Lando "Bud" Leroy Bras

On January 4, 1935, Lando Leroy Bras, better known as “Bud” was born to Charles Orlando and Lucille (Flemming) Bras in Thompson Falls, MT. He joined three older sisters and was followed by two younger brothers. Bud attended school in Thompson Falls, Lonepine and Hot Springs High School.

During the summer of his teenage years, Bud rode his horse into Hot Springs for the Homesteaders Celebration. He noticed a girl walking down the road and asked her if she wanted a ride. He was surprised when Dorothy (Dot) Miles climbed on the saddle behind him. It wasn’t long before they married on February 9, 1952. The couple moved into his family’s home in Lonepine and had five children: Cynthia Ann, Cheri Lou, Lando Roy, Charles Wayne, and Tammy Marie. In the early years of their marriage, Bud hunted and fished to provide for the family. He also handled much of the cooking while listening and singing along to Elvis music. Bud began working in the woods at the age of 17, supervising a crew of guys who were piling brush. Eventually, he became a sawyer, employed by Diehl, Claridge, and Dupuis Logging Companies.

Bud loved working in the woods. In 1974 he started his own logging company with his son, B&B Logging. Bud also bought land in the Lonepine area and at various times he raised beef cows, sheep and buffalo. Bud would say there were times the logging supported the ranch and other times the ranch supported the logging.

When his kids were in school Bud served a couple terms on the Hot Springs School Board. He was a 4-H leader and a chaperone for some rowdy Lonepine Live Wires at the county fair. Bud was a member of the Hot Springs Masonic Lodge and enjoyed working at their yearly pancake breakfast.

After their children were raised, Bud and Dot purchased the Hub Supply in Lonepine. They renamed it Bras Supply and built a new store on Highway 28. Bud would open the store every morning, get the coffee going and cook breakfast if someone stopped in hungry. He enjoyed talking to customers about his buffalo and the history of his beloved Lonepine area.

If you knew Bud, you likely got a nickname. Bud’s greatest joy in life was being around his grandchildren. He gave them all nicknames, and never used their given names...too many grandkids to list, but each one was loved by him.

When Dorothy’s health started to decline, he took excellent care of her. Bud liked to sit at his telescope and watch the herd of elk on the hill near his house. He could identify all the birds that landed on his pond and the coffee drinkers at the Lonepine Store. After nearly 72 years of marriage, he lost Dorothy in 2024. Bud remained living in their home until he had a farm accident in April 2026. After five months of rehabilitation his body was tired and with family at his side, he peacefully gave up the battle on September 13, 2026.

Bud is survived by his five children; Cindy (Mike) Benson, Cheri (Jim) Lawson, Buddy (Cathy) Bras, Chuck (Janet) Bras, Tammy (Kurt) Beerntsen, 15 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren, sister; Mary Lou Cross, brother; John (Jeanne) Bras, sister-in-law; Sally Bras. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, parents Lando and Lucille Bras, sisters; Donna Cason, Lois Dupuis, brother; Clarence Bras, daughter-in-law; Dawn Bras.

We will celebrate Bud and Dorothy for a lifetime of memories on October 17, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Lonepine Community Hall. Please stay and join us for a luncheon following. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests you make donations to: Lonepine Community Hall, 8 Lonepine Rd, Lonepine MT 59848.

Special thank you to all who visited Bud during his stay away from home.

The family is very grateful to the staff at Logan Hospital, Immanuel Retreat and Polson Health & Rehab for their comfort and support during our challenging 5 months.