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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BUCK, Gale Grant - In memory of the beloved husband, father, grandpa, and friend; Gale Buck. Gale passed away on January 31, 2024 at Avenir Memory Care in Nanaimo, BC.
Survived by his son Layne, daughter Rolanda, and grandchildren Andrew and Aiden. Predeceased by his wife Arlene and daughter Sheila.
Gale Buck, a native of Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, was born to Ervin and Maxine Buck, and later welcomed a little brother, Bruce, into the family. Departing from his farming roots, Gale joined the Royal Canadian Navy in his youth. His journey took an unexpected turn when a fellow seaman's invitation led him to Nanaimo, where he met Arlene on a double date. They married, and their union brought forth son Layne and daughter Sheila, marking the beginning of their life as a military family. Despite the challenges of lengthy sea deployments and a young family, Gale's dedication led him to be selected to join the University Training Plan and admission to the University of Alberta.
He graduated with a BSc in Pharmacy in 1971 and became a commissioned officer. Gale served as a pharmacist at base hospitals in Cornwallis and Alberta, adding daughter Rolanda to the family during the family posting in Cornwallis. Transitioning to medical supply in the early 1980s, he later commanded the Regional Medical Equipment Depot in Chilliwack and the 19 Forward Medical Equipment Depot in Lahr, Germany, concluding his military service as a Commander at the Canadian Forces Medical Service headquarters in Ottawa. As a military family, the Bucks were fortunate to travel all over Canada and much of Europe, having been stationed in Lahr, Germany, for five years. Gale was very proud of his long Canadian military service but enjoyed his eventual retirement.
Gale and Arlene relocated to Nanaimo, British Columbia, to enjoy the stunning beauty of the west coast. Gale was happiest on a fishing trip with his brother Bruce and any time he spent with his grandchildren, Aidan and Andrew.
A
resume that Gale wrote after his retirement noted: "real success is not
measured by the seniority of one's position but rather by the extent to
which one meets their responsibility and the pride they take in their
work." These values guided Gale, in, his life and were instilled in his
children. Gale and Arlene were married until Arlene's passing in 2021. She
was a devoted and stalwart wife. They are reunited and likely watching
Curling on a massive flat-screen TV.
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