Wayne L. "Buck" Stiller

Wayne Stiller was many things to many people, but most importantly, he was a good hearted man who did his best to show concern, care and kindness to those around him. He was a loving father, good friend and mentor, and took interest in the lives of others. With his great sense of humor, he brightened the days of many, and faithful to his Creator and Lord, "Buck" was a lovable man who found joy in the simple things. Never one to impress, he never required the "finer" things in life, and lived selflessly towards the greater good. A beloved man, the spirit of Wayne Stiller lives on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. The end of World War II found many returning home to their sweethearts and beginning families of their own in newly developed suburbs. Technology was at an all-time high, business was booming, and the "baby-boom" was off and running. Amidst these promising times, Roy and Grace (Olk) Stiller from Muskegon, Michigan had exciting news of their own when on October 31, 1946 they welcomed the birth of their son, Wayne Louis Stiller. Wayne soon earned the nickname "Buck" when one of his uncles stated how his parents now had a "young buck" of their own! Raised alongside his older sister, Claudia, Wayne was later joined by two younger sisters, Rhonda and Karen. The Stiller family made their home on Jackson Hill's Octavius Street where Buck enjoyed adventures with neighborhood friends and spent endless days fishing. His father sold cemetery monuments for a living while his mother was a homemaker. Buck's father, an avid photographer, took many photos of Buck and his sister Claudia playing on the many monuments displayed in their yard and at the local cemeteries, which became their playground. He attended Froebel School and went on to attend Muskegon Public Schools. They eventually moved to Jiroch Street when Buck's father opened a Burger Chef franchise which led to three additional restaurants. Treasured memories were shared on many family picnics, visiting relatives in Ludington and Manistee, Michigan and taking in family reunions at Hamlin Lake. They were parishioners of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church where Buck received the Holy Sacraments. Although Buck's father desired he follow in the restaurant business, Buck's free spirited nature led him in other directions. He worked at various places searching for his niche, and newly married, was blessed with the birth of his one and only child, Bernie, born in 1966. Along with spending time with his son, Buck continued his love of fishing and did so at every opportunity. He appreciated the outdoors and throughout the years shared a close bond and kinship with his mother to their Indian heritage. Although Buck's marriage ended in divorce, he was forever grateful for his son and took on the responsibility of raising him on his own. For a time, Buck and Bernie lived in the Ravenna area where Buck was a true "mountain man." With his already gruff exterior, he easily fit the role of a woodsman. In time he and his son took on a new venture when they moved to Apache Junction, Arizona. While there, Buck completed his GED at Mesa Community College before studying criminal justice at Arizona State University. He worked during the day, took classes at night and was a loving, attentive father to his son. He shared his love of fishing with Bernie, and taught him how to hunt and shoot. Most importantly, Buck taught him good values, kindness and warmth, and the love a genuine heart holds. Buck landed a position with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Department at the Arizona Penitentiary as a corrections officer where he remained for 15 years. He also took up the life of a cowboy. Never seen without his cowboy hat and boots, Buck also became interested in turquoise jewelry at this time. Shortly following the death of his beloved mother in 1985, Buck decided it was time to return to Michigan where he could be close to his father. One of Bernie's favorite memories of his dad include their trip back home to Michigan selling his wares and turquoise along the way. After settling into a cozy little home in the close knit community of Lakewood Club, Buck began working for the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department as a corrections officer. He remained there for the next 15 years of his career before retiring in 2009. Buck took his Indian heritage to the next level when he officially became a member and eventual elder of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. He was faithful to his people and put his all into learning about his heritage. Known as "Chief" to many, he was artistically inclined and made beautiful Indian ware. A crafter, trader, and silversmith, he attended many Pow Wows throughout Michigan and surrounding states and was true to his Christian/Native American beliefs. He gave his time and talents selflessly, and was always there for anyone in need. Politically, Buck was an independent and had a way of making his opinions known! He was steadfast in his opinions on many subjects, and was a stubborn Indian at best. However, his integrity came first, and he'd be the first to tell you if he was wrong. Buck's heart knew no boundaries, especially when it came to his canine companions who traveled by his side. He had Little Bit One, a dachshund and Little Bit Two, a Chihuahua. Last but not least was Harley, his faithful pug who never left Buck's side to the very end. After retiring, Buck often went fishing, especially with his grandson, Kevin, with whom he was close. He did much crafting, and traveling to Pow Wows, often staying with Kevin in the Upper Peninsula. He was a member of the Fox Lake Rod and Gun Club, and enjoyed playing family poker. An avid poker player, he loved going to the casinos. He loved the family reunions held each year, family Christmas gatherings and summer get-togethers. Buck met the love of his life, Sandy Lucas from Indiana on Facebook in December of 2011. They shared their Indian heritage and beliefs, and before long Sandy packed up her things and moved to Lakewood Club to begin their new life together. They loved going to flea markets, Pow Wows, yard sales and crafting together. Although their time together was all too brief, Sandy stood by Buck's side and over the last several years they loved one another's company. Since last summer, Buck began suffering from neck pain. He was diagnosed with bone spurs, and was scheduled to have surgery in February. He began doctoring in September, but the pain became too much to bear and on January 20 he was admitted to the hospital. Upon further testing, it was discovered he had numerous areas of cancer which took on an aggressive form. Wayne "Buck" Stiller was a good and honest man. He loved his family, and was proud of his Native American traditions and heritage. Ever thoughtful, his kindness was made evident in countless ways. He had a great sense of humor while adding much to the lives of many. He always told his son Bernie he didn't have enough Indian in him to cover a patch on the Chief's ass, yet he easily shed tears at his wedding. Above all, Buck was simply Buck - he had a good heart, enjoyed the simply pleasures of life, but his love will be what is remembered most. He leaves much to be remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. At the age of 67, Wayne L. "Buck" Stiller received eternal comfort and peace with his Creator on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 following a brief yet brave battle with cancer. SURVIVORS: Buck is lovingly survived by his son, Bernie (Toni) Stiller of Lakewood Club; longtime companion, Sandy Lucas; very special grandson, Kevin (fiance Becky Alligood) Johnson; step-grandchildren, Wendy (Jeff) Anderson, Kim Johnson and Melissa Scheidegger; he was great-grandpa Buck to Jordan and Paige Anderson; he is also survived by his sister, Karen (Bob) Slocum; special aunt, Genevieve Karl of Ludington; many nieces, nephews and cousins; good friend, Randy Cogswell and other good friends, tribesmen and faithful sidekick, Harley. Buck was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Grace Stiller; two sisters, Claudia Lynn and Rhonda Beckley. CELEBRATION OF LIFE: According to Buck's wishes, cremation will take place and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, February 1, 2014, 1:00 PM with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Memorial contributions may be directed to the Ottawa Band of Little River Indians Memorial Fund. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to share a favorite memory and photo of Buck and to sign his online guest book. Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon.