Rev. Maurice William Buck
May 10th, 2015
BUCK, Rev. Maurice William
May 9, 1929 – May 10, 2015
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Maurice William Buck on Sunday, May 10, 2015 at the age of 86 years. Maurice will be remembered by his daughters, Cheryl (Ben Beddow), Wendy, Kim; son-in-law, Mark Giovanetto; granddaughter, Teesha Sylvester (Devon Lendvay); and great grandson, Nixon. He was predeceased by his wife, Florence in 2005. Maurice was born in Ottawa and grew up in Verdun, Quebec as the youngest of seven. He enjoyed skiing and swimming as a young man in Montreal. Maurice went to George Brown College and McGill University where he was awarded a Bachelor of Education. He married Florence in 1958 and began teaching in Maniwaki and then in Pointe Claire moving to Calgary in 1968 where he taught mostly art at Okotoks High School until his retirement in 1984. In the same weekend that he retired from teaching he was ordained as a Deacon in the Anglican Church completing a long path to becoming a Minister that began in the 1960’s. Maurice was a Deacon at St. Martins; Minister at St. James; the Protestant Chaplain at the Colonel Belcher Hospital; and Minister of the parish of Acme and Carbon. He loved to draw and paint and the dining room wall in the family home sported a number of his creations. Maurice volunteered for a number of organizations; teaching English at the YMCA, acting as President of his ATA local, and as a cub scout leader. One of his favorite places was Disneyland and in particular the “It’s a Small World” ride, which he happily went on numerous times.
A Private Family Service will be held.
If friends so desire, memorial donations in Maurice’s memory may be made directly to:
Calgary Poppy Fund and Veteran’s Food Bank, 4539 – 6 Street NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 3Z6 (calgarypoppyfund.com).
Messages:
I extend to you all my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear father, Maurice. I remember with great fondness our times together at St. Martin's church with both of your parents. May it comfort you to know that you are in my prayers at this difficult time. Sincerely, Joan Buck
Spencer and I were colleagues of Maurice in Okotoks. We are sorry to hear of his passing. We have fond memories of Maurice. Shirley Jones
I met Rev. Buck (never DARED call him Maurice) at the University of Calgary Anglican Chaplaincy where I volunteered. He allowed me, as a Lay Reader, to lead a service or two and attend functions not available to undergrads. Maurice had the most amazing, full-bodied and full-hearted laugh. I feel as if he was the glue in the chaplain's centre at the time. I remember meeting Florence.... And his love for teaching. One day he and his brother, also ordained, were together on my day, "in the office," and as they left, I called out, "Reverend Buck!" They both turned in their black shirts and collars and matching black coats, and responded, "Yes?" And then there's the Anglican wine and cheese and the Blue Nun wine... What would you have thought five and six years later? Sir, you would have still been a teacher, encouraging us to respect and love one another, seeking ways to connect us. I'm sorry, in a way I am late, but in another... I remember you often for a reason, I guess. As I've cried tonight, I can only imagine how your family has mourned, remembered and grown from the example of you and your brother. +May God Almighty have already guided your soul to heaven my friend, and my mentor. It is not a matter of if we'll meet again, but when. Christ Jesus keep us both safe until that day. Jim+