Curtis Steven Sample
February 27, 1955 – July 11, 2025
Curtis Steven Sample, 70, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Rosebud Healthcare Center with his wife, Nancy, by his side. Curt was born February 27, 1955, to Art and Melva (Cartwright) Sample. He joined his siblings, Linda, Cal, and Mark, and grew up in Forsyth, where he spent his youth running wild with cousins and neighborhood friends.
Curt attended Forsyth Schools and graduated in 1973. Even in his teenage years, he had a sharp business sense and a relentless work ethic. While still in high school, he proudly earned money to buy his prized 1968 green-and-black Plymouth Road Runner. When his dad, Art, traveled to Denver for back surgery, Curt and his brother Mark ran the shop. He skipped so many days of school running Art’s that we weren’t sure he’d get to graduate. Fortunately, Rosebud County Sheriff Bob Ash kept a watchful eye on him.
After high school, Curt worked in Colstrip and, in 1976, began tending bar for Jack Snyder, Nancy’s dad. That summer marked the beginning of Curt and Nancy’s long love story. They married in 1980 and built a life full of hard work, deep love, and unwavering partnership. Together, they raised their son, Steven, and welcomed their granddaughter, Solara, in 2013. He loved being a dad and a grandpa.
For fifty years, Curt and Nancy worked side by side, not only building a life but also creating a landmark. Buff’s Bar wasn’t just a business; it was Curt’s place, where the beer was cold, the stories were tall, and generations of Forsyth kids couldn’t wait to visit. Buff’s was a local institution, and Curt was its heart. He was a local icon, and he left his mark in ways that can’t be measured. Curt loved Buff’s, his family, his corvettes, and his ponytail.
Curt was preceded in death by his father, Art Sample; his brother, Cal Sample; and his father-in-law, Jack Snyder. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his son, Steven; his beloved granddaughter, Solara; his mother, Melva; his stepfather, Jay Donley; his siblings Linda (Mark) Hubbard and their families, Mark Sample and his family; his brother-in-law, Gary Snyder, and family; and numerous Cartwright and Sample cousins.
Curt’s passing leaves a void that can’t be filled. He was truly one of a kind. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, and the bar he built and loved. Please join Nancy, Steven, Solara & family in celebrating Curt’s life on Thursday, July 31, from 2–5 PM at Buff’s Bar. We’ll be sharing stories, raising a glass, and remembering the man who made Buff’s what it is. If one desires, memorials can be made to the Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County (CFNRC).
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Thursday July 31, 2025
Buffs Bar
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Thursday July 31, 2025
Buffs Bar
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Marsha Ash says
Nancy and family,
Justin and I want you all to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers 🙏
Karie Linstead says
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Curt. I always enjoyed visits with Curt at Buff’s. Curt, Nancy and Martha were in the same typing class in high school. The 3 were always the class clowns and were quite a challenge for Mrs. Reichman, from talking and laughing to Mrs. Reichman smacking Curt on his fingers with a pencil. The look on his face and reaction was priceless. Needless to say she didn’t do it again. I will miss my long time friend and old neighbor. Wishing y’all strength and peace during this difficult time.
Karie Weamer Linstead
Beth Leinwand says
Dear Nancy, Stephen, Melva and Aunt Linda:
I was very sad to hear of Curt’s passing. Curt was one of the kindest people while growing up in Forsyth. He always had time to chat at Buff’s, and always had a warm smile to give. You’re all in my thoughts, and may he rest in peace.
Love,
Beth
Llia Yuhas says
Nancy and Steven
I’m so sorry. The best memories I have of being in Forsyth was working with Curt and Jack at Buffs. Curt was always great. I don’t think there was anyone that he didn’t know. He always has a story or some joke to tell. He did a lot to help several people. He will be missed.
Jamie Lloyd says
Steven and Nancy I’m sadden to hear of Curt’s passing I will forever cherish my fond memories of my friend♡ my thoughts are with you and your family
Dennis Hoovestal says
I loved going to Buff’s whenever I was in Forsyth. Curt was a top hand at both cooking and bartending,he also was very knowledgeable about the local history of his town of Forsyth.I will miss him a great deal. Good by my friend..
