Gerald Gordon Buckland

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Gerald Gordon (Jack) Buckland on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at the Cape Breton Regional Healthcare Complex at the age of 94. 

 Born in Sydney on June 22, 1930, he was the son of the late Bill and Ida Buckland. Gerry is survived by three sons, Huck (Bea) Buckland, Bill (Donna) Buckland and Brad (Shari) MacDonald Buckland. Grandchildren Justine (Shaun) Currie, Allison (Matt) Ratchford, Keith (Kayla) Buckland, Emily (Ryan) Walker, Raeanne (Nathan) MacNeill, Kristine Buckland and Jackson MacDonald. Great grandchildren include, Brielle, Blakely, Lawson, Kase, and Hayes, along with many nieces and nephews. Gerry is predeceased by his lovely wife of 69 years, Rose (Howard) Buckland. Also, by brothers Ira (Sonny) Buckland, Harry Buckland, Will Currie, and sister Millie Johnson (Anderson). 

 Gerry was a family man and loved telling stories around the campfire on numerous fishing trips with his boys Huck, Bill, and Brad. He was an active member of the Cape Breton Anglers Association. He cherished his fishing expeditions to Grey River and Grandy’s Brook, Newfoundland, as well as fishing in Margaree, Baddeck, and Middle River. 

 As an avid fly fisherman, you could be guaranteed to see him casting a fly on the season opener. In addition to fishing, Jack enjoyed hunting in the fall with his brother Harry in Sporting Mountain, Richmond County. If truth be known, there were more deer shot at their favourite spot the MacBouch Beverage Room in St. Peter’s. In the winter, Gerry could be found in Section 18 at Centre 200 as season ticket holder to the CB Oilers and CB Eagles or screaming on Saturday night at Hockey Night in Canada cheering on his favourite team the Detroit Red Wings. He was often behind the bench as well as Head Coach and General Manager of the Moose’s Alpine Oilers. And we can’t forget basketball where he would proudly tell us that he was the ninth highest scorer in the league at Ashby School. Gerry worked most of his life at Sydney Steel Corporation in the Coke ovens as an electrician until his retirement. Even though he worked shift work, he managed to find time for volunteering for many organizations and committees such as: Sydney Tar Ponds, County School Board, Major of 750 Air Cadet Squadron, past Chief of the Mira Road Fire Department, Executive member for the Branch 12 Legion, and caretaker at Cromarty Tennis Club. 

 At this time, the family would like to thank the staff of Spanish Bay at Harborstone Enhanced Care, Sydney and Dr. John Archibald. Also the staff of the ER Departmennt at the Cape Breton Regional Healthcare Complex and An Cala Palliative Care Unit. 

 Cremation has taken place under the direction of Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, September 14th from 2-4 pm at Branch 12 Legion on Dorchester Street in Sydney. Memorials can be made to Branch 12 Legion or a charity of your choice. 

 To conclude with Gerry‘s favourite saying “Don’t slam the door on the way out” we indeed think Jack slammed the door on his way out.