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Michael Buckmiller Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Buckmiller
Ofa
May 12, 2021
Well I went to my dentist today and thought of my childhood Dentist Buckmiller. I just knew him by Buckmiller. I’m 27 years old now and I started to tear up thinking of him while sitting in my dentist chair. He always spoke Tongan to me even though I was a little Tongan girl but I didn’t understand. But I knew he spoke Tongan because he served a mission in Tonga. He was so very kind. I hope the Buckmiller family is doing well. I remember seeing pictures of his family they all had million dollar smiles. I was in high school when Buckmiller passed, and just now I realize how much of an influence good people like Buckmiller has had in my life. I have served a mission myself and I’ve married in the temple and now have a child of my own. Thank you Buckmiller, you’ve been a significant influence on my life.
May 5, 2009
I first heard of Dr.Pakimila when I got a toothache and with no insurnce. I asked my aunt that an appointment would be necessary, and she said no!, let's go!. To my suprise, there were 3 to 4 more Tongans there with no appointments, and for sure I thought that I would be turned away, but you didn't. When my mom needed a Dentist I brought her to your office. Pakimila, you were like a savior to our many ache's and pains. Your Tongan jokes will be greatly missed. As you always said to us when we leave your office, "Ko 'ena kuo sai, 'Alu a".(there, it's better now, farewell) Thank you, so very much for your kind and gentle service. "There, it's better now, farewell" my palangi(white)Tongan Dentist.
from Keili, 'Anaise Langi Tukuafu
Heather Thorpe
May 4, 2009
I just want to tell a story about Dr. Buckmiller that hopefully will make everyone smile. He was truly a great man, with a heart of gold. I run a group home for people with disabilities. He was the dentist of one of my residents, Maria. She was a bit of a hypochondriac and loved attention for ailments that were sometimes not real. On two or three occasions, after she would complain about a sore tooth, I would make an apt. with Dr. Buckmiller. He would check out her teeth, and after realizing nothing was wrong with them, he would smile, and give her a hug, saying, "oh maria, you just needed a hug." She was a rather difficult person to work on, due to her disabilities but he was always very patient with her, and made her feel special. Maria and I are truly shocked by the loss and he will be missed.
Daniela Liese
May 4, 2009
Dr. Buckmiller was my childhood dentist, and my mother's dentist for the past 25 years. As an immigrant, my mother appreciated Dr. Buckmiller's non-judgemental nature, his tolerance of people of other faiths and races. He was a true example of selflessness, and we will miss him greatly. When my husband had a toothache a few years ago, Dr. Buckmiller came into the office on Christmas night to help him - a true example of putting others before himself. His death is a true shock. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Moala Kinikini
May 3, 2009
We wish to express our heart felt sympathy to the Buckmiller family for the loss of their husband and father.
We'll miss Dr. Buckmiller and are grateful for his service and unconditional love to the Tongan people.
H.B. White
May 3, 2009
Mike was a great person and a powerful influence in my life. I still remember when he sucked the eyes off of a cooked fish in the Uintas, a skill he learned on the mission and laughed at me when he saw the expression on my face...and then encouraged me to try it out myself. I enjoyed coming to SLC for dental work over the years and catching up with a true friend and mentor. He will definitely be missed, as well as remembered, especially on campouts and at the dentist.
Sandy (Begley)Winchester
May 3, 2009
Jocelyn....
So sorry to read of your loss today in the newspaper.....my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Leigh and Lora Linn Foster
May 2, 2009
Dear Jocelyn and Family,
We are so sad to hear of Mike's passing. We have fond memories of you both from our days in San Francicsco. We really enjoyed visiting with you and Mike when we were last in Utah. Leigh has fond memories of the time he and Mike were roommates. We will always have good memories of you both as you were always so friendly and warm towards us whenever we would see you over the years. We will always think of you as our friends and you will always have our love and support.
Mary White
May 2, 2009
Our thoughts are with you all. The White family sure does love Mike!!!
Hebron White
May 2, 2009
Mike is precious beyond belief to our family. It's not just how much he did for our young sons in Scouts, but more how he was 100% committed to the Lord. If we were in an Army, Mike would be our commanding General. He knows the way, and hopefully we will all want to follow. Mike...we'll see you soon. Love to all, Hebron & Eileen White, 3390 S 3175 E
P.S. Hebron says, "We would have crawled on our knees to get to the funeral"....if we had known.
Stan and Murlene Watkins
May 2, 2009
Dear Jocelyn and the Buckmiller Family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's passing. We have such fond memories of our UCMC Singles Ward days in San Francisco. Thank goodness for our eternal perspective! May you be comforted by the source of all comfort.
