LEE VANBUSKIRK

LEE VANBUSKIRK October 7, 1954 ~ December 6, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Claude Lee Van Buskirk on December 6th, 2025, at the age of 71 years, at one of his most cherished places, the Black Ranch. Lee was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend to so many.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 36 years, Susan Elizabeth Van Buskirk; daughters, Jessica Van Buskirk (Daniel McNeil) and Shannon (Justin) Kurtz; grandchildren, Rowdy Lee, Ethan, Brayden as well as another grandchild expected in February. He is also survived by his mother, Donna Lee Erdmann; brothers, William (Venyce) Van Buskirk, Richard (Debbie) Van Buskirk and Patrick (Shelley) Van Buskirk as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Lee was predeceased by his father, William Lee Van Buskirk; stepfather, Keith Middleton Erdmann; cousin, James Robert Black and his niece, Emalee Jane Van Buskirk.
Lee, the eldest son of William Van Buskirk and Donna Lee Erdmann, was born on October 7th, 1954, in Lethbridge, AB, where he spent his early years. He attended Patterson Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Allan Watson and Hamilton for junior high and LCI High School. After grade 10, he left school to move to his cousin Bob Black’s ranch in Consul, SK. He spent much of his teenage and young adult years there, learning from his cousin and many others. Lee loved ranch life and had countless stories from his time there. He continued returning to the ranch to help with weaning, brandings and winter work whenever he could, right up until his passing.
When Lee met Susan, he was working for Art’s Excavating. He then began his career in the oil field in Manyberries, AB, where he and Susan raised their family. Lee worked in the oil and gas industry for many years as an operator and eventually a production consultant throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. He was known across the industry for his work ethic, integrity and wealth of knowledge. He also spent years long-haul trucking with some of his best and lifelong friends and later co-founded L & S Trucking. Lee and Susan spent their last few years together in Claresholm, AB, where they could be close to their daughters.
Anyone who knew Lee knew he rarely sat still. When he wasn’t working, he could be found tinkering in his shop, cheering on his daughters at their sports, rodeos and 4-H events, or travelling on his Harley. He was always ready for a road trip and a good long visit.
Lee will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity and the friendships he built everywhere he went. He will be dearly missed by so many, but the life he lived, though far too short, was lived fully, wholeheartedly and without reservation.
A Celebration of Lee’s life will be held at Hillcrest Church, 3785 – 13 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor George Mills officiating. The service will be live-streamed. Those wishing to attend the service virtually may do so by visitinghttps://www.hillcrestchurch.net/funerals(Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”