Dear Yvonne, 
We are deeply saddened to hear yesterday of his passing. He was such a joy to people around him and Stan and I are lucky to have known him. Our thoughts are with you.
Jody and Stan Buda

Dear Yvonne, Greer and Drew,

Thanks Greer for your emails about the passing of our dear and very good friend Brian. Also for details of the visitation and services on Sunday and Monday. I was personally so glad I had a last chat with Brian on Monday night. As usual he sounded positive and optimistic and I was shocked to hear he had gone in the night.

Before I get into some thoughts about Brian and our special friendship, I regret to say I am not going to be able to make the trip to Toronto. I am sure the last thing you want to hear about at the moment are health issues, but I've had a succession in the last months. In fact I've been in the hands of my doctor for the past week with heavy chest infection verging on pneumonia and I'm still recovering and am pretty woozy. My doctor advises against flying. So I'm really upset I can't join you for this farewell.

Brian and I met and worked together in the early sixties. Fifty years ago! Along with Peter Zarry and John Connellan, a great gang of four. Our social life at the infamous Krall at Collingwood in winter and Muskoka in summer was idyllic. I recall a perfect moonlit evening with a foursome in a speedboat on Muskoka when Brian and Yvonne were smitten. I also remember quite clearly Brian's sweet parents, Florence and Cecil. I returned to Sydney and saw Brian a couple of times when he had the big job at JWT. Then in our time in London in the late sixties, Cathie and I had a couple of delightful weekends with Brian and Yvonne after hours at the Chough in Salisbury.

Since we moved to the US we have been delighted with Brian's visits to New York. And of course a couple of special weddings; Greer and Alan in Carmel and Skye and Bryan in Brooklyn. Both splendid occasions. And of course our delightful week at your cottage in Collingwood a few years ago.

I mention all these happy memories because in spite of distance we have always kept up the relationship. Brian was a true and loyal friend and Cathie and I know this will continue with Yvonne, Greer and Drew. It was special that Greer and Skye lived together in Brooklyn and have now presented us with grandchildren.

By the way, the photographs are wonderful and brought back so many memories.

I'm very sad I won't be getting any more phone calls from the Duke. Once again, I'm very sorry I can't be with you but you are very much in our thoughts.

With much love,
Guy & Cathie

Dear Yvonee, Greer & Drew, 

I think of all 3 of you every day. I wish I could have been there to see you and give you a hug in person. I loved Brian from the first time I saw him. He was funny, generous and always had a huge smile. I am so glad to have spent Christmas with him 2 years ago up in Collingwood..... I will always cherish the memories of that year and remember us all laughing opening presents. 

He will be truly missed. 

With all my love. 

Miriam

Dear Yvonne, Greet and Drew,

Brian was a wonderful man, husband and father and we know this from how he was seen through the eyes of his friends.  My Mom and Dad so enjoyed his company.  They always spoke so fondly of him and the times that they had together.  Peter and I also got to witness his endearing, entertaining personality at several family get-togethers.  He had a real spark and we can only imagine that heaven is a much better place with him there.  Our thoughts are with you,  Tracey and Peter

Dear Yvonne, Drew and Greer:

I honestly thought a man with Brian's exuberance would have a good shot at living forever. What a shame it couldn't be. After the shock and feelings of sadness, I must say the tributes at the memorial were wonderful, especially from Greer and Drew. Such well chosen and appropriate words of tribute.

Brian and I had lost touch in recent years and I am sorry for that. We had been business partners, associates and friends for many years and, from one point of view or another, I relish every day we spent together. Brian was a one-of-a-kind man.

To the three of you, my fondest wishes and condolences - I know how difficult this time must be.

Yvonne:  The day following Brian’s death, I was asked by Toronto Scottish Rugby Club to put together an obituary for Brian, one which would inform the membership in more detail about Brian’s involvement with the club.

I wrote the following from memory (always a risky business), but I believe I got most of the facts about right.

