Robert Allen “Buzz” Brodie, 87, passed away on June 21, 2021, at St. James Hospital in Butte. Buzz was the youngest of six children and was born on December 12, 1933, in Washington, D.C. to Hubert Ellerbee “Steve” and Verna Brodie. The Brodie family resided in Washington D.C. and then following the death of Buzz’s father and eldest brother Steve; his mother, Verna moved Buzz and two of his sisters to Butte in 1946.
Buzz attended Whittier and then Butte High School where he enjoyed all sports and developed many life-long friendships. After graduating from Butte High in 1952, Buzz, went to work as a hard rock miner at the Kelley Mine. After a few years, Buzz started working for 7-Up Bottling Company and remained there for 28 years. Buzz then opened the Lake Market and retired in 1999.
Buzz married the love of his life, Darlene Kelly on February 24, 1956, and they had 3 children, Janet, Buzzy, and Barbara. Buzz was passionate about hunting, fishing, hiking and camping. Buzz was an avid reader, excellent cook and enjoyed a good cocktail. He always looked forward to going on annual vacations with his family to National Parks, Las Vegas, Disney Land and all over the western United States. One of Buzz’s most special vacations with Darlene was to Naples, Florida for their 50th wedding anniversary. Buzz and Darlene enjoyed watching sports together, especially football, and were able to attend several college football games. Buzz loved to gamble and in his later years enjoyed going to the local casinos to play keno, video poker and buy pull-tabs for NFL games. The highlight of every year was the Brodie Family 4th of July Reunion that took place at Verna Brodie’s yard and then later at Greg and Elaine Wolstein’s cabin, where family came from near and far to celebrate together.
Buzz was preceded in death by his daughter Janet; parents, Steve and Verna; mother and father-in-law Marie and George Kelly; brother Steve; sisters Ruth Cooney, Anita Ryan, and Joan Wolstein; brothers’-in-law, Rod Cooney, Tom Ryan, Marty Wolstein, and Bill Sweeney; and sister and brother-in-law George and Nora Gay Kelly.
Buzz is survived by his wife Darlene and children Buzz and Barbara; grandchildren Kelly (Lucas) Figg, Colton (Ali) Montoya, Cameron Brodie, Caden Brodie, Corinne Brodie, Nicholas Teets and Zachary Teets; great-grandchildren Emma Schuler and Luka Montoya; Buzz and Dar’s “other children” Steve and Connie Wolstein and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
The family would like to thank the staff at the St. James Emergency Room and Mercury Street Medical for taking such wonderful care of Buzz, with special thanks to nurse Krista Braxton.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the McQueen Athletic Club on Monday, June 28, 2021 from 6 until 9 pm.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Buzz.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Buzz and his family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Monday June 28, 2021
McQueen Club
3250 Hecla St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Monday June 28, 2021
McQueen Club
3250 Hecla St.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Marcia Secord McLaughlin says
My heart is breaking for all of you. We thought we were going to get to see him in two more weeks when we come to Butte. I have always thought of Buzz as my Dad. It has never changed even after 44 years and many miles between us. I am so lucky to have had him and Dar in my life.
Sending you all strength and love to get through the hard times.
Love,
Marcia
JoAnn McGrath McGrath says
Darlene and family, Bob and I are so sorry to learn of Buzz passing. It was great to reconnect when we were in Butte. We pray that God gives you peace during this difficult time. You are in our prayers.
Bob Church says
Darlene, So sorry about Buzz. We are coming to Butte for the fourth and I was planning on Looking for Buzzie at The DQ. If not for the Covid we would have seen you and Buzz July 4, 2020. So sorry for your loss. I can see Dad, Buzzie and Howie recounting stories about the Coke plant.. Twin Jim will be there too and all of the Coke gang. Take care Darlene . Bob Church
Anonymous says
Sorry!
Lon McGill says
Darlene, so sad and sorry to hear of Buzz. I remember all the times I was invited to family gatherings where Buzz, Darlene and the whole clan were. They were and are great memories of mine. RIP Buzz.
Margie Wills Laketa says
I am so very sorry for your loss! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Memory Eternal.
Rita Rodoni says
I am so sorry to hear about Buzz. When I retired from Mercury Street he was one of the patients that I missed the most. My prayers are with you Darlene.
Marc and Dawn Dockter says
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family. Marc and Dawn
Pat Mengon says
Sorry to hear about Buzz passing. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Brodie family. RIP Buzz.
Cindy LaSalle says
Darlene — with the deepest of sadness my heart aches for you and your family. You and Buzz have and always will be a couple of my and Larry’s special people. I pray that our Dear Lord will hold you in His Arms and comfort you all at this very sad time.
R.C. Mclaughlin says
Buzz and family. So sorry about Buzz Sr. I always
Enjoyed running into Darlene and Buzz at gambling practice. He was a beauty and will be missed. God Bless.
Carol Taylor Boyd says
My family and l lived across the street from Lake Market. Buzz became a dear friend after he took over the store. Our children were little at the time. Both were crazy about him. They loved buying penny candy at the store.
After reading his obituary, I too remembered his love of reading. I remember talking about what books we were reading and lending Buzz at least two of my favorite books. I am grateful for the memories of Buzz. And I was very sad to say goodbye when we moved away. My sympathy to his family and friends.