So sorry to hear of his passing. I knew him in the 80’s at vanderbilt and once attended a soirée at his place where we all watched Simon and Garfunkel’s concert in the park. Though it’s been years, I thought of that night - and when he called his two dogs to stop roughhousing in the other room and they barreled to him, literally knocking him and his wicker chair over - when I heard this rendition of a S&G song and thought to look him up and share it. An amazing man who went above and beyond in trying to help every patient that came through our ER in those years. 

https://youtu.be/IWdb9Nu-gqQ?si=kQIvV9yPhoruV6O-

He was the best of the best. I was just looking him up to refer to a family member. I am so sorry for your loss. And personally shocked this incredible doctor is no longer of this world. Sending love to his wife and family.

Dr, Rivers-Buckeley saved my life literally. I moved to Japan in 1994, but he called me once a year just to check up on me. I have not heard from him and it just hit me, so I decided to email him. I am in shock to see that he passed away. I was his patient in 1988, 89, 90, I think. I was in a hospital for 7.5 weeks. He gave me my life back. I am so sad to see that he passed. He was a truly gifted psychiatrist! RIP my dear doctor!

It was 8.4.2020 & I drove from Dallas, GA, for my appointment with Dr Rivers-Bulkeley.  Ultimately I was told of his passing. My 1st thought was this could not have happened - not to my doctor since 1981 - he was always there for me, but not this day.
I believe some special people are placed on this earth to serve & heal us;  Dr Rivers-Bulkeley was one.  He most assuredly was needed in another place.  He shared his love of life & taught me to love mine & love myself.  He gave so much.  The compassion, understanding & hope he conveyed will forever be in my heart.  Rest In Peace Dr RB, my thoughts & prayers will always go out to you.

Mrs. Rivers-Bulkeley, I was referred to your husband 10 years ago after my husband died unexpectedly. He was a godsend. My heart goes out to you as one who has walked this road, and I pray God’s every comfort and blessing  

oh my god, this is such a cold shock to learn of his passing. he has been counseling me since 1994 and he was much more than a psychiatrist, he became a friend that i always looked forward to visiting. god bless you and we'll meet again someday

Dr. Rivers-Bulkeley was a godsend to me in a time of immense confusion and strife. He was a stabilizing, wise, and funny influence to me when I often felt completely lost. He was very precise and conscious of prescribing me medicine (something I had always considered but always been hesitant about) and it made a great difference. When he wasn't counseling me, we were able to relate over our love of cinema and I envied his massive film collection. 

Finding out about his passing was a real shock and I will miss him dearly. I'm thankful for the time I had getting to know him and I know there are many people who feel the same. He was truly a brilliant, professional, jovial, special man and I will always be grateful for his presence in my life. 

I've been a patient of Dr. RB's for better than ten years, and It has been an honor knowing, and being treated by him. Never have I felt so cared for, and never have I met a doctor so willing to step outside the box to hear – and treat my needs.

RB was a wealth of knowledge that served us well during our sessions. I know I will never be able to replace him. I can only take solace knowing how much he impacted my family and me. He will never be forgotten.

And to his wife and family, my consolences for your loss -- for it was a large one indeed.

I met RB about 25 years ago at a very desperate time in my life.  I am blessed to have had him as my therapist.  He was a compassionate,  intelligent, down to earth, generous, understanding, caring  man. He was always willing to help you any way he could. He will absolutely be missed.  
Mrs. Elizabeth Rivers Bulkeley - I am so very sorry for your loss. May God grant you peace during this very hard time.



Such an incredible man who put his patients first.  Each visit was a time for me to learn more about his approach to medicine and learn for myself another point of view on many issues affecting medicine and this country as a whole.  I enjoyed working with him for the past 5 years and his demeanor and presence always was a comfort...any Thursday at 12:30.  I will miss him incredibly.

Tara Neibert, Lundbeck

It was such a privilege to have known this gentle man.

I’m very sad to hear of Dr. Rivers-Bulkeley’s passing.
I saw him regularly for nearly thirty years.
He was my doctor, advocate and friend.
He helped me to remember that my life could be meaningful by not taking myself too seriously and having faith to take the appropriate action.
I’ll miss you, Doc.

David 

I knew instantly, Dr. Noel R-B represented the single most powerful force to guide me out of unimaginable spiraling situations. He understood, he Really understood, as if literally in my shoes. 
His insight was impeccable, finishing my sentences, knowing thoughts and feelings, such needed relief, spending time listening, & providing life saving guidance. 
His moral compass, his brilliance, his compassion, his unerring intuition, and his beautiful grace saved so many from depths unimaginable to any, except him.  
A man with an impeccable pedigree, a clinician who fought for his patients, knew them, truly cared & loved them. 
He was a healer, a prodigal intellectual, became a patriarchal leader, providing acute direction to managing obstacles in life.
~He Understood. He guided. He healed. He saved lives. He was an Angel on Earth, now an Angel above.~
Can’t Thank him enough, absolutely devastated to learn of his untimely passing. My thoughts & prayers with his family & loved ones.  
He will be missed dearly & always remembered with amazement & love. 
Peace be with you all. 
L P W

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Rivers-Buckley! I worked with him for many years at Ridgeview Institute.  He cared a lot and is unforgettable!

