Obituary of Buddy Bristow

Buddy Dale Bristow passed into eternal rest on September 22nd, 2020 in Tucson, Arizona. He was born on January 4​th,​ 1938 to Pete and Ellla Bristow of Massey, Oklahoma and grew up in nearby Crowder.  It was here, in the woods and waters of the family ranch, that he acquired his strong moral compass, and a deep love for wildlife and the outdoors.  Buddy was very proud of his Oklahoma heritage. 

He attended Crowder High School, Class of 1956, and Oklahoma State University, Class of 1961, where he received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Wildlife Management. 

He soon moved his young family to Arizona to begin a career with the Arizona Game and Fish Department which spanned 25 years, culminating with the position of Director of the Agency.  Bud retired from the Arizona Game and Fish Department in 1986.  Following a short break and an extensive African safari, Bud dove back into the wildlife conservation arena when he was asked to serve as the Director of Virginia Depart of Game and Inland Fisheries.  He lived and worked in Richmond, Virginia for the remainder of his career and entered into retirement, for real this time. 

Bud and his wife, Alicia, moved back to Arizona to be closer to their grandchildren but remained active in the conservation arena during his retirement years.  He served on various advisory boards and committees on both the state and local level. He attended the grandkids’ soccer, baseball, gymnastics and football games and was always available to take his grandchildren hunting and fishing to pass on his wildlife legacy. 

Bud was preceded in death by his mother and father, Pete and Ella Bristow as well as his brother D.J. Bristow. 

Bud is survived by his wife, Alicia, six children, fifteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and his sister, Sonya Bonner. 

“The Celebration of Life” for Buddy Dale Bristow, Friend, Father, Husband and Man Extraordinaire was held in Oracle, Arizona on October 17​th​, 2020 at 4:00pm.  Services were led by Pastor Ed Nelson of the Oracle Union Church, with music by local musicians.  Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres were served.  Social distancing and masks were required for all in attendance.  

Address: 3939 W. Linda Vista Road, Oracle, AZ 85623 

The Community and friends were invited.

Burial services were held at the Massey Cemetery in Massey, Oklahoma on October 2​nd​, 2020.