Obituary of Gordon William Buckingham

BUCKINGHAM - Mr. Gordon William October 16, 1914 - December 26, 2009 It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of Gordon William Buckingham, of Shellbrook, on December 26, 2009 at Whispering Pine Place, Canwood, at the age of 95 years. Gordon was born on October 16, 1914 to William and Mabel Buckingham. Gordon was a kind and loving big brother, as the oldest, Gordon built wooden airplanes, whistles, and a special doll carriage for his younger siblings. His mom, dad, brothers and sisters were extremely special to him, and he was always very proud of them. Gordon met the love of his life - Christena Keating of the Hilldrop district, and they were married on July 28, 1936 - a very close and loving relationship that spanned 73 years together. They began their married life farming, however, Gordon soon found his "life's work" as an automobile mechanic. This was a trade that he took great pleasure and pride in. Gordon was well known throughout the area for his mechanical expertise, and although he retired when he turned 65 years of age - he still fixed and repaired his "latest find" in his garage for many years to come. Gordon recently was referred to as our family's "National Treasure". And that he was - he treasured us, and we treasured him - and now we will always treasure the memories we have of him. We will think of him when we see a violin, harmonica, or a red poppy blowing in the wind. A game of checkers or canasta will bring back memories. We will remember him whistling a tune while tinkering in his garage on a lawn mower. We will smile when we think of his unique sayings, "Holy Crow, Shaking Johnny Fish", and "God of Wars" and most certainly, we will never forget the compassion, kindness and unconditional love he had for his family. We were truly blessed to have had him in our lives as our husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Gordon is lovingly remembered by his wife - Christena; his children Garry (Sharon) Buckingham, Shellbrook; Glenda (Jim) Munro, Ladysmith, B.C.; Gail (Bruce) Storry, Shellbrook; his grandchildren Chris (Val) Galloway, Prince Albert; Dawn (Rob) Balic, Kelowna, B.C.; Jonathan Galloway, Vancover, B.C.; Jennifer Galloway, Fort St. John, B.C.; Janelle (Chris) Gosselin, Shellbrook; Angela Storry, Saskatoon; Teanne (Mathew) Sommerfeld, Parkside; and Kyla (Jason) Assie, Saskatoon; nine great grandchildren; his sister Margaret Smylie, Shellbrook; his sisters in-law Ruth Buckingham, Big River; and Agnes Scrimshaw, Prince Albert. Gordon was predeceased by his parents William (Bill) and Mabel Buckingham; his mother in law Katherine Keating; brothers Stan & Art Buckingham; his sisters Reta DeRosa & Mary Hartnett. The Memorial Service for Gordon took place on December 31, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. from the Shellbrook Seniors Hall, with Mr.Albert Hannigan as officiant. Eulogy was given by Chris Galloway ; Violinist - Keri English, playing one of Gordon's favorites "Let Me Call You Sweetheart"; Organist - David Hjertaas; Hymns - Albert & Murray Hannigan and the Shellbrook Community Choir. Powerpoint photo tribute to Gordon's life, accompanied by recorded solo "Daddy's Hands" sung by daughter Glenda, and "I Love" sung by son in-law Jim. Memories: Sandra Kemp, Dawn & Rob Balic, and Jonathan Galloway. Honorary Pallbearers were "All of Gordon's family and friends". A private family interment took place at Shellbrook Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Gordon will be accepted to the Shellbrook & Districts Health Services Project.