degree in history. A skiing injury sparked his interest in medicine. In 2000, he met the love of his life, Leslie, (at the finish line of a half ironman triathlon!), and with her steadfast encouragement, his dream to become a physician began in 2001. He attended St. Matthews University School of Medicine, in Belize and Grand Cayman. Medical school took them to Barnsley England for a year, where he and Leslie had many memorable adventures, highlighted by attending the Tour De France. After medical school, Buzz landed at Mercer University in Macon, GA, where he completed his residency in Family Medicine, and was nominated by his peers as Chief Resident. During this time, Buzz and Leslie trained and completed Ironman Canada and were married in 2002.
His love for sports led him to pursue a career in Sports Medicine. In August of 2012, he and his family moved to Billings, MT where he completed a sports medicine fellowship with River Stone Health and Ortho Montana. He and his family fell in love with beautiful Montana, and were thrilled with the opportunity to move to Helena to work at Performance Injury and Sports Medicine. They quickly took advantage of all that Helena has to offer. When he wasn’t sharing his passion for health through the healing of his patients, you could find him hiking with his family, trail running on Mt. Helena with his dogs, Lewey and Tank, mountain biking all over the South Hills, teaching his girls to ski at Great Divide, learning to skate ski at Bill Roberts Golf Course, vacationing at our beautiful National Parks and spending many memorable weekends camping with friends. He loved his community in Helena and was frequently seen volunteering his time, talent and love of sports on the sidelines of high school football games. He was a founding member and Board President of Save the Brain Helena, a non-profit organization promoting concussion awareness. He wanted everyone to live a healthy active life to its fullest, and he was willing to help others achieve that goal. A life-long and avid Georgia Bullldog Football fan, his home was easily recognizable in the Helena community. Every Friday before a game, he made sure the GA flag was flying high before he left for work. He and Leslie road tripped to Pasadena in January to see the Bulldogs beat Oklahoma in double overtime in the Rose Bowl. He was over the moon.
Buzz had many athletic accomplishments – marathons, triathlons, trail races and mountain bike races. His mantra as he raced: “every mile is magical”. The love he had for his family was over flowing, and had no boundaries. He would do anything for his girls…including an appearance on stage in Queen City Ballet’s annual production of the Nutcracker dressed in drag as Mother Ginger.
Buzz, as husband and father were his crowning achievements. He was also a son, brother, an uncle, a friend, a neighbor, a colleague, a teacher, a teammate, a training partner and life partner to Leslie.
Buzz was not a man of many words, but his heart spoke louder than most voices. He was generous with his time, talent, love and laughter. He was loved by many, and will be missed by more.
A Celebration of his life will take place at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the Gateway Center, 1710 National Ave. Light refreshments will immediately follow at the Gateway Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at Valley Bank in support of Buzz’s family: Leslie, Emma & Taylor Walton. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Buzz.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
4:00 p.m.
Saturday October 27, 2018
Gateway Center
1710 National Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Saturday October 27, 2018
Gateway Center
1710 National Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
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Jennell Day says
Buzz truly cared about his patients and I am very lucky that I was able to be apart of his plan of care to improve their overall quality of life. He will be missed in the medical community and his presence in the Helena community.
Kristy Boese says
I am so sorry for your loss. I thought the world of Dr. Buzz.
Troy and Linn Gladstone says
Troy and I are so very sorry for your loss. Buzz was a great guy with a fabulous smile and warm greeting for everyone. Prayers from our family to yours.
Valerie Moody says
I am so sorry for your loss and will keep your family in my prayers. Buzz’s impact on the community and state was profound and he will be greatly missed.
Amy Doggett says
Cravens and I are sorry for your loss. I can remember Buzz from Highschool like it was yesterday. He was such a nice person. I am praying for the entire family and especially for his beautiful wife and beautiful girls.
Anonymous says
He was a wonderful man who loved his daughters and life. He will be missed. I am truly sorry for his life to end so abruptly.
Marina Spears says
Condolences from the Spears family in Macon, GA.
Much love to the whole family.
Michael Matury says
I had the pleasure of working with him at my clinic in Great Falls. He made a large impact in a short period. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Buzz
Tracey E Palmerton says
Dr. Walton was one of the most wonderful doctors I ever had the fortune to call my doctor. His patience and perseverance in making sure each patient received great care was always appreciated. His ability to connect with people as a person and not just as a doctor made him a rare gem. He will be missed immensely.
Dale Hicks says
Fellow Dunwoody Grad ,Friend, and Colorado room-mate; Buzz’s true spirit & passionate heart will always have a special place in my heart. Im grateful for getting to know and spend time with the Walton family during high-school, college and beyond. To the Walton family and Leslie – Sending prayers to you all- Thank you for Buzz and all the genuine, kind and loving memories.
Stephanie krott says
Buzz was an amazing person and doctor. He truly cared about people and had a big heart. I feel very fortunate to have met and worked with him. I will forever miss him and that smile that lit up the office.
