Theodore “Stubby” Murie Buzby

Longtime Alaska resident Theodore “Stubby” Murie Buzby, 70, passed away after a battle with cancer on Oct. 12, 2015, in Palmer, Alaska.

Theodore was born to Ted and Clara “Buzzy” Buzby in Fairbanks, Alaska, on April 10, 1945. In 1951, his father accepted a new job moving his family to Palmer. Theodore pursued a college education until he was drafted into the Army his senior year, serving our country in the Vietnam War from 1966-1968. Theodore was proud of his service to the country and community.

Theodore married the love of his life, Lynda Buzby, on Dec. 18, 1978. He jumped right into a family and together they raised two granddaughters as if they were his own children.

Theodore spent some time as a commercial fisherman and also helped clean up after the Exxon Valdez oil spill. His chosen career was working as a Laborer for the Local 341 laborers union at the gravel pit just outside of Palmer; he retired from the union at age 55. Upon his retirement, he didn’t stop working, managing the American Legion for a few years and was Secretary of the Palmer Moose Lodge.

Theodore was active within the community, participating as a member of the Palmer Moose Lodge, the American Legion and the VFW. He volunteered countless hours for local groups, including the Palmer Food Bank. One of his proudest moments was the day he was conferred by the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge the Pilgrim Degree of Merit, which is the highest honor and awarded to very few Moose. One of the basic precepts of the LOOM is that “No institution that labors for self and self alone can remain great and mighty, and serve prosperity”. This sentence sums up his world view.

He was known by all who knew him as being a kind, gentle and generous person. He never knew a stranger. He enjoyed hobbies such as collecting stamps, playing bingo, and sports.

Theodore is survived by his grandchildren: Dusty Silva & Jamie Schley, Heather (Mathis) Blachford and husband Joel Blachford, Jessy Jenny and friend Charlotte Hillyer, Ronald and Matthew Buchanan, Jeremiah, Abigail, Timothy and Katelin Prummer. Children: Rick and Amy Mathis, Pam Jenny and friend Denny Lords, and Kathy Prummer. Great-grandchildren Dustin Silva and wife Kaylee Silva, and Dylan Silva. His great-granddaughter Elizabeth Miller. His great-great-granddaughter Leah Ann Silva. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. His siblings; sister Penny Cherneski and husband Vern, sister Barbara Entsminger, brother Martin Buzby, and brother Harry Buzby and wife Cynthia Buzby. Pallbearers: Dylan Silva, Teddy R. Buzby, Dustin Silva, Jessy Jenny, Jamie Schley, honorary Scott Entsminger and Frank Buzby.

Theodore was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Clara “Buzzy” Buzby, and beautiful wife Lynda Buzby.

The family and friends visitation is on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m., at Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary, on South Alaska Street in Palmer. A military graveside service will be held at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery at 2 p.m. The Celebration of Life will follow at the Palmer Moose Lodge at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Palmer Food Bank: 209 Evergreen Ave., Palmer, AK 99645.