Ronald Robert Buckley

Ronald Robert Buckley
August 22, 1933 –
August 20, 2010

Tribute to my Step-Dad by Carla Gade

Ronald Robert Buckley passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Friday, August 20, 2010 after a courageous battle with a long illness, two days shy of his 77th birthday.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Joyce (Mitchell) Buckley and his children Stewart Buckley of HI, Jennifer Lucia and husband Jack of OH, Mark of NY, Sarah Keltz and husband Chuck of NY, Roberta Gomolak of FL, Carla Gade and husband Bradford of ME, and Eric Olson and wife Lisa of MA, 20 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are his sister Cynthia Branning and husband Troy and sister-in-law Barbara Buckley of FL, as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.  He is predeceased by siblings Louise, James, Howard, Milford, and niece Deborah Buckley Tillotson.

The son of the late Guy and Mildred (Marvin) Buckley, Ron was born on August 22, 1933 and raised in Bath, New York where he attended Haverling High School. He lived in New York city working in the clothing industry and helped dress several celebrities.  Ron attended insurance college which equipped him for the 25 year career as a Sr. Claims Analyst for Commercial Union Insurance Company in Boston.  In 1984 he was appointed to the W. R. Grace Commission, a special government task force, and commended by President Ronald Reagan for his participation. After a trip to Colorado his coworkers began calling him “the Buckaroo” after seeing pictures of him in cowboy garb, and the nickname stuck.  He retired in 1991 and later moved to Raymond, Maine, where he and his wife, Joyce, made their home on Thomas Pond.  As a charter member of Christ Chapel of Raymond, he enjoyed helping with their community meals. He also volunteered at the Raymond Food Pantry and for the annual auction to raise funds for Maine Vest-a-Dog.  An avid outdoorsman, Ron enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and travel. He also enjoyed westerns and antiques, his gun and knife collection, and he loved his wood stove. He was an excellent cook and and is renowned for his venison stew.  He will be remembered for his love of family, his stories, sense of humor, friendliness, and generosity. Ron was well loved by people of all ages, especially children.  His grandchildren, nieces and nephews really loved him. Ron will also be greatly missed by his faithful companion, his dog Cody.

Ron bore many burdens in his difficult life – the wounds of others, by others, and the wounds of self. His scars were physical, emotional, and even spiritual. Yet, through the years he learned to trust the God of his life for his ultimate peace and healing. At the end he shared how he didn’t want to leave his “good people” and how very much he loved his family, but he had the assurance of eternal life as can we if we choose to embrace it by trusting in Jesus Christ.

Our fearless cowboy passed into eternity exactly at high noon. Happy trails, Buckaroo.

Buckley Family History

Ronald R. Buckley (Memorial at FindaGrave by Nancy Buckley Ferguson)
Ronald Buckley (Hall Funeral Home memorial page)

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