Earl and Cori Goddard says
So sorry to hear of Curt’s passing. He will be missed.
Tracee Raymond-Waples says
Nancy, Steven and family,
I was completely shocked when I was told about this. I thought the world of Curt. He will be dearly missed by all. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know. Hugs to all!
Shawna Wahl says
Nancy and family I was saddened to hear about Curt. Love you all and will be praying for all of you.
Laura and Monte Monasmith says
totally caught off guard. Heartfelt prayers and thoughts.
Randy stanhope says
So sorry to hear about Curt what a wonderful man he was and such a loss for the community of forsyth prayers to the family
Lee Busch says
This is so sudden and sad….May the Lord comfort the family in your time of sorrow. Curt was a classmate in high school, he will definitely be missed, such a good guy.
Pam Belgarde Miller says
Nancy and Steven I am so sorry to hear about the loss. Curt was a wonderful guy. He will be missed.
Carol Moore says
Nancy, Steven and family,
I was shocked to hear the news of Curt’s passing. He was a kind soul who never had unkind words to say about folks. We had good times visiting at Buff’s whenever I came home. Curt and Nancy had a great relationship for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with you . Curt will definitely be missed around Forsyth. Blessings upon you.
Garth Lee says
Oh know! Curt was a very good friend of mine during high school years! Always had a smile! Kind heart!
I lost track of him over the years but always new he lived in forsyth area! His wife Nancy a very nice woman!
Garth Lee
Tim, Deb, Zachery, Drew Davis says
To all of the families, Thoughts, Hugs, Prayers. The times I was in Buffs I really liked when he would talk about the tunnel under the ground and ghosts…. He will truly be missed, memories last a lifetime. Dance with the angels Curt.
George & Julie says
This just makes it all too real. Our hearts are breaking for you Nancy & Steven, Linda and Melva too.
We had some good times, first in high school, then as adults.
We pray for you to have peace and comfort knowing how much he loved you. Take care of each other.
Love you!
Jim (Gymmie) Flor says
Nancy and Steve I was sad to hear about Curtis. What a great guy he will be missed by everybody who knew him. You are in my thoughts and my Prayers and I will cherish all the great memories I have of Curtis. RIP my friend
Dick & Billi Clark ❤️ says
All I can say … that he was probably one of the nicest people in the world. Wonderful through the years always had a smile and a wonderful greeting when you walk through those doors at Buffs !! Curt will be forever missed, we are so sorry for your families loss.
Pam Shelton says
Nancy, Steven and Solara,
Thinking of you all and sending many condolences.
Sandi Kohones and Jon Wilkerson says
We are so saddened to learn of the loss of such a wonderful person and cousin . Curt was one of the kindest and gentle souls I’ve had the pleasure to meet . We enjoyed seeing him when he and Nancy would come to Miles City or we would go to Forsyth. Heaven has definitely gained an angel . Curt will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him .
Bryan Louden says
Nancy and family….so sad to hear of Curt’s passing. A couple of things come to mind….One…Curt always had a bag of sunflower seeds….I think he was addicted to them. Second…He always wanted to race his Roadrunner and never liked losing to a Nova SS. Remember some scary night time races…..out by the Cold Spring ranch. We both survived…no clear winner…..He will be missed by all!
Kay Davis Berdahl says
To all Curt’s family,
Our condolences and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Buff’s won’t be the same without Curt.
Leslee Buffington says
I am so sorry to hear about Curt. So glad I visited with him A few years back at Buff’s bar. I have fond memories of him when we were pretty young. I thought it was great that he had Buff’s bar all these years. He will be missed.
Jim Shrimplin says
Glad I got ro see Curt at Eva’s funeral. Willis his warm smile. Jim Shrimplin
Loretta Lindeman says
Nancy I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.i found out today that the great spirits called Curt home.will always remember his smile and kindness.please reach out I am here!!
Norma Rangel Wegmann says
Nancy and family so sorry for your loss. I have known Curt since he was a young boy he used to ride the school bus when his father drove out at the valley. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Lynnette watson says
Nancy and family sorry to hear about curt he was such a nice man and will be missed by all.my thought and prayers are with you.