I thought that you would like to read it.


Obituary:  Brian Buckingham:


"Today, sadly, we learned of the death of Brian Buckingham.  

Brian was born in London, England and attended Mill Hill School where he started playing rugby, a game at which he excelled, with Old Millhillians.  He entered the advertising business and after a couple of years in England, packed his bags for Toronto and joined the advertising agency, J. Walter Thomson, where he moved swiftly up the ranks.  At this time he also became a playing member of Toronto Scottish.  He was soon to be transferred to Thomson’s New York office where he was the senior worldwide account services director on the Pan Am business.  He joined Manhattan Rugby Club where he played open side flanker and captained the team.  He became President of the club for a period and, as our New York connection, was instrumental in setting up the legendary Toronto Scottish tours to Manhattan in the late 60's.  

In the mid-seventies, he returned to Toronto to work with Ted Bates Advertising, where he, in due course became President, and again became an active member of the Scottish, but this time as coach of the first fifteen.  He had a good run as coach and took Scottish to the final of the Carling Cup in 1976, a low scoring game that was unfortunately lost in the final minutes.

He then took over the reins of Toronto & District and coached the T & D side for a couple of years, where his selection policy was to give the place to the player who showed the most desire to win, not necessarily to the player with the most talent!    

Brian loved the game of Rugby Football!  He was a great motivator who persuaded, rather than ordered his charges and worked effectively at building team spirit.  This held him in good stead, not only as a coach and advertising agency President, but also as a husband and father."

Derek Smith.

Dear Yvonne, Drew and Greer, I'm so sorry to hear of Brian's passing. Mum called to tell me. I have fond memories of playing at your home on Oriole Gardens, as a child, and many of those memories include "Mr Buckingham", who was jovial, and fun-loving. I've enjoyed the photo gallery and will be thinking of you all in these challenging days. 

Sincerely,

Dear Yvonne and family,
Those halcyon days of the 70's/80's within the Bates world are so memorable due in part to the presence of The Duke.
For those of us who enjoyed the privilege of working with Brian, there is much sadness. His benevolence, eternal optimism and perpetual broad grin leave us smiling up to the heavens. 
Take good care,
Catherine McLewin

Dear Yvonne and family,  we have just viewed your photo gallery, twice; once without music and once with ...  I was overwhelmed by a desire to have know Brian and you all much earlier in your lives than I have.  Such a wonderful photo record of a man who loved and cared so deeply for his family and friends while living life to the fullest.  Maggie has shared his gift of acting and story telling, always with humor and insight.   It is obvious that he will be sorely missed by so many.

I so wanted to be able to share my thoughts with you in person and at the funeral home on Sunday and we had planned to attend Brian's funeral.  Unfortunately I have been slugged by a flu bug and our plans thwarted.   So I am looking forward to joining you and Maggie and all the singers at the Trebblemakers.

With love and heartfelt wishes to you, Yvonne, and your family.  You are in our thoughts.  Peter and Lynn (Mills)

Yvonne
Sheila and I were so sad when we read of Brian's passing and we are thinking of you and the "kids". It was great to see you over the holidays and I wish that I had been able to talk with you after the service. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Sheila Victor and Rick Maden

Yvonne, Drew and Greer

Thinking of you during this time - another sad loss. Brian will be truly missed.

Joyce and Renée Safrata

Dear Greer and Family,

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad.  I remember him taking us out for dinner in New Brunswick during our undergrad and how much fun he and I had trying to come up with a strategy for me to ask the waitress for her number.

More recently, the day of your wedding he was up on the balcony at the hotel and he called down to me to come up for a minute.  He wanted to make sure that I was good for the MCing job that I had ahead of me.  He had taken the time to write down some jokes that I may have wanted to use.

You could tell how proud he was that day to walk you down the aisle.

With all my love,

Andrew Sheppard

Yvonne, Greer, Drew and Alan:  We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Brian.  He was abvoiusly loved very much by everyone who knew him.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of great sorrow.....John and Anita Conohan, (Halifax, NS.)

