April 13, 1951 – July 08, 2011
Bob died peacefully after a two year diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. Bob was an extremely loving husband and father. He cherished life long friendships, was a sports enthusiast, an avid cyclist, great story teller, music lover, outstanding leader, instructor and mentor, an astute judge of character and had an insatiable mind for information. Bob was a proud ambassador of his birth place, Trail, BC and the West Kootenays and loved hiking in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. He enjoyed his UBC days, graduating in 1974 in Commerce, specializing in Accounting and Information Management Systems and successfully passing exams to become a Chartered Accountant which he practiced for several years. Bob had a distinguished 32 year career with the BC Public Service. He was the Senior Financial Officer in several ministries as well as Chief Information Officer in his most recent position with the Ministry of Transportation. Predeceased by his mother and father, Estelle and James Buckingham and brother, Dick; Bob is survived by his wife, Angela; children, Andrew, Diana and Julia; step-mother, Pam; siblings, Peggy (Mike), Colin (Alana) and Sally (Crispin); several nieces and nephews; and former wife, Jill Howard.
A Celebration of Life will be held at MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets on Monday, July 18, 2011 at 2 pm. A reception will follow in McCall’s Family Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria Hospice. Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mccallbros.com.
54 Responses
Angela, We are both saddened and surprised to hear of Bob’s passing. Although our connection was brief, we enjoyed meeting you both and sharing lifelong memories of the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Deb & Rod
Dear Buckingham family. I came across Bob’s passing announcement by chance in Trail Times online. Many moons ago I got to know Bob in tadanac hanging out with the boys. He had a great laugh, smile and we had great fun around Trail. I have met his younger brother Colin and introduced myself to him at his restaurant in Penticton where I reside. I am very sorry for your loss. My condolences, and he will be missed. A laugh and smile to remember. Norm Barry, South Okanagan BC
It is with deep sadness, and surprise, that I learned of Bob’s untimely passing.
Bob and I were part of the “keen and enthusiastic professional family” in the early years (late 1970s/early 1980s) of the then-new Province of British Columbia’s Auditor General Office. It was stimulating and fun. And, I fondly remember the many social events, such as our golfing and curling parties, that helped develop such a positive and productive working environment. Bob was very important part of all of this, bringing both great people skills and a real joy of life.
Poignantly, I also remember the wonderful Special “1951 Babies” Birthday Party(ies) at “the Kelso’s”…. It seems like all of this was only yesterday, and it’s hard to realize Bob is already on his next journey. Thank goodness Bob took the time really enjoy life!
If there’s one soul to organize Heaven into an even better place before I arrive, Bob’s the one to help accomplish that! 🙂 Blessings on you, Bob:)
My sincere condolences to all of his family and close friends.
Angela:
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Peter & Sheila
Di, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you and your family at this hard time.
All the best to you
Ashley
Dear Angela and family,
We’re very sorry for your great loss. Our deepest sympathies are with you all at this difficult time.
Chris Morley
Dear Mrs Buckingham and family,
We send our deepest sympathies.
Ken Wilson and Staff, BC Cancer Agency,
Vancouver Island Centre.
I got to know Bob for a brief time before I retired in 2008. He was always sincerely interested in the well being of his staff and I was very touched that he made a point of calling me on my last day of work. He was attending a conference in Vancouver and wanted to wish me a happy retirement. That speaks volumes.
A very special and kind man – my sincere condolences to Angela and children.
Dear Angela
I am so sorry for your loss.
Bob accepted his fate so gracefully. He fought a great battle.
He was a great boss to me for many years.
I’m sure there is a fantastic baseball team in heaven that he is already a member of.
With the help of your family and friends, I know you will find the comfort, courage and strength to get through this difficult time.
You are in my thoughts & prayers
God bless
Angela and Julia,
Alan and I are saddened to hear about Bob’s illness and death. One line that could have been in the obituary is “Good Neighbour” because that is what he was to us: good neighbour for nearly twenty years until we moved and lost sight of your home and lost touch with your struggles.
We are just about to leave on a trip so won’t be at the service. Please accept my condolences in this form instead of face to face, which would have been preferable.
With sadness,
Adaline