Late Wanapum leader honored by Grant PUD

Cheryl Schweizer, Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, Wash.
·2 min read

Jun. 19—EPHRATA — The late Rex "Puck Hyah Toot" Buck Jr., longtime leader of the Wanapum, was honored by the Grant County Public Utility District commissioners at their regular meeting June 13.

The resolution follows the end of a year of respect traditionally observed by the Wanapum after the death of a tribal member.

"Rex Buck, Jr., paternal grandson of Johnny Buck, has provided guidance and counsel throughout his lifetime, contributing to greater understanding and continued appreciation of Wanapum life as Spiritual Leader of the Priest Rapids Longhouse and renowned bell-ringer of the Washat religion all across the Pacific Northwest," the commission proclamation read.

Family members and PUD commissioners paid sometimes-emotional tribute to Buck, who died in February 2022.

Buck's wife Angela and many members of his family attended the meeting, and his son Clayton read the resolution aloud.

Family members said Buck respected and cherished the Wanapum's history and was conscious of the responsibility of both the Wanapum and the PUD to the land and the river. He also understood his responsibility to pass those legacies down to future generations. He paved the way, family members said.

Clayton Buck said the resolution and the recognition meant a lot to the family and the Wanapum. Buck's work not only affected his family, the Wanapum and the PUD but also many other lives, Clayton Buck said. And he still misses his dad.

"Myself, I'm still trying to get over it," he said.

Commissioner Tom Flint was moved to tears when talking about Rex Buck. Flint said he felt welcomed into the Buck family, and having been an only child, that meant a lot to him.

"I feel like I'm part of the family. And we miss part of our family," he said.

Commissioners remembered Rex Buck's smile, something family members said they appreciated.

"When he smiled, his whole face smiled. His whole body, really," said PUD Commissioner Judy Wilson.

The proclamation referred to the "sacred bond" between the Wanapum and the PUD in their responsibility to respect and properly manage the river, and CEO Rich Wallen said the PUD is committed to continuing that.

"They don't get any better than (Rex Buck)," Flint said.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com.