POST FALLS - Friends and loved ones of Chuck Buck fondly remember him as a man of integrity and immense generosity.

"Chuck was a man that was a very successful businessman, but never forgot what his responsibility was on this Earth," said Ron Nilson, one of Buck's many friends and business colleagues. "I can guarantee that when he entered Heaven, he was greeted with a 'Good job, my loyal servant.'"

Buck, chairman of Buck Knives, died in his sleep of congestive heart failure Friday evening, surrounded by his entire family. He was 78.

Buck's son, CJ Buck, said his father was deeply committed to caring for others and was innately a generous person.

"There's an integrity in caring that is infused in our company and everybody he came in contact with could sense that about him," CJ said.

Nilson echoed the sentiment. As the CEO and president of Ground Force Worldwide, Nilson receives guests from all over the world. He said when foreign VIPs visit and they want to see the best knives made in the world, he will bring them to the Buck Knives plant.

"Every time we did this, if Chuck was there, he would personally come down and meet them, help them pick out a knife and autograph it," Nilson said. "What a classy guy."

CJ's great-grandfather Hoyt began the company in 1902. It was located in San Diego for 60 years, and this month is the 10th anniversary of it relocating to Post Falls.

One story CJ said his dad loved to tell was about a woman who was planning to commit suicide by cutting her wrists with a sharp Buck knife, but reconsidered because of something she found in the box. It was a statement written by his grandfather, Al, along with Bible passage John 3:16.

"When she opened the note, inviting people if you're struggling to look to God, she got counseling and didn't follow through," CJ said. "That was one of my father's favorite letters he got."

CJ said more details will be released today. The statement on the official Buck Knives, Inc., Facebook page reads: "It is with heavy hearts that we regret to inform everyone that we have lost a legend ... he was an industry icon and friend to all."

"He was an incredible human being that loved his community and his family more than anyone," Nilson said. "He's going to be sorely missed."