Tom Buckner

Tom Buckner, age 70, died at his home in Georgetown, TX July 23, 2009. As the youngest of five children, he was born on August 20, 1938 in Portland, OR to Eugene and Lena (Nugent) Buckner. Tom completed his undergraduate degree in Education and Masters in Ed Psychology from Linfield College in McMinnville, OR and a Masters in Counseling Psychology at the U of Alaska. He worked as a teacher and coach in Dayton and Portland, OR before moving to Alaska in 1965. He retired as a Program Manager for Special Education with the State of Alaska in Juneau in 1990 but his favorite job was “working in the trenches” directly with clients as an Employment Counselor for Vocational Rehabilitation. He was the first VR counselor in Alaska trained to work with the Alaskan deaf population. His interests have always been about enjoying friends and life and never letting a challenge or an adventure pass him by. He loved to laugh at a good joke, and tell one. Keeping physically active fueled his sole but he also immersed himself in learning. He had a keen interest in history, especially the Civil War, and loved reading. He played NAIA football at Linfield College and was All Conference 3 times. Just for fun he played for the Portland Thunderbirds until he moved to Alaska. His energy was truly unleashed when he reached The Last Frontier – loving its people, its wilderness, mountains to climb, rivers to float, fishing, and hunting and handball for 35 years. As a retirement gift, he bought himself a touring bicycle and peddled around the world with his wife, these last 19 years and made a final move to Georgetown, TX in late 1999. This saying hangs above his desk: You hate climbing because it’s hard for you. You should climb because it’s hard for you. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Alice Kahl. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Jamie Buckner, and mother-in-law, Opal Evans both of Georgetown, TX; two sisters, Joyce Binn of Portland, OR and Donna and Oscar Centi of Palm Desert, CA; and one brother, Frank and Anita Buckner of Oakridge, OR. Tom died by personal choice as a result of his losing battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He wrote in a daily log, “I’m leaving on my last trip now, remembering what a great adventure life has been. I want to always remember how much I love my wife, and I want to remember each of you and our fun together.” Memorial services were held privately. Tom’s ashes will be taken to Alaska later. Those wishing to send the family personal private words of comfort may do so at www.gabrielsfuneral.com