Brian Joseph McDonald

Brian J. “Buck” McDonald, 53, of Great Falls, passed away on Friday, November 16, 2018. 

Born in Great Falls, MT on February 10, 1965 to Marvin and Edith Buerster McDonald, Buck grew up in Great Falls, graduating CMR High School in 1983 and joining the Navy that same year.  He was stationed in San Diego, CA from 1983 to 1984, then off to Bremerton, WA.  During his enlistment he was a submarine nuclear propulsion plant operator and a scuba diver.  He earned a Navy achievement medal, unit commendation, a meritorious unit commendation, two good conduct medals, a battle “E” ribbon and a Navy expeditionary medal. 

Buck returned to Great Falls where he met Lisa Price and they remained together until his passing.  Upon his return, he became chief operator at the Calumet Refinery.  He loved to read, shoot pool, watch the New Orleans Saints and St. Louis Cardinals and Nascar.  He was a fisherman, enjoyed drinking beer and socializing with friends, and he oved family barbecues.

Survivors include his partner, Lisa; sons, Brandon, Zachary and Kyle; sister, Gayle (Doug) Gonzales; nephews, Tony (Jenna) Sangrey, Tom (Tabi) Sangrey and J. J. Sangrey; two grandsons; two granddaughters, and his wild and crazy sister-in-law, Sue Porter.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kayla Rose McDonald.

 As Buck always said……… “It is what it is!”

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