Buckley, William Hall "Bill" passed away peacefully March 16, 2023 at St. Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish.

Born July 4, 1937 in Antigonish, he was the son of the late Carmen and Anna (Simpson) Buckley. 

Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. After spending his youth in small town Nova Scotia he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and trained as an aircraft electrician. He proudly served for over 8 years, stationed in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and France. Bill met and later married Clare on December 6, 1958, while they were both stationed at RCAF Cold Lake, Alberta. Some of his fondest memories were made while stationed in France, playing on the RCAF 1 Wing hockey team competing throughout Europe. He played multiple sports throughout his lifetime and was a fierce competitor and a loyal teammate. He continued playing softball, hockey and curling well into his 60s.  He concluded his hockey career with the Antigonish Old Dogs, a highlight of which was playing against the NHL Old Timers.

Bill left the Airforce and settled in Antigonish in 1963. He ran the family business, Buckley’s Studio, with his father and then with Clare. He later returned to electrical work and then as Office Manager at Antigonish Cablevision until his retirement.

Bill also contributed his time and expertise to his community. He dedicated many hours to coaching minor sports and to the Antigonish Saddle Club. Bill settled into the role of Grampie and spent many more hours with his grandchildren often travelling long distances to watch a game or share a milestone, always playing an active role in their lives.

He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. He was always up for a trip to the camp where his sense of humor would often go stealth and some legendary practical jokes were played and received. 

Dad will be lovingly remembered by his children, Donna (Terry Blackstone) Buckley, Middle River, NS; Tom (Nancy) Buckley, London, England; and Karen (Mike) Buckley-Talosi, Hamilton, ON.  Grampie will be forever cherished by grandchildren, Tanya (Richard), Leah (Mauro), Jacob (Alix), Tamara, Keigan (Kristen), Kaylee (Domenic), Kiefer, Noah, and Chance, as well as great-grandchildren Jack, Jamie, and Rosa. Bill will be deeply missed by sisters Bette Ann (Ira) Corkum and Dona (Jim) Honsberger, and brother-in-law Larry (Jane) Gilmar, along with many nieces and nephews.

Bill will also be missed by his "young friend Glen" Tate and his wife Isabel, with whom he shared the truest of friendships and many cups of Tim's.

Besides his parents Bill was predeceased by his dear wife of 53 years, Clare.   

Visitation will be held at C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College St, Antigonish on Wednesday, March 22, from 2-4 and 7-9.  Funeral will be held on Thursday, March 23, at 2pm at St. James United Church, Main St, Antigonish with Reverend Meredith Marple officiating. Burial at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Antigonish Food Bank, or Kidsport Antigonish Chapter.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Steve Gallant for his many years of professionalism and care shown to both Mom and Dad.