William "Bill" Cline Buntain

Bill Buntain passed away on May 27,2013 at his home with his family by his side. Bill was born in Bakersfield, CA, May 1,1923 to Cathline and Cline Buntain. Bill moved from Bakersfield to Helena, Ca. at the age of 5. At the age of 16 he and his Dad went to Alaska to work on the fishing boats. In 1945 he left high school his junior year at the age of 17 to join the Navy. He spent his tour on board the Destroyer Escort DE-700 as a 1st class signalman off the coast of China during World War II. Two months before being discharged from the Navy he married Lois Millar on August 20, 1947. Bill and Lois first met in kindergarden in 1935 in Big Bar, Trinity County in a one room school house and have shared the last 65 plus years together. After his discharge Bill and Lois moved to Weaverville, CA, where they started their family. Bill worked at the lumber mill in Weaverville for a time, which is still in operation today. Later he went out on his own and started logging. From there they moved to Blue Lake, CA, where he also logged. In 1956 they gathered up their 5 kids and moved to Sacaramento, CA. He worked in Camptonvile in the Sierras logging. In 1959 he moved his family to Red Bluff, CA to go to work for the CDF as a heavy-equipment operator, fighting forest fires. After 25 years of work he retired on July 4,1984. In their retirement they traveled throughout the western states. They have spent the last 50 years in the house they built where they raised their family. During this time they created many lasting memories. Bill is survived by his wife Lois, son David, daughters, Kathy, Patsy, and JoAnn, numerous grandchildren and too many to count great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Bill was proceeded in death by his parents, two brothers, three sisters, son Ronald, granddaughter NaCole, grandson's Chad and Jeremiah. Graveside services will be held at Oak Hill Cemetary in Red Bluff on June 3, 2013 at 10 am. Reception to follow at the Buntain home.