Louis Edwin Buckmaster

Louis Edwin Buckmaster, 82, passed away peacefully at his home on July 6, 2016.Lou or Bucky as he was called by his family, was born January 1, 1934, the first baby to be born in Butte that year, to Albert Louis Buckmaster and Harriet Grace Thomas Buckmaster. Growing up, he in lived in many places including Hawthorne, Fallon, Ely, Santa Monica and Oceanside, California, as well as Montana as his father worked in both mining and road construction. When he was in the eighth grade, Lou moved back to Butte to live with his grandparents, Ed and Annie Scott Thomas, to finish his education in one place. It was during this time that Lou spent his time doing what he loved, skiing the Beef Trail. He was also required to spend time working in his grandfather’s bakery, the Town Talk. He attended Emerson Elementary School in Butte, and graduated from Butte High School in 1952. Lou joined the Marine Corps in 1953. In the Marine Corps, he was stationed at Pickle Meadows near Bridgeport, California where he served in the Operating Engineers Division and developed a life-long love of operating heavy equipment. After the Marine Corps, Lou enrolled at the University of Montana where he was a member of the ski team as both a downhill racer and a ski jumper. In 1960, Lou transferred to Western Montana College in Dillon, Montana, where he graduated with a degree in history and physical education/secondary education. He later earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Western as well.While attending Western, Lou met the love of his life, Janice Elizabeth Kieckbusch. After completing his student teaching at Butte High School and teaching a year at the Montana Children’s Home in Twin Bridges, Montana, Lou and Jan were married on June 16, 1962, in Conrad, Montana. They both taught another year at the Children’s Home before moving to Days Creek, Oregon where Lou taught eighth grade history and coached eighth grade basketball.In 1964, Lou and Jan moved to Fallon and made it their permanent home. Lou taught history, government, and physical education at Churchill County HIgh School until becoming vice principal of the high school in 1976. While at CCHS Lou coached junior varsity football, basketball, baseball and track as well as varsity boys basketball. He served as vocational director, and athletic director as well as a DECA advisor and an Honor Society advisor. Lou retired from Churchill County School District with 30 years of service in 1994.Throughout his 51 years of living in Fallon, Lou dedicated himself to helping the youth of this community. He and Jan had three children, and Lou coached them in youth football, basketball, baseball, and softball. Lou loved sports and spent many hours teaching the fundamentals to the youth of Fallon. He also believed in giving back to the community, and after his retirement Lou served on the Cemetery Board, the Parks and Recreation Committee, and was a member of the Optimist Club. In 1998, Lou was elected to the School Board where he served three terms working for the students and teachers of Churchill County. Lou also loved hunting and fishing. He spent his summers in his boat hoping to reach his limit everyday. He and his sons spent countless seasons hunting birds and deer throughout Nevada.Lou is survived by his three children Fred (Jan), Kathy, and Karl (Jennifer), and six grandchildren, Kadee, Hayden, Cassandra, Kayla, Rylee, and Dana, all of Fallon, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a sister, Linda Lee Landers.Funeral services for Lou will be held at the Venturacci Gym in Fallon at 11 A.M. on Thursday, July 14, 2016. A reception will be held immediately following the burial in the multi-purpose room at the Churchill County Fairgrounds. Donations in memory of Lou can be made to the Churchill County Senior Center, 310 Court Street, Fallon, NV 89406.