Ivy & Quenten Owens
May 2, 2009
Dear Dan,Kelly,& Family,
We are thinking of you at this time and you are in our prayers.Please accept our sincere sympathy.Our love and prayers are with you.
Lopeti Lapuaho
May 2, 2009
My dear eternal brother, thank you for all that you did for me and for just being a great servant of our father in heaven. God bless your family through this time of loss.
Alu 'a ka tau toki fe'tau laki ki hevani. Ofa lahi atu,
May 1, 2009
To the Buckmiller family and close friends,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mike was an incredible dentist, and will be greatly missed. Although I've not been a patient of his for years, I'll never forget his act of kindness.
R.I.P Dr. Buckmiller!!
Christine Webb
May 1, 2009
Dear Jocelyn and family:
We are so sorry to hear of Mike's illness and passing.
He was such a wonderful person. We have never forgotten his special dedication to our family as a home teacher. Ryan will always remember the special care Mike gave to him in learning to fish as his scoutmaster.
Our love and prayers go out to you all.
May 1, 2009
Hey Dr. B!!! I knew you through your dental practice. I was just in to see you and I noticed you didn't look so hot. I could tell you were in pain, but I didn't want to feel like I was being nosy. I know you said it wasn't the "gumbu", and that what you had was not contagious, but I had NO idea that you were suffering with this!!!!
You were the most thoughtful and caring person that I have come across and mostly the most "painless" dentist!!!!!
You evidently lived a good life and for that I am sure you are blessed in Heaven. When I plant my garden this year, I will plant a flower for you!!!
I want to say thanks for putting up with my cowardliness over the last 20-30 years!!!!and not thinking less of me for it!!! and I am so glad I shook your hand and told you thanks when I left your office last time...
My heart goes out to the family you left behind and my prayers are with them. May God be with you during this difficult time........PEACE!!
May 1, 2009
Dearest Buckmiller Family,
We would like to express our love and sympathy to you at this time in your lives. We have been truly blessed to have known him, and to see his many acts of Charity on our behalf. He was such a great blessing to the Tongan people on his mission and to those here for so many years. He lived a life of Service to each of us. Please know that our prayers are with you in the weeks and months ahead.
Your Eternal Friends,
The Kinikini and Malakai Family
Carly and Mason Fetzer
May 1, 2009
I was one of the many to learn how to waterski behind Mike's boat and benefit from his incredible patience in the process. :) Nikki and family, I'm so sorry for the too-soon loss of this excellent and charitable man. We're thinking of all of you, and wishing you the strength and comfort that will get you through it.
Andrew & Noelle Wojciechowski
May 1, 2009
Jocelyn & Family -
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mike. We will remember you in our prayers, and will pray that you might be comforted during this time of need. It is a wonderful thing to know of the great Atonement by our Savior Jesus Christ - we hope that you might find peace of mind in knowing the truth of these things.
Peni Malohifo'ou
May 1, 2009
Jocelyn and Family...Kuo mapaki ee fa, kae kei 'alaha pe hono ngeia..The Fa is a very sweet smelling and very distinguished flower, before anyone enters the room you can smell it from afar, when that person leaves, its sweet fragrance will remain, letting everyone know that someone special have been in that room..this is how I feel about Elder Pakimila(Buckmiller)as the Tongans knows him, his witt, faith, love, and dedication have touched each and every Tongan that he has met, Soseline(Jocelyn)and family, words cannot express the sorrow that we have felt, when we hear of Pakimila's passing. He was always willing to help us whether we can afford it or not, he felt that it was his responsibilty to take care of us, and with that love his memories will linger within our hearts, its fragrance of love and humbleness and sharing will never ever leave our hearts. When he came to Tonga he was respected by the Elders because of his willingness not to be a foreigner, but wanting to be one of Us. 'Alu aa si'oku Tokoua(Farewell my Brother)
'Ofa Lahi Atu(Love Always)
Peni Malohifo'ou and the Malohifo'ou Family..
May 1, 2009
We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the Buckmiller family. Dr Buckmiller was the most understanding and best dentist. He would make sure that you could get in to see him no matter what time of day it was. He will surely be hard to replace. He has been our dentist for years and we will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Burnside Family
Davis Rytting
May 1, 2009
I will never forget how mike taught me so much in scouts. I remember when we where doing a 9 mile hike up in the uintas i broke down and couldn't carry my 40 pound pack any further. mike stopped and took the pack off my back and carried it a half a mile up the mountain along with his own 50 pound pack while he gave me a pep talk to bring back my confidince!! He was my hero that day and it will never be forgotten!! Im sorry about his passing and my love is with your family.
Denise Adkins
May 1, 2009
I am a work associate of Jim's and want to express my sincere condolences to the entire Buckmiller family. I lost my brother to cancer 3 years ago and know the pain that this type of loss can cause. May God bless and keep all of you and may His love ease your pain during this very sad time.
