Richard "Rick" Irvin Buhite

Richard Irvin "Rick" Buhite, 80, of Grants, passed away at home on April 1, 2025, with his wife, Susan, and daughter, Kimberly, by his side.

Rick was born on October 5, 1944, to Ralph and Montrose (Pifer) Buhite.

He grew up in Erie, PA with his sister, Kathleen. He was involved in Boy Scouts and was a carrier for the Erie Times-News.

He graduated from McDowell High School in 1963. Shortly after graduation, he embarked on a life-changing journey on his Zundap motorcycle to Anaheim, CA. He and his motorcycle made it as far as St. Louis, MO, before it started having mechanical issues. He sold it to the last Zundap dealer for the price of a bus ticket to Anaheim. Upon arriving in Anaheim, he found work as a trumpet maker with F.E. Olds & Sons. He married Susan Pifer in 1966. He graduated with an AA Degree in Machine Technologies in 1972. He began a 37-year career in tool and die making. In 1975, Rick and Susan welcomed their daughter, Kimberly. He enjoyed the outdoors. He loved rock climbing, conquering Mt. Whitney, California's highest point, twice. He also enjoyed canoeing, hunting, and hiking, with multiple trips to Bridge To Nowhere in the San Gabriel Mountains. He also attained a Technician Class HAM Radio license (N6VFU). Rick's passion was Search & Rescue. He took a Basic Mountaineering Training Course in 1986. He began with Saddleback Search and Rescue, before joining San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team as a Reserve Deputy with Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, rising to rank of Captain. After his retirement, Rick and Susan moved to Grants, in 2010. Rick continued serving Search and Rescue with Cibola County Sheriff's Office as a Reserve Deputy before transferring to New Mexico State Police and Cibola County Emergency Management. Despite the long hours and frequent absences with Search and Rescue, he took pride in his family, especially his three grandchildren, Hailee, KayCee and Cody.

 Rick was predeceased by his parents and nephew, Brian Foley. Survivors include, wife Susan of Grants, daughter Kimberly Buhite-Howery and son in law, Del of Gillette, WY, granddaughters Hailee and KayCee Howery of Gillette, WY, grandson Cody Howery, of Mustang, OK, sister, Kathleen (Harry) Rudd of Girard, PA, niece Heather (Quinton) Smith of Hampton, VA, sister in law Terry (Peter) Zawacki of Virginia Beach, VA, Larry, Beverly and Cory Long of Grants, and many other relatives. 

An informal celebration of life will be held at "At The Elks", 805 Charles St., Grants, NM on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 1pm. In lieu of flowers please make donations payable to Kim Buhite-Howery for the Cibola County "Shop With A Cop" program, mail donations to Kim Buhite-Howery, PO Box 513, Gillette, WY 82717.