Steve Burney

Surrounded by family, Stephen Brice Burney, known to many as ‘Bugs’, arrived home by Angels’ Wings on April 13, 2022 to be with our Lord and Savior.

Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, May 7th at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Cut Bank followed by graveside services at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Steve was born January 30, 1958 to Ray and Eva (Snyder) Burney, in Alliance, Nebraska.  He attended school in Hemingford, Nebraska until the age of 14 when his family moved to Cut Bank in 1972.  Steve graduated in 1976 from Cut Bank High School.  Upon graduation, he attended one year at Montana State University and was a life-long avid Cats fan.  After one year of college, he returned home and worked many years at Getter Trucking.

At an early age, Steve helped his Grandpa Burney, dad and uncles.  He traveled with them as they Customed Combined from Texas to Canada and worked the family farm land in Nebraska and South Dakota.  He learned to operate all phases of farm equipment and to drive trucks at an early age.  He always loved farming and helped many area farmers during harvest.

Working for the Cut Bank Schools was Bugs’ joy.   He drove local routes and was a dedicated driver for the Cut Bank Wolves Team bus for many years. He safely transported hundreds of students for field trips, and many sports, music, and academic competitions all over the State of Montana in all kinds of weather. Keeping his special cargo safe and returning them home safely, was a rewarding experience for Bugs He also worked for Glacier Electric Cooperative and enjoyed all of his co-workers. They most recently presented Bugs with a hard hat with all their signatures and special messages. Bugs loved it and his face lit up every time he looked at it. Thank you!

Steve’s life wasn’t always work and no play.  Later in life, he earned his pilot’s license and purchased his own plane so he could fly in Big Sky country.  He always felt at home in Essex, Montana at the cabin and loved riding his Harley with groups of cousins and friends.  They traveled wherever the open road would take them.  Fishing was another great past time, and he told many Alaskan fish stories after halibut and salmon fishing.

Steve was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Cut Bank serving on Session.  He enjoyed the visits after church and always had to stay for “Coffee Hour”.   During the week, Bugs enjoyed his daily morning coffee downtown with the coffee crowd.

Steve is preceded in death by his grandparents, Carl and Elizabeth Snyder, Cyril and Marie Burney; father, Ray Burney; mother, Eva (Snyder) Burney; brother-in-law, Scott Cook; brother-in-law, Ray Christiaens; numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, friends and his beloved dog, Beau.

Steve is survived by his sisters, Debbie (Wade) Fugleberg of Dodge Center, MN, Shawn Christiaens of Kevin, MT, Sheryl Kay Cook, and Kenith Velotta both of Soldotna, Alaska; brother, Shane (Rosemary) Burney of Safford, Arizona; nieces, Kate (Brian) Savage of Nampa, Idaho, Angie (Brad) Armour of Stevensville, MT, and Ali (Jeff) Hemp Hill Shakopee, MN; nephew, Jake Fugleberg Colorado Springs, CO, great nephews, Luke Savage, Graham Hemp Hill, and Griffin Hemp Hill; great niece, Tandi Grace Burney;  special aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Cut Bank, 201 S. Central or to a charity of your choice.