August 6, 1976 to February 27, 2021 Sadly we announce Buck’s passing, at age 44, due to complications associated with dementia. Born with Down Syndrome, Buck was educated at Glenwood School. After graduation, his skills were further developed at the Dundas Learning Centre. Here he, and his life long friends, was able to holiday or cruise in Florida, Mexico and many of the Caribbean Islands. While at Glenwood School he was introduced to Special Olympics Ontario.
He excelled in swimming, track and field and nordic skiing. He was a regular gold medalist at regional, provincial, national and international games. Additionally, he became an athlete representative and spokesman at corporate fund raising events for Ontario and Canadian Special Olympics. He was able to live independently, enjoyed his bachelor pad, and worked at a number of part time jobs most notably East Side Mario’s, Zeller’s and Boston Pizza. He loved being with people and enjoyed interacting with his customers and coworkers. To meet him was to love him. It was rare to find him without a smile or a joke – he had a wonderful sense of humour.
He loved his friends and family, did his best to make others happy and brought joy into the lives of every one he met. We will miss him so much! He was the beloved son of Jim and Lesley and best buddy to brother Jed. Predeceased by his grand parents Les and Mary Holmes, Art and Ede Burrows, his uncles Howard Staff, Tom Holmes and aunt Debra Holmes.
Nephew to Wendy Staff, brother-in-law of Katie Burrows and cousin to Sue – Ann and Drew (Dana) Staff, Hope (Evan) Acs, and Dana (Gabriel) D’Angelo. He was “Uncle Buck” to Wally and Archie Burrows. Buck has been cremated and will be buried in the Jerseyville Cemetery. There will be a memorial gathering in the late summer. Covid 19 restrictions will dictate the details.
The family thanks the various doctors, medical therapists, social workers and nurses at St. Joseph’s Health Care, Juravinski and St. Peter’s Hospitals for their support in making his final journey comfortable to navigate. For those who wish, you might consider a donation, in memory of Buck, to the Dundas Learning Centre or Special Olympics Ontario.
Both organizations played a large part in shaping Buck’s life. Condolences, memories and photos may be left at www.circleoflifecbc.com