Obituary of John Buckham

It is with deep sadness but with gratitude for a long well lived life, that the family of John Buckham announce his death at the Temiskaming Hospital on Saturday December 28th, 2019. John was predeceased by his beloved wife Joyce on September 3rd, 2019. He is survived by his children Paul (Joanne), Ian (Elspeth), Lynn (Andy Stevens) and his grandchildren Michelle, Lena, Adam, Graeme and Findley. He is also survived by his two brothers' children and grandchildren along with his dear sister-in-law Beverley Buckham. John was born in 1926 and raised on a farm just south of Peterborough, Ontario. He received his early education in a one room school and later commuted weekly into Peterborough to complete high school. In 1949 he graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. As electricity was greatly expanding in the north at that time, Ontario Hydro recruited the young graduate and sent him to Timmins, Sudbury and then to New Liskeard in 1952. He remained with Hydro in New Liskeard until his retirement in 1989 as this area's manager. In 1950 he married the lovely young Roberta Joyce Banks bringing her from Toronto to make their home in northern Ontario where they bore and raised their three children. Over the years, in addition to his family and professional commitments, he made time to volunteer in various capacities as he believed in community service. For example, he was a stalwart of the local Kiwanis club for 40 years and, as an avid curler and lover of puzzles, he volunteered at the Horne Granite serving as draw master for 25 years. Throughout his life he remained a loyal supporter of the United Church of Canada. Over 60 summers were spent at the treasured family cottage on Twin Lakes, and for 25 years he and Joyce travelled to Florida for the winter months to enjoy golfing and companionable card playing with their large circle of friends. John was a man of integrity, with a strong sense of duty and decency. He was a true gentleman and respected by all who knew him. Throughout his long and productive life, he has been greatly loved and cherished by his family. The family will receive friends at the Perrin Funeral Chapel on Saturday, January 11, 2020 from 2 p.m. until time for the service at 3 p.m. Rev. Judith Visser officiating. Those who wish may make memorial donations to St. Paul's United Church in New Liskeard or to the Temiskaming Hospital’s Palliative Care.