In Memory of

Today's blog isn't about our family so much as a whole, but a focus on Jeff's life.

Growing up, Jeff participated in the Scouts program, and his Scout leader was a guy named Mike "Bucky" Buckmiller; who he's stated "After my parents, Mike's probably the most influential adult in my life.". Jeff's shared a few different stories about him and their scout trip adventures, particularly when they killed a snake and Mike skinned and prepared it for eating, and encouraged the scouts to eat it, however Jeff skipped out on this. He also was influential with Jeff's friends, particularly Brett Wilson who's now a pilot. For one Scout trip, he took the boys flying; which lead Brett to discover his joy of flying, and Mike encouraged Brett to follow his dream, which he has obviously. Mike also encouraged them to get into HAM radios, and while Jeff's liscense expired sometime ago, he's still got a fascination with it, and eventually plans on renewing his license again.

He's also meant alot to the family as a whole, since his career was in Dentistry. He's apparently done a fantastic job in keeping the Hayford Clan's Chompers in good shape, and I know that the family will miss his ministrations.

Sadly though, Mike got lung cancer, and after a long battle, he passed away this passed Tuesday. I didn't know him at all, since I only met him twice, but I know that Jeff is upset about his death, and he's probably going to be crying at the funeral on Saturday, which shows how much he means to Jeff. Jeff is not an emotional guy at all. He didn't cry when we got married, he didn't cry when the girls were born, and he's held back tears at the funerals we've gone to over the past years that we've been together.

Anyway, here's his obituary:

"Michael Bruce Buckmiller Faith and Service Mike, 53, was born June 12, 1955, in Provo, Utah, to John David and Jane Farley Buckmiller. He was a joy to his parents and a great friend to many, including his brothers. He had an abiding testimony of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and the infinite power of His Atonement. He greatly valued his family relationships and even remembered fondly his days of weeding his grand-mother's gladiolus patch, despite it being a punishment. He honorably served amongst the people in the Tonga mission. His mission was a positive, life changing experience and he continued to serve the Tongan people through his occupation, maintaining his Tongan language fluency. Mike attended the University of Utah, majoring in Biology. He was a member of the Honor Societies of Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated from the University of Pacific Dental School and set up his practice serving the people of Salt Lake City. He received a community service award in special recognition for his dental work service to adults with disabilities. Mike married his eternal sweetheart, Jocelyn Goff, on June 21, 1980 in the Salt Lake Temple. Their loving relationship was an example to all of how caring, true, and sweet love can be. Mike was an experienced outdoorsmen. From the time he was a small boy, he loved being out in nature, in particular the Uinta Mountains and the red rocks of Southern Utah. He served as a scoutmaster for over 15 years and received the Scout Master Award of Merit. He was also honored to receive the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youth. Mike knew not only how to work hard and serve others, but also knew how to enjoy life and spend time recreating with his family. He loved waterskiing, fishing, hunting, scuba diving, and visiting the beach. He was a talented photographer and loved researching family history and learning about LDS pioneers. Mike maintained his pilot's license and enjoyed sharing his plane and love of flying with others. He also shared his love for music through singing and felt that music truly was a song of praise unto the Lord.He passed from this world on April 28, 2009 surrounded by his family members, in his home, following a brave and hope-filled battled with cancer. Mike is survived by his wife, Jocelyn, and their children Nicolle Jones (Ben), Emily, and Evan, and grandchild Michael Jones. He will be greatly missed by his father, Jack, stepmother, Carol, brothers, John, Dave, Jim, and Dan, as well as many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother. The family expresses deep gratitude for the many acts of kindness and compassion expressed through the service of many. A viewing will be held at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 East 1300 South), on Friday, May 1st from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 2, at 12:00 noon at the Canyon Rim 2nd Ward Chapel (3100 East 3000 South) with a viewing prior to the funeral from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Interment will follow at the Holladay Memorial Park Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the LDS Missionary Fund or Perpetual Education Fund. "

You can also follow this link to view his obituary on The Salt Lake Tribune website. I wish Jeff had some pictures of him, but he doesn't.