Yvonne, Drew and Greer
I was shocked and upset when I read about Brian last Friday. I will always remember how supportive he was of me when I first started at Spitzer, Mills and Bates. He was a wonderful mentor. I was flattered when he hired me away to work with him at Hill. Susan and I remember being guests in your home and how welcome you made us feel. 

Rob and Susan Wilson

Dear Yvonne
I was so sorry to hear about Brian. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to you and your family.  Teri Laskin-Walderman

Dear Yvonne, Drew And Greer,

Like everyone, I was shocked to hear of Brian's passing.  He was a good friend and work mate for many years and I will miss him.  I wish you and all of Brian's family God's love and comfort during this difficult.

Dear Yvonne, Drew and Greer
Words cannot convey the loss we feel.  Our deepest condolences  to you all .  What beautiful memories of happier times the photos bring back. He was a wonderful man and a cherished friend.  Much love,    Joan Zarry

Dear Alan, Greer and Family:  We were so saddened to hear of the passing of your father.  We know how deeply you loved him.  We want you to feel the warm embrace of all the people who were touched by the good works and humanity of your father.  We hope you will accept the heartfelt condolences of the Escubedo family.

So sorry to hear about Brian's passing. He was a good guy. My sincere condolences.

Michael Schwartz

Yvonne, Greer and Drew,
We are so sorry for your loss.  Brian was always such a happy man and we known that in time memories will help you to tell the story of him as the great man he was to little Charlotte.  He was so proud of Charlotte and of all three of you.  We will remember his smile always. Take good care of yourselves!

Dear Yvonne, Greer and Drew

Very saddened to learn of Bucky's passing. Memories will live on. Wishing you strength at this time. The pictures do tell the story of a man proud of his children and their accomplishments and of a wife whom he adored. Meeting Charlotte...priceless. 

Ron and Sandi Atkinson, Orillia

Drew
I'm sorry I did not realize when I saw you Tuesday after my own dad's funeral that your own father had died. Such a sad time for you and your family. I did not know your dad but he raised you to be a really nice person, so he must have been a nice man. My condolences to you and your family.

Katherine Dowd

Dear Yvonne,Greer,Drew and family we send our deepest sympathy to you all. We hope you will find peace , comfort and love  in all the wonderful memories that you hold of such a dear husband and dad and they will help get you through such a dificult time.We always enjoyed any time we ever spent with Brian .John and Linda Hawco

Dear Yvonne, Drew and Greer, 
  I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Brian. My deepest condolences are with you.

Yvonne, Greer & Drew

I had the pleasure of working for Brian at BWS.  I often think back to that carefree time and have fond memories of Brian.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. 

Maria McNaughton

Dear Yvonne and Family: We are so saddened to learn that our dear friend has passed away. He was truly an inspirational human being and I was so proud to be on his team at CCDP Out of the Cold program for so many years. We have lost a true humanitarian! I will always have very fond memories of Brian.

Yvonne, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Brian.  He was one of the nicest people I ever worked with at J. Walter.  I think he was in Atlanta with Less George, Bob Byron and myself when we shot a Champion spark plug commercial.  Graham Orwin.

Yvonee, Greer & Drew, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.  My deepest sympathy.  Carolle Henry.

Dear Yvonne and family,

We've lost a real Christian, a wonderful contributor, a fine Canadian example and, best of all,  Friend. Thank you Brian for your great leadership with our Outreach at CCDP. I send my sympathies and prayers to your beautiful family. The pictures have captured your good heart.

Dear Yvonne, Greer and Drew:  I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Brian on Tuesday.  I have such fond memories of him from my childhood and through to now.  He was always so kind and welcoming and always had a great joke or story to tell.  He will be missed by all those who had the good fortune to know him.