Liz, 

I've never met you but I am so sorry for your loss.   I was a patient of RB's for 20 years and he once told me, "Will, you will probably never fix your relationship with your family but you will discover that you'll be fine without it."   Those were powerful words that changed my life.  
I want to tell you something about your husband that maybe only a patient could know.  I saw RB for two decades and every time he spoke about his relationship with you, he smiled.  It was obvious how deeply he loved you. 
 I will miss him dearly and I wish you the best during this difficult time. 

Sincerely, 
Will Elliott

Dr R-B was a life changer for me. He helped me when no one could. I am forever grateful to the wonderful kind man he was. His influence lives and thrives thru the patients that he worked with. His spirit is alive. Thank you, my trusted friend Dr R-B. Simply the best!! 

I had the good fortune of working with Dr. RB over the past 22 years.  First in crisis as a mother with young children, he saved me, something for which I have always been grateful.  He was with me through the rhythm of life- the good, the bad, the in-between.  Always he guided with his deep compassion, decency, strength, and brilliant mind.  He identified a safe treatment for an issue for which doctors from other specialities had been unsuccessful. We bonded over our wide-ranging philosophical discussions, love of travel, and our long-standing friendship. He adored his wife, Liz. 
Dr. RB, you were one-of-a-kind and will be profoundly missed.
Your memory will always be a blessing.


As I read the other memories, there is a very common feel and theme. Dr. RB was an outstanding person that I am sure helped 10,000+ people easily. He was more of a friend to me that my doctor and I was his patient for over 30 years. Dr. RB and I always talked business, cars, travel and even his home projects when we got together. He was so good I often drove and hour or more each way to his office, depending on where it was. He had strong love for his wife, his family and his British cars. Dr. RB helped me with an issue I had for many, many years that no one else seemed to be able to figure out nor help me to overcome. Dr. RB zeroed in on the issue in 2 visits and I have been fine ever since.  His sudden passing is shocking but we all know he did a tremendous amount of good while he was on earth. RIP Dr. RB and my sincerest prayers to your family for fond memories and healing.  

I have known Dr. RB for 14 years.  I very much appreciated our relationship.  We especially connected on travel and enjoyed sharing tidbits from our travel experiences.  His work and demeanor made a tremendously positive impact in so many lives.   His death is a great loss for me and so many others.  

The Bible provides such comfort in times like this and promises a time when death will be gone forever.    Rev, 21:3,4 .   My condolences to your family. May your memories bring you comfort and may the peace of God be with you during this time of sorrow. (Philippians 4:7)

Dear Family,
My prayers are with you as you navigate this tremendous loss.  We all have lost.  Dr.  Rivers-Bulkeley was the epitome of professionalism as he cared for and helped so many.  Thank you for sharing him with all those who needed him.  

T. 
Parker

So sad to hear. This man helped me during a dramatic life change. I like to think we became friends. He was a good man. He will be missed.

I was heartbroken to hear the news of Dr R.B.  My daughter started seeing him in 2016.  He did everything under the sun to get her on the correct medication, after almost 1 year he was finally able to stabilize her.  I know our life would be very different today had we not found him and for that I thank God everyday.  He was a wonderful and kind man.  RIP Dr R.B you will never be forgotten.  Prayers to the family for strength.

Sandy Bailey 

I am so deeply saddened to read of the sudden loss of Dr. RB. I was a patient of his for 20 years. He guided me through some of the most difficult times in my life and I will always be grateful for his kindness and support. Sending love and light to his wife Elizabeth and his brother Vaughn.  

He saved my life, I will forever remember him. Thank you dr. Bulkeley for everything you did for me, 🐢 Rest In Peace. 

We are so very sorry and saddened to hear of the unexpected loss of RB.  RB touched our lives in ways that go beyond measure.  He was so very kind and compassionate and helped us in ways we cant even explain.  He will be missed more than we our hearts can even say. Please know Liz that you and your family  are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. 

I am so sorry for the loss of Dr RB. He was a shining light in the worst time in my life. I can say that he saved my life. I enjoyed every session with him. He made me laugh and was a great ear. He moved me most recent appointment up as I found I was pregnant. We talked about how hard my PPD was with my first child and he laughed and confidently said, “we won’t let that happen this time.” He was both reassuring and nonchalant. Of course he would help and of course I would be okay with his help. I will miss him and I am truly grateful to have known him. 

So very sorry for your loss. He was a very kind-hearted, curious, and fun guy to talk to. He really cared about his patients and made a very positive difference in my life. Will forever be thankful to him for helping me. Sending you prayers during this difficult time. 

