Delbert Arthur ''Buz'' McCanse, Jr.

2-16-28 to 2-12-04

At the age of 75, Buz was set free from the crippling effects of Parkinson's Disease and headed out to meet his maker. It's easy to imagine him with a spring in his long legged step, whistlin' a tune as he nears Heaven. He was surrounded by loved ones, at the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House, when he left this earth. Buz was born in Metropolis, Nevada to Delbert and Bernice McCanse. He was raised on a farm near North Powder, Oregon. He remained a farm-boy at heart and always did seem more natural when wearing his cowboy boots.

Being raised around 8 sisters it's amazing he survived his early years at all, but he did and he went on to try his hand at many endeavors. He was a ranch-hand, railroad worker, US Marine, college student, and a fruit farmer. He was a WWII Veteran and he belonged to The American Legion Post 115. Out at the Hanford Site, Buz was known as Mac. He retired as a Power Operator from Fluor-Daniel after 38 years at Hanford.

Buz met and married his life's love, Colleen Dewitt, in 1955. The McCanses raised 4 children during the 45 years that Buz lived in Benton City. Some of the things he enjoyed throughout his life were fishing, rock hunting, camping, reading a lot!, sitting at the table with a cup of coffee shootin' the breeze, and taking daily 5 mile walks with slim and or his dog. He has always had a green thumb, and could grow any tree, flower, or vegetable. He and took pride in sharing from his garden with friends and family. Buz also enjoyed exploring the surrounding desert with any number of his kids, grandkids, or great-grandkids, and always with his dog.

Not much of a traveler, Buz preferred to stick close to home with Coll. When at home you could often find him on the front porch throwing the frisbee to Sox Dog with Slipper Kitty close by. He was a tall, gentle man of few words, which included ''MmmHu'' and ''HaaHooo!''. Buz was a Master Practical Joker hee hee hee hee with an awesome sense of humor that he passed on to his kids. He also gave them a deep appreciation of nature and all God's creatures great and small. Our memories are abundant and we are richly Blessed.

Buz is survived by his loving wife of almost 49 years, Colleen, his 4 children, Terrie McCanse of Benton City, Reed McCanse of Olympia, Carol McCanse of Benton City, Buzzy McCanse of Richland, 9 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a whole bunch of loving friends and relatives including 7 of his 8 adoring sisters, who always called him Buss.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Buz's memory to the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House, or The American Parkinson Disease Association, 1-800-223-2732. We especially want to thank Winnie and the devoted staff from Hospice for their compassionate loving care.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on July 31, 2004, at North Howard Amon Park, Richland, WA.