We Remember
BUCKLEY, Dr. Eric D. J.
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Dr. Eric D.J. Buckley (B.Sc., M. Sc., Ph.D.)
February 7, 1936 – February 21, 2014
Born in Rossland, BC, predeceased by his parents, Percy (Tom) and Brigitte Buckley, his eldest brother Robert (Bob), youngest brother, Chucky and infant son, Gilbert George. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Antonia (Tonny), his pride and joy, Ingrid Trouw (Jake), Christopher, Timothy and Daniel, his most treasured grandchildren Erika, Gerrit; Jeremy, Daniel, Faith, and their sister Nikki; Amanda, Jaina, Ava and Leah and their brother Braydan. Eric passed away peacefully, with family at his side, in the gentle care of the staff at Brookhaven, after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. He also leaves behind siblings and their families, Wilma (Bob), George (Marilyn), Leonard, Cecilia, Mary (Syl), Paul (Theresa), Tom (Sue), and Imelda all of whom he loved and treasured.
Eric graduated high school in Trail, BC and followed through to university earning his B. Sc. in Mathematics, Law and Philosophy at Gonzaga University in Spokane; a M.Sc. in Pure Mathematics and Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics at the University of Alberta. He began his Teaching career at Notre Dame University in Nelson in 1963 and after graduating with his Doctorate, settled his family in Kelowna, BC in 1971 at Okanagan College and retired from Okanagan University College in 2001 after a thirty-year career as Professor of Mathematics and Associate Dean of Science.
Eric filled his life with the philosophy of caring, improving and helping in the communities he treasured, starting with his love of music with directing at the early age of 23 in Nelson, through his children’s choir at Pius X Church, St. Charles Garnier choir, Director of Athletes for the BC Summer Games in 1994, and finishing as the director of his Knights of Columbus chorus in Kelowna.
He also served at school trustee and chair of School District No. 23 from 1977 to 2005 as well as president of the BSCTA during part of this term.
He lived a busy and fulfilled life in his down time spent in his garden where many remember his generosity with his wonderful home grown fruits and vegetables, especially his peaches. Bridge, fishing and golf with friends and family were also pleasures well spent.
He was always an active member of his Catholic Church communities wherever they were, was always there to guide the students he taught, be mentor to family and friends and most of all welcoming to the wonderful family times as all gathered at his home during the summer and their favourite family hang-out at Gyro beach. We can’t forget to mention the “tickle-hugs” and giggles shared with his grandchildren.
He enjoyed life to the fullest, lived his faith and accepted what Alzheimer’s would do and trusted those he loved to care for him, right up to the end. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Eric’s sister, Cecilia, for her dedication to him during his illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.
Prayer Service will be held on Friday, February 28, 2014 at 7 pm at St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Road, followed by Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 10:30 am with Father Wayne Pfliger officiating.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Prayer Service
Friday, February 28, 2014 at 7 pm
Service
Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 10:30 am
Location
St. Charles Garnier Parish
Share with Others:
Alzheimer’s Society of BC
Service Information
Service Details
The prayer service for BUCKLEY, Dr. Eric D. J. is scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2014 at 7 pm at located at 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC.
The service for BUCKLEY, Dr. Eric D. J. is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 10:30 am . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
St. Charles Garnier Parish
3645 Benvoulin Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
With heartfelt sympathy to Tonny and the Buckley family on Eric’s passing. His dedication to the community as a school trustee for almost 30 years of service was remarkable. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lieve Tonny en Fam.
Graag willen we je laten weten dat we geschokken zijn van het overlijden van je lieve man en vader, opa.
Eric heeft in zijn leven veel goeds gedaan en het zal hem zeker rijkelijk beloont worden.
Wied vooral heeft erg van hem genoten toen hij met volle borst het koor in handen had.
Tonny wij hebben ontzettend veel respect voor jouw ,voor de manier waar mee je Eric de lieve zorg voor Eric elke dag weer op nieuw oppakte.
Graag een oprecht dank je wel.Wied en ik zijn dankbaar dat we jullie samen tegen zijn gekomen door ons gescharrel ge door het leven !!
Wij denken aan je een deze moeilijke tijd. Veel sterkte
en goeds toegewenst.
Van Wied en Maria van den Eerenbeemt
Tonny, my deepest sympathies are with you and your family during this time of loss. My thoughts are with you.
My dear Tonny & Family: Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Eric. Please know that you are in my thoughts. He will be lovingly missed by his family and friends. May the love of your family help you through these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Patti
Dear Tonny and family. We are sorry to hear of the loss of Eric. We have fond memories of Michaelbrook men’s night and dinner with Bill and Father Wayne. May faith sustain you, may hope encourage you day by day and may the belief that Eric is now with God bring you comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Denise and Marcel Bergevin, Mesa Arizona.
I fondley remember Eric from the year we were at Notre Dame College in Nelson and the several Notre Dame reunions.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Mario A. Merlo
Tonny I was very sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. He will be remembered for all he did for education in School District #23 including students, staff and program development.
