Robert Eugene Buckley

Robert Eugene Buckley was born on January 25, 1922 in Rio, Wisconsin and died October 5, 2015. Bob lived life to the fullest and was always looking for the next great adventure. He is survived by his wife and traveling companion of 63 years, Mildred.

Bob is also survived by his three children, Deborah Matticks (Lance), Randy Buckley (Ginny), and Ronald Buckley (Jennifer); seven grandchildren, Andrea Barentsen (Chris), Benjamin Buckley (Katie), Erika Buckley, Trent Buckley, Michael Matticks (Nicki), Joshua Matticks, and Elizabeth Buckley and two great-grandchildren, Rylee and Emma Barentsen.

Bob proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS Ranger during WWII in the Pacific Theater. He came home to a job as a mining engineer with Kennecott Copper Corporation in Ruth, Nevada. He met Mildred, they were married six weeks later on January 21, 1952 and began their great adventure together. They adopted their three children and spent at least two weeks every summer camping with the Wisconsin Buckleys. They were transferred to Salt Lake City in 1965. Bob was very active in little league baseball as a coach and involved in Boy Scouts as a leader. Bob’s philosophy was that every boy participated and he made sure that happened. A beer at the minor league baseball game was a favorite thing. Bob and Mildred were long-time supporters of the Utah Jazz and have had season tickets since the beginning. He was also a lifetime Green Bay Packers fan. Bob retired from Kennecott in 1982 after 40 years and began the real adventure! For the last 32 years Bob and Mildred traveled to many parts of the world and criss-crossed the United States, Mexico and Canada in their Motorhome. Bob could have probably told you exactly how many miles they put on each of their motorhomes – it was in the many thousands. Four years ago they decided to give up their house and the many chores associated with it, and move into a retirement apartment. This was not just any retirement apartment; this was one which had over 200 sister communities which offered rooms for travelers. This way they could continue their travels with ease—Bob was always thinking ahead to the next adventure!

Bob was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church since its beginnings in the mid-60’s. He had been a Sunday school teacher, usher, active participant in the camping group, Games Night and “Grumpy Old Men” (you know who you are).

Please join the family on Friday, October 9th at 7:00 pm at St. James Church, Midvale (7486 S Union Park Ave, Midvale, UT 84047) for fellowship and storytelling. The funeral will be at St. James Church on Saturday, October 10th at 11:30 with committal in the St. James Columbarium. Light lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, please give your loved ones a hug and make a donation to St. James C