Bucky Steffen, 71, finished his journey on earth and returned to spirit on June 13, 2026. He was born August 5, 1954, in Ranger, Texas to the late Randy Steffen and Betty Jane Sovic. Named Randy Steffen III at birth, he had always been called Bucky.

As a child, Bucky moved to California with his parents and big sister, Bonnie Jo. Settling in the San Fernando Valley, his first love was Harley-Davidson. From her first rev, all he wanted to do was ride. He loved the deep rumble, loud pipes, open road and breeze on his face. He loved living life on the edge, especially if it included riding. Though he was unable to physically ride these last few years, he held on to the handlebars of life until his last day.

In 1975 Bucky married JoAnne (Mahoney), welcoming daughters Becky in 1976 and Ashley in 1989. He built his company, Crazyhorse Construction, building homes and apartment buildings all over the valley to support his wife and kids. In addition to his extended family of MacAulays, Joneses, Steffens and Mahoneys, he was part of a large crew, many of whom he called brothers. There was no shortage of events, rides, celebrations or other reasons for everyone to get together, kids included. Throughout his life, he made a point to keep in touch with family and friends.

Bucky had many talents. A son of an author, illustrator, painter and sculptor, he inherited the foundation of those artistic abilities. He could draw anything from scratch and used that talent later in his contracting career, drawing various sets of home design plans. During the holidays he sent hand drawn Christmas cards of Santa riding a motorcycle to family and friends. He taught himself how to play the guitar, harmonica, drums, bass, piano and could sing his heart out to his favorite rock n' roll songs. He knew his way around Chevy cars, trucks and of course Harley-Davidsons. For decades he worked on projects with friends in their workshops, before building the garage he designed, which had more square footage than the home it was built for.

Bucky was known for his gruff exterior, crystal blue eyes, vibrant personality and big heart. He was also not one to tolerate harm or disrespect to his family. He loved his family big and he made sure we all knew how much and how proud he was. He was our protector. Anytime he heard from family or spent time with them, he had an endless supply of energy and happiness. People couldn't help but want to be around him. He was outgoing, fun and spontaneous. An avid thrill seeker, he once pulled over on the way home, knocked on a stranger's door and offered a woman cash for the station wagon in her driveway. It wasn't for sale, but she accepted. He called some buddies, they knocked out the windshield, installed heavy-gauge wire, modified the interior, welded the doors shut, painted each side with "CRAZYHORSE" and "01", then entered a demolition derby at Saugus Speedway and won.

In 1992, Bucky and JoAnne separated, but remained married and in December 1995, he became a grandfather. It was then he packed up his belongings, stopped by to meet his grandson, said goodbye to California and made his final move to Gold Hill, Oregon to be closer to Bonnie Jo and his mother. He expanded his social circle, making new friends while never losing touch with friends back home. Living in Oregon didn't stop him from riding down to his old stomping grounds every two to three years to see his daughters, family and friends. So many family members and friends traveled to visit him in Oregon or make a pit stop to see him on their journeys. He cherished each and every visit and always wanted more.

In 2009, Bucky's younger daughter Ashley, needed a place to stay. Without hesitation and elated she'd even ask, he arranged for her to travel and gave up his bedroom for a year as she learned how to be an adult. He never missed an opportunity to play pranks on her, like placing knick-knacks, beer cans and household items all around as she slept (after covering her with a blanket). That same year, Bucky ran for the job no one else wanted and began serving as Mayor of Gold Hill. He ended his mayoral duties after completing a second term. During his service, he worked hard to turn the negative perception of Gold Hill around by participating in sponsorships for the city's annual Gold Dust Days, endorsing fundraisers in cities nearby and coordinating benefit rides, of which he rode (just to name a few).

In 2015, Bucky moved in with his companion Sherry, where they shared their lives together until his passing.

In 2019, Bucky's older daughter Rebecca, son-in-law Jimmy and granddaughter Madison made the move to Oregon, and grandson Casey the following year. He was thrilled to have more frequent visits with both daughters and all the grandkids; the ones who lived in Oregon and the ones who visited their parents and siblings because that meant a likely visit for him.

In September 2024, Bucky became a great-grandfather, then again in December that same year. His beautiful blue eyes lit up when he saw pictures of his great-granddaughters. Bucky is survived by his loving daughters Rebecca Lucas (Jimmy) and Ashley Steffen, grandchildren Andrew (Bella), Casey (Margaret) and Madison Lucas, Alyssa Munkres (Chris), Robin, Moss and Natalie McKey, great-granddaughters Adelyn Rose and Paisley Jayne, companion Sherry Bilodeau and countless extended family and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Randy and Betty, sister and best friend, Bonnie Jo Steffen Thompson and wife JoAnne.

A celebration of life will be hosted by his daughters on Saturday, July 25, 2026 in Springfield, OR. Details to follow.