Jan Asay
May 1, 2009
Dear Jack and Family,
We are so sorry to read of the passing of your son Michael. It is so hard to lose one of your children, but we are so grateful for the gospel's Plan of Salvation and knowing that we will all be together as a family again.
Theron & I treasure the visit we had with you. Wish we could be there during this time of your grief. Our love and sympathy is with you.
May the Lord bless you and your family.
THE CHARLIE FOX FAMILY
Millie Anderson - Texas
David & Phyllis Fox - Arizona
Theron & Eunice Fox - California
Janice & Zane Asay - Sandy, Utah
Marilyn & Jerry McGhie - Nauvoo Mission
Annette & Dale Kennett - Sandy, Utah
Megan Pitt - Smith
April 30, 2009
Mike was one of the kindest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He spoke with love about his family members while at work and constantly served others with Christlike patience and understanding and always had an excitement about the gospel. Every day at the office, he looked forward to an e-mail of inspirational church doctrine called "daily gems" and encouraged me to to the same. Reading those and thinking of his good example might be a good way to honor Mike:
http://feeds.lds.org/ldsdailygems
'Ofa atu, Mike. There is no question as to where you are. Buckmiller family, I love you and you are in my prayers!
Holly Stewart
April 30, 2009
I know Brock has already signed the guest book, but I wanted to sign it also. Mike was such a great guy who always had a positive attitude and was serving. You guys are such a great family and my thoughts and prayers are with you and I think of you often. You have made such a great impact on my life. Thank you for that. I missing seeing you guys each week. Church just isn't quite the same. Thanks again for everything.
Ben Wiscomb
April 30, 2009
Jocelyn,
I was so sad to hear about mike today, he was such a great guy. I'm so glad I got the chance to see him and talk to him for a while last time I was in town. Just know that you and your family are in my thoughts!
Leonard Snellman
April 30, 2009
Dear Jack, John, Dave, Jim, and Danny,
I was so sorry to hear of Mike's illness and passing. Since Mom died, I haven't seen any of you. I am thankful that he is no longer suffering, but sad for those of us left here who will miss him so very much. The Lord must be thrilled to have such a loving servant come home. I hope your faith and knowledge of this can help comfort you in this difficult time. Love, Lenny
Adrie Peterson
April 30, 2009
Dear Buckmiller family,
I am so sad to hear that Mike is gone. I have so many fond memories of your fantastic family. Mike was always so kind to me. He will be greatly missed by so many people.
Shari Fullmer
April 30, 2009
Mike was a unique and thoughtful man and one we all loved. Who could ever forget his monthly scout weekends ALL 12 months of the year? Thanks for wonderful memories of Mike and you, Jocelyn. I love you.
Eleanor Till
April 30, 2009
We at TURN Community Services would like to offer you our condolences. Dr. Buckmiller did so much for so many people with disabilities. He provided excellent dental work as well as advocating for the people themselves. He provided services even when he was not compensated. He was a good friend to many and will be missed.
Greg Rogers
April 30, 2009
Buckmiller Family,
My heart felt sympathy goes out to you. While having known Mike only a few years, I was impressed with spirit and personality. I enjoyed the times we shared a meal at Jack's home. My best to you all.
Shelley Robinson
April 30, 2009
We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was such a good man. Our hearts and prayers are with you. The Robinson Family
April 30, 2009
He was an excellent scoutmaster, and served in that calling with vigor. He taught me everything I know about being an outdoorsman. From how to fish, camp, cook outdoors, even how to waterski.
His challanges to see who could stay on the tube the longest with him behind the wheel is one of my fondest memories. No one could hang on with Mike driving!
He will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Mike.
-Brock
P.S. I'm going to miss his infamous camp tacos. No one could make them like Mike.
Jay Jensen
April 30, 2009
Buckmillers, Our thoughts are with you and we pray that the Lord will comfort you during this time of need. We will miss Mike, as will many others!
Jay & Julie Jensen and Family
Liz Mangum Shellum
April 30, 2009
Nikki and family,
We are so sorry. Your dad is a great man who did wonderful things with his life. I count myself lucky to have known him and the beautiful family he raised. We love you and are praying for you.
Mike Rigby
April 30, 2009
Mike
Thanks for the memories. God truly had his hand in our getting together this month. It was so fun to hear of your adventures in life and to meet Jocelyn. You really have been blessed. I know the others there enjoyed the night as much as I did. Thank you so much for coming. Thirty years is much to long to stay apart.
Jocelyn, our hearts go out to you at this time with the passing of Mike. It was obvious to all of us that the two of you have a great love for each other. It was also obvious that you have a strength of character and understanding that will see you through this time of change. We love you both.
Mike & Val.
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