BUCKLER

With broken hearts we announce the passing of David “Dave” Lloyd Buckler of Alder Flats, Alberta.  Dave passed away at home on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the age of 83 years. 

A full circle of life.  Dave was born in a cabin at Pendryl, Alberta; the third son in a family of four children born to Albion and Hazel Buckler.  The family moved and resided for a short time in the Rimbey/Lacombe area before making their way to Bowden, Alberta, where Dave grew up.  He attended SAIT in Calgary to complete his automotive mechanics certification, obtaining a job in Innisfail where he met his wife and where they settled to start their family.  They raised two children, David Jr. and Brenda.  Dave moved his family from Innisfail to Drayton Valley, where he purchased a gas station with a partner, and where he worked for many years.  He later considered a shift in his career and decided to work in the oil and gas industry, which took him and his family to Lloydminster, Alberta, and eventually to Lac La Biche, Alberta. 

Dave also loved to farm.  While in Lac La Biche, the family ventured onto their first farm, where they broke ground together and manually picked rocks and roots.  Thank goodness there were four of them!  The family then made the decision to relocate south to the Rimbey area, where Dave bought a farm at Hoadley and worked at the county school bus shop.  He met many great friends while he worked there. 

Years later, Dave sold the farm at Hoadley and purchased a quarter of land in the Buck Lake/Alder Flats area – making it back home, full circle, close to where he was born.  He was blessed to have his granddaughter and great-granddaughters grow up on the farm.  Dave continued his love for farming until his passing.

Dave loved the outdoors, the beauty of nature, and took great pleasure in exploring the wilderness.  He enjoyed the company of many friends and family who will remember spending quality time with him while they embarked on many adventures together.   Dave opened his home to everyone who ventured his way – always believing that his home was their home.  He was a social butterfly who loved to play his guitar and visit with friends.  Dave was known for enjoying a glass of wine on a Friday night, surrounded by his friends and family as everyone gathered around a cozy fire while Dave happily strummed on his guitar.  He will be greatly missed.     

Dave will be lovingly remembered by his son David Jr. (Jaci) Buckler of Hardisty; his daughter Brenda Buckler of Winfield; as well as his granddaughter Alanna (Kevin) Naumann of Alder Flats; three precious great-granddaughters Natalie, Josie, and Brittany; and his stepdaughter Rachel Ellery and her two sons Jackson and Spencer, all of Edmonton. 

He is also survived by his brother Robert (Judy) Buckler of Vernon, B.C.; his sister Carolyn Douglas of Breton; the mother of his children Kay Buckler; in addition to his nieces Leona and Laree; his nephews Lee, Terry, Trent, Raymond, Mike, and Pat; along with many close and cherished friends.  Dave was predeceased by his parents Albion and Hazel Buckler; one brother Bill Buckler; and two nieces Shelley Manca and Kelly Thorson.

A Celebration of Dave’s Life will be held at the Hoadley Community Hall, Hoadley on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.  If desired, memorial donations in his memory may be made directly to the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch, c/o Friends of the Eastern Slopes Association, Box 1441, Sundre, Alberta  T0M 1X0 (www.foesa.org).  Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page.

Service and Cremation Arrangements for the Late David “Dave” Lloyd Buckler entrusted to the care of