Mr. John William Buckman

Mr. Buckman, 73, of Charlotte, passed away June 23, 2010. He died in Huntersville, at the Levine and Dickson Hospice House. The cause was liver cancer.

He was born in Long Beach, California on February 10, 1937, the son of Anna B. and Delbert P. Buckman. He attended St. Anthony's High School in Long Beach, and then graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in chemical engineering. John spent most of his career in the engineering-contracting business, including the last 23 years as a project manager with the M.W. Kellogg Co. of Houston. At Kellogg, he oversaw the construction of chemical plants in Venezuela, Malaysia and Algeria.

Mr. Buckman was committed to his immediate and extended family and also was an enthusiastic birdwatcher for much of his life. He served on the board of the Mecklenburg County Audubon Society and traveled the world—including trips to Antarctica and South America—in search of new birds. His wife, Linda Buckman, a retired English teacher and journalist, often joined him on his travels, and together they thoroughly enjoyed their visits to many parts of the world, including some seldom-seen places.

John was a member of several other organizations. He was active in Democratic politics when he lived in Bergen County, N.J. and remained interested in political causes all his life. He was particularly concerned with helping the less fortunate. In Charlotte he was a volunteer for Friendship Trays, delivering meals to people who were unable to obtain or prepare their own food. He also served on the board of the Amherst Green homeowner's association in Charlotte.

John is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Linda, of Charlotte; his daughter Rebecca (Becky) Buckman of San Francisco, Calif., her husband David Kassel and their son, Andrew; and his daughter Karen Rann of Indialantic, Fla., her husband Monte and their daughter, Kendall. John is also survived by his brother, Charles Buckman, and Charles' wife, Tracey Buckman, of Pittsburgh, Pa., as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held at McEwen Pineville Chapel on Saturday June 23, 2010 at 2:00 pm, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210. The family will receive visitors before the service from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Burial will be private.

Donations in his name may be made to Doctors Without Borders, 333 Seventh Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.