Stanley Phillip (Buck) Thurnston Jr.

STANLEY PHILLIP (BUCK) THURSTON JR.

Stanley Phillip (Buck) Thurston Jr., 80, of Polson walked through Heaven’s gate and was finally reunited with the love of his life, Maureen, who preceded his passing by 22 years. He passed on Friday, Dec. 2 at his home on Finley Point from natural causes. He was born in Polson on February 10, 1936 to Stanley and Effie (Donithan) Thurston; he had three brothers and one sister.

Buck graduated from Polson High School, and then joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served in Okinawa and the Philippines. Notably, he became a marksmanship instructor and competed with the Marine Corps Marksmanship Team. After leaving the Marines, he worked as a crew boss running a Glacier Park trail crew and there he eventually met his beloved wife, Maureen. He and Maureen (Morley) were married on Dec. 28, 1960 in Forest Lake, Minnesota. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, he worked as a Junior High School Science Teacher.

In 1967, they moved back to Finley Point, to continue growing cherries in the family orchards and raise their children. After a few years, Buck began building a second successful business, skillfully constructing docks, boathouses, and other shoreline structures. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and woodworker who thrived in the outdoors and was happiest working with his own two hands.

Whenever possible, he took every opportunity to share his outdoor expertise with family and friends. The fruits of his labor were given generously throughout the community in the forms of hand-crafted music stands made of juniper, as well as canned fruit, fish, game, or anything else he could provide, offered to anyone who simply needed a helping hand.

He is survived by his two children; Tim Thurston (wife Cindy) and Anne Scharff; seven grandchildren Nicholas Thurston, Jacob Thurston, Nathan Drewlo, Chase Thurston, Tianna Thurston, Sarah Scharff, and Elizabeth Scharff; one great-grandchild Gabriel Michael Drewlo; and two siblings Patricia Tacke and Bruce Thurston.

He is preceded in passing by his parents; Stan and Effie; wife Maureen (Morley); infant son David; and two siblings Richard (Dick) Thurston and James (Jim) Thurston.

His memorial service is Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. in Polson’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Father Gary Reller presiding, followed by interment of his ashes at Lake View Cemetery. A reception at the Montecahto clubhouse across from the Finley Point Grill, Highway 35, Polson, follows the ceremony. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

The family requests memorial donations go to the Marine Corps League, Hellroaring Detachment 1041, P.O. Box 33, Polson MT 59860.

Buck, we will always carry your memory in our hearts, and many elk and deer will now live to a ripe old age.

Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral and Crematory.