Maynard "Buck" Hoem

Maynard "Buck" Hoem passed away at the Deseret Health and Rehab Center on Jan. 3, 2015. Buck was born in Blair, Wis., the second of seven children to Iver and Tiller Hoem.

Buck enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and served in the South Pacific during World War II. Upon a return from the war, he married Ardyce Mae Drangstveit in 1948 in the Plentywood, Mont.

Buck and Ardyce moved to the Platte Valley for the first time in 1950 with the first two of their five children. Buck worked on the Lucas and Mowry ranches until 1957 when he began his career with the Federal Fish Hatchery. After one year at the Saratoga hatchery, Buck and family were transferred to Jackson, Wyo., Leadville, Colo., and back again to Saratoga in 1965. After many years, Buck retired from the Federal Hatchery and started his own "Hoemstead Trout" business.

Buck raised Belgian and Fjord horses for many years and trained many teams for the TA Ranch. He was also featured in "The Draft Horse Journal" in 2010 and participated in parades both in Saratoga and Encampment with his horses, antique cars, tractors and his fish truck.

Buck always welcomed visitors to his antique museum on his property at Cow Creek as well as his fish hatchery when it was operating and fully functional. He was so proud to be asked to carry a beautiful bride to her waiting groom in one of his horse drawn buggies.

Buck stated many times that he was the richest man in the world because he had a wonderful family and so many friends.

Buck was preceded in death by his wife Ardyce, parents Iver and Tillie, two sisters, one brother and one grandchild. He is survived by five children, Marlene, Bruce, Audrey, Scott and Kelly along with nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, two brothers, one sister and several nieces and nephews. More importantly, he leaves a strong, loving and lasting legacy instilled in all his family that far surpasses the simple list of accomplishments of his life.

The family would be honored if you wish to make a donation to your favorite charity in Buck's name. A Celebration of Life is to be announced in late spring.