Jeff Bendewald says
So sorry to hear this. I grew up just 2 blocks away from Curt. He was a good friend to me.
Doug Strand says
Nancy, Steve and family, so sorry for the loss of Curt from this world! He remembered me even though I only saw him about once a year. Great bar owner, cook and bartender, always had that smile! Rest in Peace Curt.
Paula & Mike Childers says
Nancy, Melva, and family. We were so shocked and sorry to hear of Curt’s passing. We both have such different and numerous memories made with Curt. Since Mike literally was 2 doors down, you can image! He has a great picture of himself with Wade and Curt, after they all went fishing at the dam. Curt couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, but I loved that he didn’t care, and he’d sing his heart out, right along with me to the music on the radio or cassette. Treasure your memories and may God Bless you all during this most difficult time. Heartfelt condolences.
De Nice Curry says
Nancy and Stephen
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Curt helped me so much just by listening when I first moved back to Forsyth in 2008. And he always had a hug and a smile for me whenever we saw him at the bar or at Walmart in Miles City! He was a wonderful person and friend to all!!
Lynn Tompkins says
Who would of thought that laugh and great smile would be gone so soon. Nancy, this town will grieve with you for this loss. Please reach out if you need something, even if it’s just a quiet moment with a friend.
Susan Stabelfeldt says
Nancy,
I will miss Curt, he was such a good friend to me all those years. Thinking of you all.
Susan
Connie Brown says
Nancy, Steven, Melva, Linda and the rest of Curt’s family and friends, so sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful, kind hearted man our community has lost. Curt was by far Forsyth’s best soup maker, one of our top cooks!!! Prayers to all who met and knew Curt as he will be truly missed.
George & Julie says
Mark, I am so sorry I didn’t mention you above! So sorry you lost your brother. Too fast and too soon! May the memories keep you going. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Colette Critelli says
Nancy , Steven and Family,
so sorry to hear of Curt’s passing .
I remember great times with you both that bring a smile to my face Good memories
Forsyth won’t be the same .
You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jack & Kris Crocker says
Nancy, Steven and family, so sorry to hear about Curts passing. He was always so friendly and fun to visit with. You all will be in our prayers.
Joe and Loy Martens says
Nancy and all of Curt’s family,
We were so sad to hear of Curt’s passing. He was a kind soul. You are in our thoughts.
lorraine catania says
My heart is truly saddened for the loss of Curt. I first met Curt sample and Nancy in 1984 when I moved to Forsyth. My aunt Rose, my sister Cathy, my sister, Gina, and myself all had the pleasure to work under Curt sample Jack Snyder Nancy sample and enjoyed every minute of it. They were the most loving owners of an establishment I have ever had the privilege to work with in all my years of being employed. They have always treated myself and my children and my entire family like we were a part of their family. Curt was one of a kind Truly loved people loved buff bar made it what it is they will never be anybody to fill his shoes, he will be greatly missed. I don’t have enough words to express my feelings, except I truly am saddened and will miss him.
Bill Davis says
Curt was a good guy he would help you out with just about anything he could
John and Barb Groom says
Oh Kurt I remember that Beautiful Green Roadrunner. We chased either around Forsyth You in your Roadrunner and me and my Charger. Those were the Days. It was always a Pleasure to stop at Buffs and shoot the breeze of days gone by. Prayers for You My Friend and for Nancy and your Son. May God Bless You in All of Your Heavenly travels. Prayers for your Family! God Bless until we Meet Again…
Bonnie Dickinson says
So sorry for you and your families loss. Curt was one of a kind and Dan loved playing poker at the bar he always said he was a great dealer. I am sure the cards are shuffled and flying. ❤️
Andy (Butch) and Charlys Schulenberg says
Everyone has mentioned everything We could say about Curt. I remember Him from the time He was born until now. Friendly, Genuine Person , smile on His Face every time We ran into Him . Gone much to soon. We will miss 😢 Him. Hugs and prayers 🙏 to Nancy and rest of The Family
HisPen says
A legacy has moved on. A pillar of Forsyth society. The many years spent providing entertainment and fun will not be forgotten. Thank You Curt… You will be missed.
Nancy and Steven our thoughts and prayers to You….