Dennis R. LaBuda

BIG SANDY - Dennis R. LaBuda, 59, an Air Force veteran and former Big Sandy resident, died of natural causes Saturday at his home in Lacey, Wash.
Cremation has taken place and his memorial service is 11 a.m. Friday at the Big Sandy United Methodist Church. Holland and Bonine Funeral Home of Havre is in charge of arrangements.
He leaves behind his loving mother, Evelin LaBuda of Big Sandy; his sisters, Sharon LaBuda of Lacey and Helen A. Young of Lloyd, Mont.; his nephews, Mike Nicholson and Allen LaBuda of Havre, Jim, Jerry and Tim LaBuda, all of Big Sandy, Lawrence LaBuda of Great Falls, Bill and Gordon Young of Lloyd and Nick Young of Tennessee; and his two nieces, Sheri Schlacter of Billings and Kathy Hodgins of Washington state.
Dennis was born Nov. 29, 1948, in Havre, Mont., to Mike and Evelin (Ophus) LaBuda. He was raised in the Big Sandy area, graduating from high school, and later received a degree in secondary education from Northern Montana College. Dennis also was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
He went on to obtain a master's degree in instructional technology from the University of Southern California. Dennis developed a very deep interest in the aging population and was a founder of the technology in aging movement. He also was a published author of several articles in the field, along with two books garnering multiple awards. As a nationally recognized expert, Dennis' articles regarding gerontology issues can be found in publications such as Newsweek, Modern Maturity and The New York Times.
Some of the highlights of his career included his participation in both the first U.S. and the first international research conferences on technology and aging. Dennis also headed up the first U.S. technology and information project, which was the publication of a major resource book, "The Gadget Book, Devices for Easier Living," published by AARP in 1985.
Dennis also was an advocate for the elderly, serving as a professional resource to delegates in the California State House Conference on Aging, going on to address other governors conferences throughout the country. He also represented the elderly by briefing key administration staff during the Reagan years at the invitation of the U.S. commissioner on aging.
During his career, Dennis served in management positions with two of the most prominent national aging organizations, The American Society on Aging and AARP. His most recent book, "Home Sweet Home: How to Help Older Adults Live Independently," sold more than a quarter of a million copies and can be found as a resource reference in every school of occupational therapy library in the U.S. It describes strategies and products that allow older people to continue to live independently and safely in their homes.
Because of health reasons, Dennis retired and refocused his creative talents toward his hobbies of the culinary and painting arts.
He was preceded in death by his father, Mike LaBuda; his brothers, Bernard and Mike A. LaBuda; his sister, Jeannette Nicholson; and numerous other extended family members.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104.
The SPLC legal department fights all forms of discrimination and works to protect society's most vulnerable members, handling innovative cases that few lawyers are willing to take. The group also helps to track hate groups and teach tolerance.
Memorials also may be made in his name to the Big Sandy Senior Citizens Center, P.O. Box 263 Big Sandy, MT 59520; or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Condolences may be posted online at hollandbonine@q.com and/or gftribune.com/obituaries.