Richard Buch went home to be with the Lord on August 26, 2024, surrounded by his wife and loving family.

Richard was born on July 28, 1951, in Belle Plaine, Iowa to Donald and Leola Albers Buch. He was raised on his family farm with his three brothers. As an Iowa farm boy, he learned many of life’s important skills. He graduated from Benton Community High School in 1969. 

     After graduation, he chose to serve his country as a loadmaster in the United States Air Force. His first duty station was at Warner Robbins Air Force Base, Georgia. In 1971, he was relocated to McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington. During his last year of service, he met Donna Banman and they were joined together in marriage on June 22,1974, in Boise, Idaho, sealing their lifelong commitment.

     After their marriage, Richard and Donna began their life together in Ames, Iowa, where Richard attended Iowa State University. On May 24, 1980, Richard graduated from Iowa State University of Science and Technology as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

     During the early years of Richard’s veterinary career, he was a large and small animal veterinarian in Belle Plaine, Iowa. As a small-town veterinarian there were many late night and early morning calls that required his expertise. It was on one of these evening calls, that Richard, surrounded by sheep in a pasture, prayed with a dear friend and surrendered his life to the Lord. 

     In 1987, Richard knew God was calling him in a different direction. He sold his veterinary clinic, and the family moved to Idaho. His new job was working for the United States Department of Agriculture as a Veterinary Medical Officer.

     Richard loved the great outdoors, and enjoyed his hunting excursions, spending time in the back country, working with his horses, fishing, skiing, and working in his yard. One of Richard’s many talents was creatively turning “junk” into treasures for others.  He spent many hours tinkering in his garage and shop.

     If asked, Richard would tell you his greatest blessings were his three children and six grandchildren. Visiting his family and grandchildren was always a priority for him. He truly loved being a Papa. 

     Richard is survived by his wife of fifty years, Donna; children, Brian (Tracey) Buch, John (Heather) Buch, Katie (Beau) Barry; grandchildren, Mason and Abigail Buch; Rachel and Lauren Buch; Ali and Maci Barry; brothers, Jim (Cathy) Buch; and Tom (Barb) Buch.

     Richard’s Celebration of Life will be at Central Valley Baptist Church located at 600 N. Ten Mile, Meridian, Idaho 83642, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

     Memorial contributions in memory of Richard Buch may be sent to Stanton Healthcare, 3864 Harbor Lane, Boise, Idaho 83703, or Online:  giving.myamplify.io\\app\giving\stanton