Buell Hollister, 97

Buell Albert Hollister, at the grand age of 97, took his last breath at home Feb. 6, 2024. His quick wit, mastery of language, entrepreneurial spirit and obstinate determination to make the world a better place will forever be celebrated.

Born in Spokane on Aug. 4, 1926, to Olga (Miller) and Albert Hollister, Buell was one of 11 children. He graduated from Central Valley High School in 1944 and shortly after completed radio operator training in Boston, Mass., where he joined the U.S. Maritime Service.

Back in Spokane, Buell met Donna Dubois at a Grange Hall dance. They married in 1956. Three years later, they bought a small house on 200 acres near Hauser Lake, Idaho, where they raised four children, numerous pigs, cows, chickens, a few goats, rabbits, cats and dogs, and a whole lot of hay. In addition to managing the small farm, Buell ran his auto detail shop in Spokane — Hollister’s Auto Renew.

A master of woodworking, cultivating cut flowers and sweet corn; a lover of politics, poetry, music and the natural world — Buell was a passionate man. He leaves a legacy as an activist who worked hard to protect the environment and promote peace and social justice locally and around the world. Buell was a prolific letter writer for this newspaper, active in Toastmasters, the Peace and Justice Action League (PJALS), Spokane Veterans for Peace and others. He received several awards, including the Art Manley Lifetime Achievement Award, Conservation Awards from the Kootenai Environmental Alliance (KEA), and the Audubon Society, and was honored as a Watershed Hero for his efforts to protect the Cd'A Aquifer and the Spokane River.

Buell is preceded in death by his wife, Donna, and his son, Craig. He is survived by his brother, Terry; his three daughters — Maree Peck (Scott), Corinne Hollister and Stephanie Hollister; four grandchildren — Steve (Krissy) and Ray (Melissa) Peck, Alexis (Kevin Wilson) and Salvadore Mosley; and five great-grandchildren — Taylor, Trent, Madison and Dylan Peck; and Niko Wilson; and so many dear friends, nieces and nephews. Buell’s life will be celebrated at 3 p.m. March 9 at the Spokane Unitarian Church, 4340 W. Fort George Wright Drive.