Dear Yvonne and Family:We were shocked and saddened to hear about your loss.Brian was a wonderful man,always so positive and full of life.We will miss him.          Tom&Rosemary Logan

Dear Yvonne and family, 

Brian was  gentleman in the truest sense of the word, in the 90's he helped advance my career and became a dear friend over the years. He had an incredible capacity to find the humour in difficult situations, yet he was a consummate professional. 

One more try for England...Bri

Condolences and best wishes 

Norm

Drew,
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad.  You have my sincerest condolences.

My deepest sympathy and condolences to Yvonne and family. Brian will be sadly missed. Jenifer Booth (Spiga, Jingles Too)

To The Buckinghams
Our thoughts to you all and the great ring of friends that Brian could bring together.
It was a moment, this past Breeder's Cup, at The Turf Lounge.
I enjoyed his character, his position among is.
Truly saddened, wishing you positive strengths.
Rodney Clark.

Dear Yvonne, 

I am  so saddened to hear the passing of Brian
Brian and I had a few chats at Scallywags over rugby the sport he loved.

I know we tried to improve England over the years......

I will miss him at this years Six Nations

I extend my deepest sympathies to you and the family.

Lin's O'Connor
international Sports Report 
The Fan590am

Dear Greer, Alan and Charlotte, we are deeply sorry for your loss and would like to offer our deepest sympathy as we understand what a difficult time this is for you.  Sending our love, Fiona, Dave and Mollie

Yvonne:

I, like others, am shocked by the news of Brian’s untimely passing.  I can only imagine that this must be a very difficult time for you and your family.

I know I speak for all of his friends in Toronto Scottish Rugby Club when I say we will miss him dearly.  We will remember the good times!

My deepest commiserations.

Derek Smith.

Dear Yvonne, Drew and Greer,
We are saddened to hear of your loss and extend our deepest sympathies. May your hearts be warmed by the memories of a loving husband and father. Always.

Yvonne and family, I was so sorry to hear from my mother that Brian has passed. I'll always remember his hugs, his drive, and his compassion for his fellow man. My heart and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. May the memories he made with all of you remind you of the warmth and hope he brought to others. With love...

Yvonne;
My deepest condolences to you and your family on Brian's passing.  My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
James Hyslop

Yvonne,Greer & Drew, We are truly saddened at the news of
Brian's passing. Brian's sincere kindness shown towards our
family, especially our mother whom he always made feel so
special, we are so very grateful and will always remember. 
The joy and laughter Brian brought to our family gatherings
will be greatly missed. Peter & Susan (Crane) Rudy

Yvonne, Lisa and I are so sad for your loss.  Please accept our deepest condolences.  You are so special to me, it breaks my heart to know your sunny disposition is clouded over with sadness.

Dear Yvonne, I was so sad and sorry to read about Brian's passing.  I couldn't agree more that his generosity and kindness knew no bounds.  There are so many over the years who he gave his unfailing support to -  without question or judgement -  whenever they needed it.  He was the first to call me after I lost my Brian and he knew exactly the right thing to say to me.  I enjoyed the wonderful photos and particularly liked the ones at the cottage as they evoked many warm memories for me.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Yvonne,Drew and Greer:
Just read of Brian's passing and wish to send our sincere condolences to you at this most difficult time. We are sure your many wonderful memories of him will sustain you through this time and will comfort you immensely in the
days ahead.
Toivo and Pauline Knude

Dear Yvonne,
From a fellow "Treblemaker", my sincere condolance for your loss.
Irene & Andy KUznick

Dearest Greer, Mrs. Buckingham, Drew and Family,

I am so sorry for the tremendous heartache you all have. Our Family's warmest thoughts and prayer's are with you.

After spending so much time with your family throughout my teenage years I had the priviledge of witnessing what a wonderful Husband and Father 
Mr. Buckingham was.  Almost daily, I remember walking in your front door after school with Greer and there always being a note on the kitchen table for her. It would hope that she had a nice day, outline her chores and what was in the fridge for her to have before you arrived home for dinner. Mr. Buckingham always signed love Dad. (I also remember him bringing tea up to the third floor for her every morning when she woke up - How awesome is that?)