To Elizabeth and the family.  I was a patient of Dr. RB for 28 years.  I’ve written a book about how well Dr. RB took care of me!  He was such a mastermind behind my complex issues!   I recently gave him 2 flash drives of my family having fun at this years Thanksgiving and the second one of the girls growing up at our houses over the years.  I just saw him on March 11th, and my daughter Jordan saw him more recently than that.  I’m heartbroken over this loss!  My family and I will continue to keep you in our prayers now and forevermore as we consider him a part of our family.  He was not only my doctor, but he was a friend, mentor and pillar of strength to our family.   Prayers and God’s Blessings to you all!  In this picture, I had just recovered from a major 7 month battle with depression.  This was one of my first outings, and I was happy for the first time after that very tumultuous time.  Dr. RB got me through it, and brought me to the other side.  

My sincere condolences to the family of Dr R-B...    

He was a great man, and I'm still in shock from hearing about this.  I'll never forget him...I considered him a very good friend and mentor.

Chuck

Elizabeth Rivers Bulkeley,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss,,I am shocked,,,He was a wonderful person who I grew very fond of and was very caring to me. He just reached out to me to see how I was doing late last month. No words,,He will be sorely missed and will always be in my memory.  You and your family will be in my prayers.
Cary

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to Dr. Noel Rivers Bulkeley and his family.  I am incredibly saddened upon learning this.

Dr. Bulkeley gave me hope when no one else could, and for that I am forever grateful.

Although he is no longer with us I know his friendliness and wisdom will live on in his family and the patients he cared for. 

In Sympathy,

Chris

To The Family of Dr. Rivers-Bulkeley,

I am so sorry for your loss. I was shocked and saddened to find out this morning that "Dr.  R-B" (as he was affectionately referred to by our mutual patients) had passed away last week. In my 30 years as a mental health professional, he was the most painstakingly thorough, patient-centered psychiatrist  I ever worked with. Though we never met in person, we consulted many times on the phone about the folks we were mutually treating. I came to think of him as my professional friend. He had become my go-to doc and I will miss him deeply.
Dr. Jeff Paetzhold, MS, LPC

My  prayers and condolence for the family.  Dr. Rivers-Buckeley has helped my family in so many ways.  My daughter had a problem at the age of 17.  Not knowing what was wrong I called for an appointment for her.  He helped her in diagnosing OCD.  Which in turn as a mother helped me.  I will for ever be grateful to him.  This was a dark time in our lives and he brought light and understanding.  My daughter is now 42 and has a life of understanding that she can now pass on to her students.  Thank you Dr Rivers- Buckeley!  Rest in Peace.  


I am so sad to hear about Dr. RB’s untimely passing.  He was a blessing in my life when I was at my worst!  His care for my family will never be forgotten .  I owe a debt that can never be repaid.

He was a man of brilliance, compassion with a zest for life.  May God rest and comfort his soul for all of eternity.  Prayers for all his family and loved ones.

I will never forget my friend!

He changed my life's trajectory from torment to normality. I'm so grateful he passed thru my life, albeit too briefly. My condolences Liz.


To Mrs Rivers-Bulkeley:

I am stunned, saddened, and in disbelief. I also was born in 1954. Please accept my deepest condolences.

I had the amazing gift of being a patient of Noel for many many years. He had a momentous positive effect on my health and my happiness and I will miss him terribly. I have never known a more caring and compassionate professional in his field, or in any other field.

I am certain that he affected scores of others as he did me. I will always have warm memories of the times I spent with your husband. Please know that my thoughts and prayers and hopes are with you and the rest of his family.

Please take good care of yourself and know that there are so many like myself who offer you our most heartfelt feelings of support and compassion.

Mr Kim Taratoot

Vaughan, Im so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. May you have comfort in knowing he was a great man and will be dearly missed.

My heart is broken at the loss of the exceptional Dr. RB...He was gifted in so many ways that delighted all who had the privilege of knowing him...that "encyclopedic" mind, the dry sense of humor,  and the unending devotion to the care and well-being of his many clients.  And, how I am going to miss our energizing political conversations... Dr. RB was one of a kind. My deepest condolences to his wife, Liz, and to all in his family...

Liz,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your love and life with Noel was so special. Sending you so much love and peace during this time. 

Love, Rachel

My condolences to the family of Dr. RB.  I am truly heart broken for your loss and the loss for those he helped for many years. He was a brilliant and kind man and we spoke of his travels with his wife and of his love for turtles and the Galapagos.  I am deeply saddened and will miss you Dr. RB.  Prayers to your family. 

Dr. RB touched many lives, helping them through the best and worst of times.  I am grateful for the opportunity to have spent time with him, and all he did to help me live a better life.  His words , advice and guidance will forever help me through tough times.

My heart goes out to his family, for whom this is most devastating.  



Since November 2000, Noel  graciously allowed me to use an office in his office suite, both at Ridgeview and at the Plaza Square North building. We had mutual clients and often referred each other to those on our caseload. He was a very nice and knowledgeable man. It was a pleasure knowing him, I miss him and miss our conversations.  

Noel is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his brother Vaughan, his sister and brother in laws, and several nieces, nephews, great nephews and great niece.

OBITUARY

Dr. Noel Rivers-Bulkeley

Sandy Springs Chapel

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