Obituary of James D'Arcy Buss

James D’Arcy “Buck” Buss

August 21, 1953, New Westminster, BC

March 3, 2023, Wycliffe (near Cranbrook), BC

 

 

Buck was a beautiful bright boy who grew up with early years of abuse and neglect. Always kind, thoughtful, creative and talented — drawing beautiful sketches of wild animals, painting, making music, building forts — he lit up a room and pulled a crowd of admirers around him. Living with the effects of early trauma meant he struggled with addictions, even as he followed his love of the wild into the forests and mountains of BC.

 

In his early hard and painful years, he took care of his dear younger sister, Shawn, born when he wasn’t yet 3. In recent years he came to live with her, and she took care of him when his health declined. “He was the most gentle, compassionate person I ever met,” she says.

 

During his lifetime Buck worked mainly in the forest industry where as a bucker man he became known as “Buck” as there was so many other Jims and James.  For many years he was a Wildfire Crew Boss fighting wildfires in BC, Alberta and the United States.

He also spent 2 years working at Jasper National Park riding the park boundaries, clearing trails and camping outside each night.  Buck loved the great outdoors!!!

When not working Buck avidly followed NASCAR Racing and was a huge fan of Dale Earnhardt.  He dreamt of one day being able to attend the Daytona 500 in person.

In his later years Buck rode his mountain bike “Talladega” for miles during the day taking photos of the awesome Kootenay mountains, scenery and wildlife.

 

Mourned by his many relatives and friends far and wide, he passed away peacefully at his home in Wycliffe surrounded by loving family.

 

He is survived by his son Kigar, grandson Wild, sisters Shawn and Fiona and brothers Colin and David, as well as his nieces and nephews: Dana, Jessica, Ashleigh, Emma and Joshua.