A lifetime resident of Inchelium, WA, Bud Stensgar passed away at the Inchelium Health Center. He was born on October 15, 1923 in Inchelium, the son of Fred and Mary Agnes (Meusy) Stensgar.
Bud was raised in "old" Inchelium where he also attended school. He graduated from high school as the Valedictorian in 1942 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 5, 1943. Following his military service, Bud was honorably discharged on April 22, 1946 in Bremerton, WA. He then returned to Inchelium and began a friendship with Leona Faye Baulne which led to marriage on January 3, 19147 in Colville, WA. Together they lived and began their family in Inchelium where Bud worked for the Boise Lumber Company as a log truck driver for over 23 years. During his work with the Boise Lumber Company, Bud also worked as a Tribal Councilman for the Colville Confederated Tribes and then as a Tribal Range Rider. He then began his second career of seventeen years working for the Inchelium Ferry. Bud began as a deckhand and worked his way up to Ferry Captain on the bridge of the Columbian Princess. Bud retired in 1988 and spent his retirement raising hay and cattle on their family ranch. Bud and Leona eventually sold their livestock but continued raising hay until 2010. Leona passed away on September 3, 2010. Bud has resided in the home since that time.
Bud was quite athletic and played baseball up to his 80th birthday. His high school annual stated that Bud was "an athlete and a fine fellow — a rare combination" which was true through his entire life. As a young man, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He also traveled to many tournaments with the pool players league. Bud also had a great time at local casinos and enjoyed his numerous encounters with lady luck.
Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Leona; brothers James, David and Jude.
He is survived by his daughter Wendy Stensgar, Ford, WA; son Frederick Stensgar, Inchelium; five grandchildren, Karlene, Jessie, Samantha, Skyler and Uriah; five great-grandchildren, Clarissa, Lakiya, Blake, Ava and Naerella; brother George Stensgar, Inchelium; aunt Beatrice Fifer, Inchelium; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Mr. Melvin "Bud" Stensgar was held at Danekas Funeral Chapel in Colville. Memorial contributions may be given to the local American Legion Post. Please visit and sign the guestbook at Danekas' website.
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