Funeral services: Friday, February 11, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City
Interment: will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors
Stewart Donald Bud Kinch, age 77, rode his lastbronc to a standstill on Sunday, February 6, 2005 at the VA Nursing Home in Miles City. Outriders on his final roundup were his girls Dolly Ferris and Cara Willson.
Bud was born on July 14, 1927 in Ismay, Montana, the son of Stewart and Ruth (Morrison) Kinch. He attended several country schools: Tee Dee, Lame Jone's and Sunny Slope. He also attended school in Miles City for a short time. Bud enlisted in the Army Air Force and served in the Philippine Islands. He served in the 82nd Air Engineers Squadron, on the air strip, south of Clark Field on the Luzon River. He was a special vehicle operator and crane operator, helping to replace engines on B-24s, B-25s and all propeller air craft and fighter planes. Bud served a short time in Guam and Sarpon, but due to a knee and hip injury, he was honorably discharged with a service connected disability. He came home and worked on numerous ranches in western and eastern Montana. Bud worked doing construction in Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana. He was a heavy equipment operator, back hoe operator and truck driver. Bud went back to ranch work for a few years before going to work for Rosebud County. Due to his knee problems, he retired in 1988 and had knee and hip surgery in 1990. Bud was always generous, witty and loved a good joke. He rode many miles on broncs too rank for he rest of us. His favorite transportation was on his mule, Donk, with his faithful dog, Tara, by his side. The highlight of Buds summer was LaBrees annual Rocky Mountain oyster feed. Bud could pack away a gallon of nuts along with a plate full of food and dessert. Ice cream was always a favorite, but home cooked meals of any kind were appreciated. Anyone who ever filled Buds plate on the grub line will miss his boots under their table, his stories and practical jokes.
Bud loved hunting prairie dogs and single handedly tried to eradicate the critters in Garfield, Rosebud, Carter, Custer, Prairie, Fallon, and Powder River Counties. He rode for many brands during his lifetime, roping antelope and coyotes for fun. Thanks to Buds welding hobby, his friends have been blessed with baler-chain lamps, horseshoe lamps, horseshoe boot jacks, and other useful items. One of the last of the old time cowboys, Bud leaves behind pastures full of friends. Survivors include his sister, WinonaSmokoff of Kenmore, WA; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Charles Kinch, and a sister, Mary Graff.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.
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