Buddy James Cuchine, age 85, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away on December 25, 2022, at St. James Healthcare in Butte, Montana, with family by his side.
Buddy, known as Bud to family and friends, was born in Butte on June 5, 1937, at his childhood home off Placer St. to Eugene and Billie (Everett) Cuchine. The eldest of four children, Bud’s siblings describe him as a thoughtful brother, the one they could go to if they needed anything, and their protector, often looking out for his younger siblings.
As a youngster, Bud had a quiet demeanor, lots of energy, and he was witty, traits he would carry with him his whole life. He also had an unwavering faith in God and from a young age, he would regularly discuss his faith with those closest to him.
Bud attended Madison School and Webster Garfield School in Butte, where he participated in band. He briefly attended Butte High School and eventually received his GED, an accomplishment of which he was quite proud.
When Bud was a teenager, he started courting local Butte girl, Denise Healy, when she was a junior in high school. After winning her heart, Bud, at the age of 21, married Denise, 19, in the Sister’s Chapel of St. John’s Catholic Church in Butte on October 1, 1958. Following their union, they would welcome seven children into their lives: Michael, Margaret, Gary, Christina, Mary, Shawn, and Denis.
Bud had a diligent work ethic and worked hard to support his family. According to his wife, Bud started working when he was 14 years old at the stockyards in Butte and never stopped. Bud also worked at Len Waters Music, as a security guard for the Burns Security Agency, as a truck driver for the Anaconda Company, an electrician, and he retired as a maintenance engineer for Butte School District #1.
Bud was a talented artist, frequently spotted with a sketchbook in hand or painting nature-scenes on canvases and saw blades. He was also a prolific tinkerer, spending hours in his garage building and repairing things, driving his beloved Bobcat around his property, or doing other various tasks outside just to stay busy. Bud was known as the go-to guy by many — he was always more than willing to lend a hand or his tools.
Bud leaves behind his sons, Michael (DeAnn), Gary (Francine), Shawn (Tianna), Denis (Amy); daughters, Margaret (John) Piazzola, Christina (Christopher) Vidrich; and Mary (James) Verhelst; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; sister Shirley (Melvin) Rowling; brother Dave (Ellen) Cuchine; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his and Denise’s special dog, Chalupa.
Bud is preceded in death by his soulmate and wife of 63 years, Denise; parents, Eugene and Billie Cuchine; his father and mother-in-law, Denis and Margaret Healy; his brother Jerry; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bud’s family will forever remember him as a devoted spouse, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, his unique sense of humor, and his selflessness when it came to helping others.
We will miss him greatly, but we take comfort in knowing he is once again holding hands each night with the love of his life, Denise.
His family will celebrate his life at 11AM Thursday, January 5th at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Butte, 2100 Farragut Ave, Butte, MT 59701. A reception will immediately follow.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Buddy.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Buddy and his family.
Tim Queer says
I will miss driving by his garage and seeing Bud out fixing something. When ever I needed anything tools or whatever he had it or he would throw me the keys and say look in the sheds it’s out there somewhere. I don’t think I can count how many times I caught him up in his man lift on a trailer hooked to the bobcat. I will miss him every day .
Karen Eide says
Our deepest sympathy Chris. Much love
Karen and Arnie Eide
Leona Knight says
With deepest sympathy in your loss I know how much Bud loved his family! He will be missed by all who knew him! Leona Knight he’s now flying highly with his family in heaven😇😇Rest in peace Bud
Brenda Lane says
Buddy and Denise were great friends to our family. Rest in peace and fly high. My condolences and love to your family.
Vicki Stevenson says
Sorry foe your loss. May your memories give you comfort. Mike and family are I our thoughts.
Joe & Vicki Stevenson
Jim fisher says
May he Rest In Peace and shine his light upon you and your family. Best wishes
Sue De Wolf says
In the short time I knew him – I found him to be a quiet, witty, enjoyable chatacter. He was a class act!
Ray Mclaughlin says
Gary, so sorry to hear about your dad.Bud was one of a kind and broke me in at Longfellow and Greeley. Your mom and he were regulars at the pasty shop, like you. He will be missed.God Bless. Ray Mclaughlin and family.
Dave S says
Best wishes for your families future happiness amd togetherness in life , and healing as you overcome the loss of Bud and Denise … Happy that Bud and Denise can be together again eternally.
IUOE Local 400 Board, Members and Staff says
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family as this most difficult time