Donald J. Buck, 84
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 1 month, 3 weeks AGO
Donald J. Buck
July 17, 1941-Sept. 5, 2025
Gig Harbor, Washington
Donald J. Buck, 84, was born in Kalispell to Robert and Josephine (Strack) Buck on July 17, 1941. He had three siblings, Ronald, Karen, and Marcia. He is survived by his sister, Marcia Marron, husband, John and family in Lake, Oregon, and sister-in-law, Dianne Buck, and family in Bellevue, Washington, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Reba Mae, shortly before their 25th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ryan Buck of Gig Harbor.
Don’s childhood memories were of the family farm near Kalispell, and St. Matthew’s Catholic Church where he and brother, Ron were altar boys, and where he received his elementary school education. He was a proud member of the Flathead High School Class of '59, noted for their annual class reunion celebrations.
He began his career with the U.S. Postal Service in the Kalispell Post Office as a clerk carrier, delivering mail or selling stamps. Transferring to the Bellevue Post Office in 1968 he later had a position to the Tacoma Postal Management Center auditing financial and operational systems in Western Washington post offices. He was appointed postmaster of Selah, Washington in 1984 — a position he proudly filled until his retirement.
In retirement, he enjoyed RV trips to Alaska to visit daughter, Sherry, and husband, Einar Carlson (both deceased), in Anchorage and the Kenai River. A fan of all sports he personally enjoyed golf, bowling, and skiing (both snow and water). The Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners were his favorite teams. He and brother, Ron were season ticket holders at the Mariners Spring training games at the Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona since the opening in 1996. His condo in Sun City was located nearby.
A longtime member of the Elks Lodge, he was awarded a Lifetime Membership by the Sun City Lodge Arizona No. 2559, for his dedication to service.
At his request, there will be no public memorial service. His final resting place is Terrace Heights Memorial Park in Yakima, Washington.