My thoughts are with you along with my prayers.
Dear Tonny and family: I am sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. I have known Eric for over 40 years. Eric was the epitome of being “a gentleman and a scholar”. I will be in Calgary to visit my daughter Kelly and my 10 month old grandson Cohen so I will not be available to attend Eric’s funeral, but my thoughts will be with you Tonny, Danny,Chris and Tim.
Your friend, Ted Bajer
My dear Tonny: you would have known me by Kerry Winter. I am sending my deepest condolences on the loss of your dear Eric.
I remember him as a very gentle,loving and caring person
I attended Notre Dame University for one year in the mid-sixties and have pleasant memories of the time spent learning math from Dr. Buckley. He went out of his way to help “hard of learning” students such as myself. On those rare occasions when I think about NDU, Dr. Buckley invariably comes to mind.
We shall always remember Eric …. Condolences to his family at this difficult time. God bless. Domenic Rampone and family.
Dear Tonny and family, I am so sorry to read of your loss. Eric was truly loved. I remember with appreciation his mentor ship during my time as a trustee in SD23, a decade ago! I also remember our ‘epic’ battles, won and lost, with a great deal of fondness. Take good care of yourselves.
Most sincere condolences to Tonny and the Buckley family from Mo Rajabally and family.
Countless fond memories of Eric for almost a quarter of a century at Okanagan University College.
Eric was a brilliant man and educator. I am sure Tonny, the children and grand children will treasure the memories of Eric.
Kindest regards and best wishes under this very painful circumstance.
God bless Eric. Amen.
Mo Rajabally
Tonny and Family, I am so sorry to hear that Eric has passed away. I have thought of him often in the last while hoping he was well. His sweet gentle nature and the tender loving care you showed Eric is something I will always hold dear. May you find comfort in your family Tonny and remember the many years of joy you had with Eric. Blessings to you and your family Tonny. Debbie Speed Econo Barbershop
Our hearts are with you at this very tough time, lots of love! Chris and Bob Wicks
Tonny and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. I will always remember him as my ‘lifesaver’! You may remember many years back, he helped me when I was choking…I’ll never forget. Love and prayers to you and the family.
My condolences to your family. I had the pleasure of working with Eric at Okanagan College and OUC for many years. As others have already said, he was a gentleman and a scholar.
Dear Tonny,
Our thoughts and our hearts go out to you and your family during this sad occasion. As Associate Dean of Science Eric was the steady hand on the tiller. He was a dedicated educator and administrator, always available to address the concerns of both students and faculty. We appreciated his expertise and quiet dependability. He was much missed when he retired.
In recent years we had many retiree breakfast “meetings” that included you and Eric and then sadly you alone when Eric could no longer attend. We have seen that you are strong, we know you have a wonderful family and and that you have many friends who love you and support you. Remember us, we’re there.
Derek and Hanny Muggeridge
I remember Eric from working with him at OC and OUC. Always very pleasant to talk to and with a good sense of humour. Cannot attend the service as I am out of town but just wanted to say “goodbye” to someone who was a pleasure to know. Pat Reiter
Dear Tonny & Family;
It is with much sadness that we learn of Eric’s death. Do accept our deepest sympathy to all the family, a great loss to family & friends alike! I’m wearing a’robo boot’ because of a foot fracture & will not be able to attend the funeral service.
Ernie & Chris Thatcher & family
Dear Tonny and Family,
We were blessed to know Eric, even in the years before we came to Kelowna as a fellow educator and the Director of the visiting KOC Choir in Salmon Arm. From the turn of the century we were blessed to live in the same Parish, St. Charles Garnier, with Eric and family. His commitment to parish life was inspirational and sincere. His support for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul was very much appreciated through the years. Our parish, our community, and the world of education has lost a great inspiration in the passing of Eric.
Our deepest condolences to Tonny and Family.
We have arranged to have a Mass offered for the repose of Eric’s soul on Ash Wednesday at Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Green Valley, Arizona, our winter home. We will be with all his mourners in spirit on Saturday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this difficult times.
Eric was a respected man in our community and church and will be missed by all.
Our deepest sympathy in the passing of our good friend and brother knight Eric. We are sure he is raising his baton in the direction of the newest choir of his choosing, “The Boys Above”. We will not be able to attend the mass but will be praying for you and the family. Lucille & Ernie
Dear Tonny and family,
I was saddened to hear of Eric’s passing. I have lots of good memories of the 20 years I work with Eric at OC and OUC. He will be missed.
With Sympathy,
Dave Smith
Tonny and family
Our deepest sympathy in the passing of your husband and father. I remember him him fondly playing Diplomacy ang giggling at his conquest. I hope the presence of warm and happy memories help you to pass the days of loss.
Michael ,Bennett , Nathan and Lauren
Tonny and family,
Eric contributed so much to our community and he will be missed. Our thoughts are with you all. Sharon & Michael Shepherd