Anonymous says
Dr. Buzz was the best doctor ever. He always had a positive attitude and brought smiles to everything. Thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Lane Douglas says
Our hearts are broken and our prayers will continue for Buzz’s family, wife and beautiful girls. He was one of a kind and could light up any room with that smile. Many many fun hours spent in his basement in high school with our big group of friends. Times most of us will never forget. I know I speak for all of Class of 89, when I say, Buzz was the absolute nicest gentleman and never spoke a mean word about anyone. I also had the pleasure of living with him and several other friends in Aspen. The beautiful pictures of him hiking, running, biking in Montana always made me so happy and I know he was living his BEST life there with his wife and girls. Hope to see you again one day my friend.
Lolita says
My heart breaks for this family. Leslie and her girls are so special to all of us at Kessler school. Love and hugs to all three of you.
Dave White says
Buzz was truly a great person. About 5 years ago I was fortunate to work alongside him on a handful of occasions with professional boxing events, as well as get to know him.
Later, as my doctor he would save me from missing out on a “once in a lifetime” ski trip (his words, not mine) by fixing my knee 3 days before I left for my trip.
Most recently, my wife Beth and I have had the great fortune and honor of coaching and watching his and Leslie’s girls, Taylor and Emma develop and grow during The Great Divide All Mountain Ski season. Our most compassionate prayers go out to his entire family, to Leslie and the girls. Buzz will be deeply missed for years to come. There was no one like him, and he will forever be remembered.
Sherri says
I was not a direct patient of Dr. Buzz. However, I am a patient at Performance Injury Sports Care and Medicine. Every time I saw Dr. Buzz, he had a smile on his face and had a positive attitude. I know there will be a huge empty space in the office there. He was a big influence in the Helena Community. My heartfelt love and prayers go out to everyone at Performance Injury Sports Care and Medicine and his family.
Robin Frey says
Our sympathy and warmest thoughts are with your family for your great loss.
One thing that Buzz said numerous times was that he wanted to add life to your years and not years to your life. He certainly made this true for many that he helped and lived this mantra! I hope it comforts your family to know that he was a wonderful man and loved by many!
So sorry for your loss!
Robin Frey & Robert Oleson
Meredith Krutar says
My heart breaks for this family. Though I didn’t know Buzz, I loved reading about him and knowing more about his passion for life and love for his family. All the prayers to you Leslie, Emma, and Taylor. I am so sorry for your loss.
David Orndoff says
I saw Dr. Buzz as a patient for the first time just last week. I could tell right off that he was a very special person. So it was quite a shock to hear of his accident. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and patients. Tragic how a small careless action can change the lives of so many. I am sorry for your loss. God Bless.
John and Denise Underwood says
Please accept our condolences from FL.
Leslie, Emma and Taylor we are so sorry for your loss. May God allow you to find comfort and peace during this time of sorrow and loss. You are in our prayers.
Your former neighbors,
John and Denise Underwood
Jeanne Gilman says
To Buzz’s wife, girls, Dr. Steele and all the staff at Performance Care,
I am so grieved to hear of the tragedy that has befallen such a beautiful man. Buzz was so kind to my mom and my young daughter as he treated them for their injuries. He had a zest for life that was apparent, even in his quiet demeanor. Our world is a much sadder place with the loss of Buzz. God Bless you all and find comfort in his spirit, it will never wane.
Kristin and Chris Baumert says
We are so saddened to hear about the loss of Buzz. He was a wonderful physician to work with and a respectful, kind man. We loved seeing Buzz and Leslie at local races in Billings and were happy to see them stay in Montana. This is a tough loss for multiple communities and our condolences are with his family.
Sean Coxen (Atlanta) says
To Leslie and your girls, I am so saddened to hear the news about Buzz. Back in the day, Buzz, Leslie and a group of us in Atlanta competed in marathons and triathlons together. I am privileged to have become friends with Buzz and Leslie during this time. As many have mentioned, Buzz would greet everyone with a kind and warm smile and was always positive in nature and spirit. I am thankful and appreciative for those memories and that time we shared. Leslie, my continued thoughts and prayers will be with you, your girls and Buzz’s family. God bless.
Matt Ritthaler says
Buzz was, and is, one of a kind. A rare breed with continuous positive influence on all he encountered in life. Never saw a frown on his face. Never heard or saw anything negative out of him. He truly enjoyed life. In high school, and during our encounters beyond, I always knew I would enjoy Buzz, because he enjoyed life!! I am very saddened by this. I will always celebrate his great life. And I will see you Buzz in another life, with that awesome attitude and smile! God bless you and your family!
Kathleen Broussard says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends at this very sad time. Dr. Buzz was my son’s doctor and not only took awesome care of him, but always checked up on him. He was always at Capital High checking on all the kids. He was a wonderful doctor and a very special person. He will be greatly missed. God Bless you all!
