By HDN Staff
BIG SANDY Mike Andrew LaBuda, 59, died Saturday at a Great Falls hospital of complications from cancer.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Rohrer Methodist Church in Big Sandy with burial to follow in Big Sandy Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the church.
LaBuda was born Nov. 8, 1941, in Havre to Mike and Evelin (Ophus) LaBuda. He grew up on the family farm southeast of Big Sandy and attended Big Sandy public schools. He was active in Future Farmer of America and served as chapter historian his senior year. He graduated in 1961.
He attended Great Falls Commercial College and later went to work for Triangle Telephone Cooperative in Havre. He worked there for several years before joining US West and relocating to Denver. He returned to Montana in 1974 and settled in Helena. He continued his career with US West through a transfer to Boise, Idaho, in 1988, where he remained until retiring in 1995 and returning to Big Sandy.
LaBuda withstood multiple health crises during his life and had have both hips replaced twice and his shoulders replaced once.
LaBuda enjoyed crocheting, gardening, collecting, oil painting and meticulous quilting. Upon his return to Big Sandy, he became actively involved with Rohrer Memorial Methodist Church and the Big Sandy Historical Museum. He served as a board member for both.
He was preceded in death by his father, Mike LaBuda; brother, Bernard; sister, Jeannette Nicholson.
Survivors include his mother, Evelin LaBuda of Big Sandy; sisters, Helen Young of Lloyd and Sharon LaBuda of Olympia, Wash.; brother, Dennis LaBuda of Olympia; nine nephews and two nieces; numerous great-nephews and great-nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Memorials may be made to the Montana Gift of Life Foundation, Box 1821, Great Falls, the Methodist Church in Big Sandy or to one's choice.
Services and arrangements are under the direction of Holland and Bonine Funeral Home.
