In Loving Memory of
Leland E. Niles, Jr. “Buzzy”

“An original cowboy—grit in his bones, love in his heart,
and country in his soul.”

Leland E. Niles Jr., lovingly known as “Buzzy”, a U.S. Navy veteran, patriot, husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on July 16, 2025, at the age of 82.
A proud son of Westcliffe and Buena Vista, Colorado, Buzzy was a man of quiet strength, deep intelligence, and enduring grit. An original cowboy, he lived life on his terms and left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Raised with old-school values and a sharp wit, he carried himself with humility, humor, and a fierce sense of loyalty to both family and country.
A veteran of the United States Navy, Buzzy answered the call to serve and wore the uniform with honor. His patriotism never wavered, and his love for America ran as deep as the roots of the land he cherished.
More than anything, he was a family man—steadfast and devoted. Whether he was fixing something, telling stories, offering wisdom, or just being present, he was the rock and the heart of his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Niles, his children, Shana Niles, Kristie Williams, and Zane Niles, his six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren; his brother, Gary Niles and his wife, Bobbi, his sisters, Caroline “Debbie” Niles, and Jacquelyn “Jackie” Hobby and her husband, Cliff, plus a wide circle of extended family, and lifelong friends who will miss him deeply. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Leland and Genevieve Niles; his sister, Dorothy Niles-Nichols; his brother, Darrell Niles; and his two grandchildren, Larry Williams, Jr., and Taylor Lind.
His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so generously.
A celebration of life with military honors will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Arkansas Valley Christian Mission or the Buena Vista Pregnancy Center.