I remember thinking how lucky Greer was that she had such a caring Father. He was always interested in her social life, school and activities. Greer was able to call both her parents equally at anytime for help or advice which is a true example of his dedication as a parent. 

While growing up Mr. Buckingham always made me feel very welcome. As a parent looking back, I would have had less tolerance for my teenage behaviour.
Mr. Buckingham was a true Gentleman, a wonderful Husband and an outstanding Father. 

Greer, you are so blessed to have your dreams come true right before your Father's eyes. He had the honor of watching you succeed in business, find a wonderful Husband (and walk you down the isle) and experience being a Grandpa to Sweet Charlotte. Everything has come "full circle". You have made him very proud. Know that he is always with you in everything you do. I know that you will continue to make him proud. 

I hope that with everyday that passes you feel less heartache.

Lots of Love,

Ainsley xo

Dearest Yvonne, Drew and Greer, So sorry to hear of Brian's passing.
He was loved by many, and will be missed by all. Love Pete Gilboy.

Dear Yvonne, Greer and Drew:  As time passes may you feel the love and support of your family and friends....remember the wonderful years spent together.  We will miss him.  Love, Irene Zamborsky

Dear Greer,Yvonne and Drew, Mr. Buckingham was such a kind and wonderful influence. He always had a smile and a laugh which always made me and others feel so welcome. I always remember Greer telling me how he always brought her tea in bed in the morning and I thought that is so great- what a dad! He was a a wonderful man. My love to you. Meredith

The photos are a record of a life well and joyously lived! Wonderful memories!

Dear Yvonne and Family:
We are so sorry for your loss...we are sending you our love and condolences --  from all of your friends in The Treblemakers.

Dear Yvonne, Greer & Family, Our thoughts are with you in this time of sadness.

Dear Yvonne, Drew and Greer - my thoughts are with you all at this time.   Love, Maxine

"Along the Road"
I walked a mile with Pleasure;
She chattered all the way.
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.
I walked a mile with Sorrow
And ne'er a word said she;
But oh, the things
I learned from her
When Sorrow
walked with me!
-Robert Browning, Poet

My dearest Yvonne, Drew and Greer,
Words cannot begin to express my sorrow for your loss.  With always a smile in his eyes and a cheerful quip on his lips, Brian touched my heart in so many ways.  His kindness and generosity has made me a better person, and I will miss him dearly.

Dearest Greer, Adam and Yvonne.  We are so sorry for your loss.  We think of you and send you our love.

I have amazing memories of Uncle Brian, the running man dance at my engagement party, a croque set up at the cottage that could rival Augusta National, golfing at IBM with Drew and Dad.  I'll never forget that unique golf swing that he taught to Charles Barkley.  I loved his creativity and always felt close to him.  I'll miss him.  He always referred to me as Glenny, ironically so does Greer, looks like his legacy will live on.

Dear Yvonne, Drew and Greer,
I have just viewed all of the 91 photos in the photo gallery and thank you so much for taking the time to submit them at this most difficult time.  The photos say it all, especially as to how deeply Brian loved his family, relatives and friends and how he made every social event so enjoyable for everyone.  I will always remember those good times and am very grateful that he was part of our lives.
Love & Hugs,
Mary Crane

Drew, Sue here, so sorry to hear about this loss. My heart sends hugs from here.

Dear Yvonne,Greer and Drew,

I am so sorry to hear about Brian's passing. He was such a dear man and
well loved by all. Our hearts go out to you in this time of sorrow.
We will remember the good times we had together and pray that he is happy
in God's house now.

Much love and prayers, Jo Ann and Bob

Yvonne & Family,

Our deepest sympathy. Brian will be missed. His passing is a huge loss.

Sincerely,

OBITUARIO

Brian Cecil Buckingham

27 agosto, 1939 – 4 enero, 2011

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