Pat Buker Obituary

Pat Buker

Pat Buker, age 54, Olympia, died at home Sunday, March 13, 2011, after suffering what was determined to be a massive heart attack. Healthy and physically active, his death has shocked us all.
He was born July 17, 1956, in Shelby, MT, to Newt and Stick Buker. He attended LP Brown Elementary, Jefferson Middle School and Olympia High School, graduating from Medical Lake High School in 1974. He graduated from Western Washington University in 1978, and earned an MBA from City University.
Pat first worked for DDD, Central Office in Olympia, then Fircrest School, Rainier School, Western State Hospital, DSHS, OFM, GA and finally OFR in Olympia.
Pat's passions were many – some more public than others. He spent countless hours on the property surrounding his home digging, building, doing demolition, hauling rocks, making trails and gardens. A downed tree, a baseball game on the radio, a chainsaw full of gas, his dogs and a Frisbee beat a cold beer and a day at the beach hands down.
His other passions included baseball, especially Willie Mays and the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants; football, notably Bart Starr, Brett Favre and Superbowl Champion Green Bay Packers; college basketball, particularly the John Wooden dynasty and UCLA Bruins; and music, especially the blues. He compiled hundreds of CDs to commemorate the events in his life and the lives of family and friends. He was a member of the ACLU; he revered the Kennedys, and read three newspapers daily.
Pat was quick-witted and wickedly sarcastic, there was never a dull moment around him. His best stuff was likely to be at the expense of someone in the crowd, an experience with which many readers may be personally acquainted. Generally harmless, funny all the same.
He was married to Trish Jones on September 23, 1978, in Seattle.
In 1990 their son Will was born. That day was Pat's proudest moment, but it only got better. As the years passed, Pat continued to watch Will mature and grow into an incredible young man. Parenting was one of the few times Pat dropped his guard – he found great pleasure in Will's many accomplishments, humor in his friendships and experiences and unspeakable pride in his abilities. Pat was looking forward to Will's graduation from Western Washington University, his career, marriage, children and more success in life.
Other survivors include his parents, Newt and Stick Buker, Olympia; and his siblings Kath, Mike and Reid and their families; his dogs Jessie, Jack and Ruby; and many friends and colleagues.
Friends are invited to a memorial service and potluck scheduled for Sunday, March 20, 2011, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lacey Community Center. An account has been created at WSECU (any branch) for his son, William Buker's continued education expenses.

Published by The Olympian on Mar. 18, 2011.
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Memories and Condolences
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Trish and Will,
My heart goes out to you. I still can't believe it. I would see Pat almost every day at the Valley working out at lunch. We'd always stop briefly to chat in the hall. He'd ask about Evan and Alex and I'd ask him about Will. The Valley seems empty these days not seeing his friendly smile and the "Hi, how's it going?" I too remembering him always working the back 40 at your place when dropping the boys off or picking them up. I'm sorry we were not able to make it to his memorial but I heard it was standing room only and a wonderful tribute which shows the number of people's lives he impacted. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Gloria Papiez

March 30, 2011

Pat was a classmate and a friend in school. His wit and humor was a hallmark of him I will always remember. God be with him and family at this sudden loss of such a fine human being.

J LeBlanc

March 24, 2011

I remember Pat from high school. It is pleasing to see that he had so many passions. My heart goes out to his family at this time of loss!
Scott Rushing MLHS

March 24, 2011

Just a wonderful person...and a friend in high school. He could always find the silver lining, with the smiles and laughs that went with it.

W. Potter

March 24, 2011

Pat was a true gentlemen in every since of the word. He was a compassionate man with a heart of gold. I am blessed to have known him. His spirit will live all through all of us. May God keep you all in your hour of need.

LeSa Gilbert

March 22, 2011

Trish and Will: We're shocked and saddened for your loss. Trish you've been our angel in the chemo suite at GH. There will be angels watching over both of you during this difficult time. Big HUG to both of you.
Ray and MA

March 22, 2011

I was fortunate to have worked with Pat these last few years. He was not only my boss but my mentor and friend. As much as he will be missed in the office, I cannot fathom the pain of his loss shared by family and closet friends. My deepest sympathies to all....I truly believe we are all better people for having known him.

Shawn Hoage

March 20, 2011

I was so sorry to hear about Pat. I worked with him for many years and talked with him often at the gym this year. He will be missed by many. Please accept my sympathies for this terrible loss.

Sydney Dore

March 20, 2011

Newt & Stick: We are, like everyone, are shocked and dismayed. All of our sympathy, and we will pray for you daily. Jim and Ines

Jim Parker

March 19, 2011

Dear Newt and Stick,
Betty sent us the Obituary regarding your Son Pat. We extend our sympathy to you, sounds like He was a wonderful person.
Gordon and Sally Babbitt
Groves, Texas

March 19, 2011

I was so shocked and sad to hear of Pat's passing. I worked with Pat about 20 years ago and had so much fun with him. We just laughed all the time. As I moved on to other jobs, I lost touch with him, but then we ended up working in the same building for a while before I retired in 2009. I was so happy to see him again. He was a blessing in my life, and I will never forget him. My heart goes out to all of you who loved him.

Carolyn Robinson

March 18, 2011

I worked with Pat for a couple years, I found his way a lot of fun and he left you never knowing quite what to think. I always looked forward to our next encounter (I was the Human Resource person). Pat was one of the nicest people I worked with at FSA. My sympathy to Pat's family, God bless all of you I know how hard it can be to lose someone you love so very much.

Judy Kytta

March 18, 2011

The best big brother a man could have; he will truly be missed.

March 18, 2011

I had the pleasure of reporting to Pat while he was at GA. We hit it off right way - probably because we tended to think the same things were funny. That time will remain one of my fondest memories. I will miss him greatly.

My deepest condolences go out to Pat's family.

Edanna Ericson

March 18, 2011

I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. If you ever need an understanding ear or a sympathetic heart, we'll talk. May fond and joyful memories be of comfort to you and your family at this time.

Bonnie Vandver

March 18, 2011

I just met him recently and we began a project together. I am so saddened by this loss. Even though I only knew him for a short time I was so impressed with him as a quality human being. His family should be proud to have had him in your lives. He was a very good man.

Lynnie Larsen

March 18, 2011

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