Keith, Kathleen and Kory Broussard
Donna Fischer says
Leslie, Emma, and Taylor,
It is with such a heavy heart I am writing this. I never got to really know Dr. Buzz until after I had had Taylor in my Pre-K class but you knew how involved he was with his family. I got to know him much better when I became his patient. His caring and we will find an answer to this made me appreciate him so much. He wasn’t about pushing pills but keep on looking for an answer. I was just in to see him last Thurs. (18) and he spent 2 hrs. with me. We caught up with each other and on Taylor and Emma. Taylor, he always said such wonderful things about you and I want you to remember how much he loved you. Emma, he told me how you had found volleyball and how you liked middle school. I know you will make your dad so very proud of you. Leslie, my prayers and hugs are with you. May peace somehow find all of you. Donna Fischer
Barb Barnes says
Oh the pain and sorrow from this loss. Many tenderest of mercies to this fine man’s family, colleagues and patients and friends. I had clients who were treated by Dr. Buzz and his care was as a healer and then a doctor.. a true physician. I hope those who are so hit by this loss will lean back into all the prayers being sent your way.
Nathan H says
Buzz truly wanted to help me and many others to “live” at our fullest potential. I am heartbroken that his life was cut short. I often saw him in the gym and he was always smiling & helping others to really live better. I am grateful for the interactions I had with him and for the excellent care he provided me. He opened my eyes to a better life through health. Thank you, Buzz. The lessons you taught and the principles you held yourself to will go beyond the grave with all of us that remain. God bless you-you’re a good man. May his family know of the love he felt for us as his patients, we cannot be more grateful. The next mile is for Buzz.
Cathy Huntley says
I was a patient of Dr. Buzz for a brief period. He stood out as such a kind & caring Dr. who would take his time with you & genuinely cared about your health. My heart goes out to his family for the loss of this extraordinary Dr. & kind man.
Christy Castronovo says
While I only saw him a few times, the care I received from Dr Buzz was fanatastic and worth the drive from Bozeman. I immediately knew I was in great hands. I am so very sorry for your loss and send love and peace during this difficult time.
The Hill Family says
Please accept our sincere heartfelt condolences for your loss. Our hearts become filled with sadness when death separates us from our loved ones. The God of all comfort is close to the brokenhearted and He has great compassion for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one (Psalms 34:18). We can be ever confident that He will continue to sustain us during times of sorrow and fulfill the promised hope of reuniting peace in the near future (Revelation 21:3-4). It is our hope that these thoughts will help to ease your sorrow in the days ahead as you cherish your most treasured memories.
Dave Shenton says
I’m so sorry to hear about Buzz. He was a pleasure to work with when he did his Sports Medicine fellowship in Billings . He clearly cared about his patients and worked to bring his best while still maintaining some balance in life with his family and also other activities. He will be missed.
Dave Price says
I was so sorry to hear about Buzz and my prayers go out to his family and friends. Besides growing up together, I feel lucky that our lives intersected multiple times later in life when I was a resident and then when he was a resident and then again when he interviewed for fellowship. He was a class act, genuine, and always had a smile on his face. He truly embodied what it means to be a sports medicine physician and rubbed off positively on everyone he met. He will truly be missed.
Mary says
He seemed to be a man who loved his family so much, he must have loved his daughters with an intense passion. Some times when a life ends we look for reasons or someone to blame but our days are numbered as only God knows the hour. The tragedy is the all the lives affected by his loss but most of all the importance of knowing how many people he touched and the positive effects he had on them. God bless you and the family in this. May you find Christ in this.
Tim and Colleen Holmes says
We are incredibly sorry for your loss. We love you Leslie and will continue to pray for you. Wishing we could be there for you.
Much love
Colleen
Bryggmans says
We are very sad about Dr. Buzz’s passing. We thought the world of him. He was always very kind and professional, and very generous with his time.
John & Christine Woodland says
We are so very very sorry for your loss. Please accept our compassionate prayers for you Leslie, Emma and Taylor.
To ALL at Performance & Care and Dr Steele. We know your loss also. Please accept our most heartfelt genuine condolences and prayers to you all for your loss. My husband and myself are patients at performance & care and when Dr. Buzz came I was asked if I’d like to go over to him. I said yes, and never regretted the decision. I loved him as my Doctor and always came away feeling cared for and loved. He truly did care. Took such good care of me. I will so much, miss him and his compassionate heart greatly……..
kay derenburger says
Dr. Buzz was a wonderful person and as a Dr. he saved my life. I am so sad for his family, friends, co-workers and patients. Heaven has gained a truly wonderful gifted soul.
Emily says
I feel he was a great man and a wonderful Doctor he was so sweet and so kind to his patients. I loved having him as my doctor. I’m sorry for the loss of your father and husband. I feel he was taken too early. I know he loved his family very much and my prayers and thoughts go out to the family.