June 10, 1932 –
June 5, 2021
Kenneth Robert Buckingham passed away on June 5, 2021, in Reno, NV, at the age of 88 years old.
He was born on June 10, 1932, in Winnemucca, NV, to Frederick “Fritz” Charles Buckingham and Louise Rose Marty Buckingham.
His parents preceded him in death along with his sister, Josephine Dickinson, and brother, Frederick “Fritzie” Buckingham.
Ken is survived by his daughters, Karen (Doug) Kornbrust, Reno, NV, Lisa Tauchen, St. George, UT, and son, David (Corinne) Buckingham, Paradise Valley, NV; grandchildren, Riley (Markee), Garek, and Heather Tauchen, Sara Buckingham and Chris Kornbrust; great-grandchildren, Vanna and Dominic Tauchen; niece, Diana Blair, nephew, Robert Buckingham, several cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends.
He attended school through 10th grade in Paradise Valley, NV. In 1951, he graduated from Humboldt County High School in Winnemucca, NV.
He attended Sacramento Jr. College for two years, earning a degree in Aeronautical Mechanics.
From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army at Fort Sill, OK, during the Korean war.
He was an instructor for aeronautical maintenance on Bell and Hiller helicopters at Fort Rucker, AL. He received the National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals.
During the summer of 1959, he worked at Lake Iliamna, AK, for Rick Helicopters, Inc. providing maintenance on the aircraft that was being utilized by geologists.
He loved to reminisce that he fished during the day and worked on the helicopters at night.
Ken lived most of his life in Paradise Valley, NV, and was a proud fourth-generation cattle rancher, carrying on the family tradition.
His great-grandfather was pioneer John Charles Kemler, one of the first settlers and founders of Paradise Valley, NV.
Ken was married to Sandra Purkins Buckingham for 22 years, together they raised their three children.
They maintained a special friendship through the years. He had very fond memories of driving his 1951 maroon Mercury Coupe. During the 1960’s to the 1980’s, he was the elected Constable of Paradise Valley.
For many years, he was a volunteer fireman for the PVFD. Over time, he became a successful rancher and businessman in the cattle industry.
He was an avid fisherman and deer hunter, getting the largest deer on record in the state in the 1960’s.
He had great memories of salmon fishing with family in Alaska, riding the train on a cross-country Canadian tour, taking a European vacation, which included visiting Buckingham Palace in London and Einsiedeln, Switzerland, where his grandmother was born.
But, of all his travels, he was happiest being on the road with his dogs in his semi-truck hauling his cattle and hay.
In more recent years, he thoroughly enjoyed feeding the wild turkeys that would come to his house daily. His dogs and cats brought him a lot of joy through the years, most recently, Maggie, his sweet 16-year-old border collie-mix dog who survives him.
Of all the numerous achievements Ken accomplished throughout his lifetime, he was proudest and most thankful for his family. And his family is equally proud and thankful to have enjoyed him for nearly 89 years.
Special acknowledgement and appreciation to Atria Summit Ridge in Reno, NV, for their outstanding care. Also, a big “thank you” to caregivers Tracy Kelsey and Tina Alvarez for their amazing kindness and support.
Funeral arrangements will be made with Sonoma Funeral Home in Winnemucca, NV.
Private family services will be held at the Paradise Valley Cemetery at a later date.
