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.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring. 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.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday May 6, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday May 6, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
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Earle Damon says
John and family, my deepest sympathy. Buck was a great friend, and the coffee pot was always and a place to stay if I needed to. I been gone for many years working overseas, but will return to the United States before Christmas. And will watch for when his service will be held.
Carol Young Maxson says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I did not know him but I believe that he was the son of one of my mothers best friends when she lived in Billings Heights. A lady named Louise Amestoy lived in the mobile home next to my mother and they did a lot of things together. I met her a couple of times. She was an amazing woman. My mother’s name was Clare Young. If I remember correctly Louise went with my mother to Thermopolis to visit my dad when he was in the hospital there. I am not sure if that’s when it happened or not, but Louise went down a slide in her 90s or 80s and I think she broke her leg. I always enjoyed hearing her stories about her large family.
Millie Allen Kindle says
Sorry for your loss. I remember Buck as a very involved community member and wanted only good things for Augusta. Many people over the years enjoyed the apartments that were put up for housing.
Mitzi says
John and Brooke, so sorry for your loss. It was always a treat to see Buck in your office..what a pistol. Hugs to you.
Ernie Barker says
He would always drop everything to help us and everyone else that needed help with an outfit, trailer or any other reason. A good friend to us that we miss greatly!
Greg and Cathy Kovich says
John, Brooke and family, we hold you in thought and prayer. Your Dad always had stories and a joke to share when he stopped in at the office. May your many memories replace your sorrow as the days pass.
Sally Russell says
Sorry about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you 💔