Donald N. Swennes

Donald N. “Buck” Swennes, 88, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018 at Libby Care Center.

He was born on Dec. 30, 1929, in Kalispell to Sidney and Amanda (Hatlen) Swennes. He graduated from Flathead High School. Buck grew up working on the family farm on Reserve.

Buck married his love Bernadine Healey on Jan. 17, 1953. They moved to Libby in the late 1950s to work at J. Neils Lumber Co., St. Regis, and Stimson until he retired. Buck and Bernadine both had a love of art. He painted, carved Vikings, Indians and animals on cottonwood bark and taught many who wanted to learn. He cast bronzes, made knives, tinkered with small engines, loved photography and yard sales and auctions.

Buck had a great gift of gab -- in other words loved to BS! He was a great husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle and friend to many. He will be greatly missed. WE love you!

He was preceded in death by his wife Bernadine, daughter Katherine Anne, son Jeffrey Lee and his wife Laura and daughter Michelle; brothers Erling and Richard and a nephew Jay.

Survivors include son Martin Swennes; daughter Kristine Berke; grandchildren Niki Wilkins, Cassie Grinder, Melissa Berke, Kyle Berke, Sara Pierce; great grandchildren Kaylee Wilkins, Blace Grinder, Elianna Jones, Parker Jones, Lauryn and Cayson Stanfield, Daniel Harmony Peirce; and niece Linda (Rick) Erickson.

Services will take place at a later date. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.