Obituary of John Buckingham

John Buckingham of Bethune, SK passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at the age of 86 years. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 63 years, Bette (Kozak) and their five children, Bruce (Yvonne), Gordon (Lori), Cathy (Steven), Beverly (Allan) and Brett (Tracy); six grandsons, Jason, Matthew, Braden, David, Mitchell and Michael; four granddaughters, Kelly, Jodi, Livia, Reese; and two great-grandchildren, Riley and Taylor. John was predeceased by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by two sisters in Saskatchewan and is fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many life-long friends. John grew up in Yellow Grass where he met and married Bette. They relocated a number of times and finally settled in Bethune with John serving as General Manager of the Co-op store and service station for more than 20 years. He was a man of many self-taught skills and a strong community supporter. He was a long-term member of the 50+Club, loved wood working and playing the harmonica, and was especially fond of family get-togethers and camping trips. John and Bette relocated to Winnipeg in 2009 to the Dakota House seniors housing facility. As always, John (and Bette) immediately made new friends and became well known members of their new community. There will be a Memorial Service held at Dakota House, 1145 Dakota Street, Winnipeg on Friday, July 3, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. and a Funeral Service at Bethune Town Hall on Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:00 p.m