Frederick Colin Buckingham passed away peacefully on April 7, 2018. Rick was born in Townsend, MT on June 17, 1943 to Theresa and Fred Buckingham. Rick grew up on the ranch surrounded by mountains and a rich family heritage. He graduated from high school in White Sulphur Springs and went on to get his degree in Agriculture at Montana State University. One of the highlights in his life was joining the Sigma Chi Fraternity, where he made many lifelong friendships. After college he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves later moving back to what he loved, the ranch.
Rick enjoyed his family, his friends, his cattle and the land. He was a businessman, rancher, man of faith, conservationist, devoted uncle, and Godfather to many. Rick loved telling stories, especially about Meagher County history. Rick did not follow the latest trends, but rather enjoyed making his own statement. Known for his witty sense of humor, patience, and kindness, he always had time to socialize, and no one was ever a stranger.
He found joy in a slooow drive to relish in the beauty around him. Not only did he take the time to view his own pastures, but also enjoyed looking over the neighbor’s. Ranching allowed him to find excitement in all seasons, especially spring irrigating and summer baling. His attitude on life was unparalleled to most. He will be dearly missed.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Theresa Buckingham and his sister Margaret (Peggy) Buckingham. He is survived by his sisters, Barbara Hickey, Susan (Jerry) Evans, and Patty Knight. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews: Mary (Paul) Descheemaeker, Ann (Nick) Econom, Pat (Karen) Hickey, Kathy (Don) Riesterer, Bridgid (Matt) Wagner, Bill (Laurie) Evans, Joe (Stephanie) Evans, Mike (Michelle) Evans, John Evans, Jamie (Erika) Evans, Patrick Evans, Megan (Rodger) Shroyer, George (Crystal) Knight, Susie (Justin) Jessop, Patty (Dave) Stubbs, and Becky (Erik) Matson.
A special thank you to the nurses and caregivers who took extra good care of him during his illness. A thank you to the oncology department at Saint Peter’s Hospital and the VA Medical Center in Fort Harrison who touched his life through their compassion and care.
The Rosary will be prayed on Friday, April 13th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 407 2nd Avenue SE in White Sulphur Springs. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 14th at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow the Mass at the Mayn Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held at the Roadhouse following the Mass. Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Meagher County Senior Center can be made in his name.
Service Schedule
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Friday April 13, 2018
St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church
407 2nd Avenue SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Saturday April 14, 2018
St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church
407 2nd Avenue SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Mass
Saturday April 14, 2018
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday April 14, 2018
Roadhouse
904 3rd Ave SW
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Service Schedule
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Friday April 13, 2018
St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church
407 2nd Avenue SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Saturday April 14, 2018
St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church
407 2nd Avenue SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Mass
Saturday April 14, 2018
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday April 14, 2018
Roadhouse
904 3rd Ave SW
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
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Linda Frisbie says
Lord, but Rick will be missed by so many of us! The stories of him are legion! I first started hearing them when my second son was in high school and worked for Rick. I really don’t know how many of them were true, but they were all very entertaining. Rick will be sorely missed by all of us. My deepest sympathy to all his family.
Kathy Moran-Johnston says
So heartbreaking! Rick was one of a kind, and I can barely remember a time when I didn’t know him – as a legend and as a friend. He was the most kind, considerate, and gentle person. So many good (and funny) memories – loved that he told everybody the “C” in his name stood for “Cuick” – which we all know he was not inclined to be. Rest in peace, old friend!
Steve Walsh says
RIP Rick….I’ll cherish memories from many years ago.
Bev Jenkins McCurry says
Patty and family,
Always enjoyed visiting with Rick. He had the best stories and warmest hugs.
Jeanne Gilman says
Ah, Rick. So sad I will not get to see his ready smile, his socks and flip flops, his suspenders with his cargo shorts, his cowboy hat…….I will however, always be happy to show anyone how to catch invisible rocks in a paper bag. He always had so many tricks and stories to share. Rest in peace Rick, your humor, generosity and spirit will be sorely missed.
Jack Shroyer says
He was my uncle and my best friend, I’m going to miss seeing him on the ranch and seeing him telling his jokes to everyone. He always had funny jokes especially his north-dakota jokes those were the best. It’s so sad that he passed away. I’m going to miss playing poker with him and dominos, he really liked dominos. Everyone in town knew and loved Rick. I’m really going to miss that guy, and I hope everybody else will to.
Jack Shroyer says
He was my uncle and my best friend, I’m going to miss seeing him on the ranch and seeing him tell jokes to everyone. He always had funny jokes especially his north-dakota jokes. Those were the best. It’s so sad that he passed away. I’m going to miss playing poker with him and dominos, he really liked dominos. Everyone in town knew and loved Rick. I’m really going to miss that guy, and I hope everybody else will to.
Fred Rogers says
Great Guy Rick. RIP
John (Wes) Armstrong says
Met Rick thru my friends at MSU. Spent a few WSS rodeos with him at the “Bucketofblood”. Enjoyed his company. Saw him a couple of times in Helena when he was receiving treatment at St Pete’s. One of a kind. RIP, my friend.
Tom Albrecht says
Rick was a Sigma Chi fraternity brother of mine at MSU. We all remember what a great guy he was! And, yes we all remember the funny stories. He will be greatly missed by all of us. RIP Brother Buckingham!
Vic Anderson says
Rick you were a good friend to everyone and we will all miss you terribly.RIP my friend.
Jim Schwend says
A great memory was when Rick was “King of the Hill as a ‘Short Fat Montanan’ to the tune, a Long Tall Texan. He was always a little different. He wore his rancher look while all the others were in their best ski attire. It was all a bit different. He will certainly be remembered!!
Dave Bakke says
Rick, I finally got to meet you after you introduced yourself after Mass last year at St. Bartholomew Church. I heard a lot of great things about you over the past couple of years. I feel bad not attending your funeral, but sadly my Dad passed away in late March, and his funeral was April 10th. I look forward to seeing you again someday on the other side… blessings Rick.