David C. Buckland

David Buckland Obituary

David C. Buckland

This world has truly lost a bright light with the recent passing of David Buckland.

David loved life and his passions made him a gifted musician (Blackjack Davey); a truly dedicated, compassionate teacher (Mr. B); an avid, enthusiastic skier (the Purple Haze); a steadfast ally to his friends (Davey); a thoroughly delighted pal with his first ever pup Lexie; and the most loving, supportive, playmate, lover and best friend to his wife TJ who adored him beyond words. His optimism, enthusiasm for life and generous nature flowed through his music, theater work, teaching, skiing, and interactions with family and extensive network of friends. His trademark radiant smile made you feel cared about, accepted and safe. David brought a special quality to his relationships â€" a genuine warmth and caring, true compassion, a twinkle in his eye, a sense of humor, and humility.

Born and raised in Los Alamos, NM, Davey completed his Bachelor's degree and teaching certification, traveled as a road musician, taught a wide age range of children in a variety of settings, and retired after almost three decades as an educator at Los Alamos High School.

Davey is survived by his wife (Janet "TJ" Taub); three siblings and their spouses, Carl Buckland (Julianne), Anne Murphy (Tim), Nancy Buckland (Richard Day); nieces Amber Dugger (Carl), Marika Buckland-Day; nephews Michael Dugger, Kevin Murphy (Ginnie Fae); sister-in-law Judy Taub (partner Allison Newman); extended family and the many, many friends he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mary Ella Buckland.

A memorial event to celebrate Davey and his gifts to us all will be scheduled once it is safer to gather. Contributions may be made to a favorite humanitarian, environmental, medical, or animal welfare charity.

Davey, I love you to Infinity and Beyond. And back again. Really, Really.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albuquerque Journal on Mar. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for David Buckland

6 Entries

Rande Mack

July 27, 2021

I met Black Jack Davey in the seventies playing volleyball in Montana. I think we met at the Haufbrau in Bozeman, he came to play volleyball with us and from then on I considered him my friend. Whenever he was in MT he looked us up, often staying in his van at our place in between gigs.. I was always in wonder at his van--he had everything in the world in it and everything was organized. We have kept in touch through the years, and he and TJ came to visit, maybe in the last decade. David was a good man--fun, funny, jovial, always entertaining. I always hoped to see him again. I just recently learned of his passing. I was in awe of the way he explained the battle he waged against overwhelming odds and of his positive attitude in the face of such adversity. I'm so sorry he is gone. I'm grateful I had the privilege of calling him my friend.

Harley Barber

March 30, 2021

Davey was not only my dear friend, but also the best ski partner I have ever had. I was always guaranteed an adventure with Davey!

Davey greatly admired a group of Jamaican rappers and we listened to them all the way to Taos and back on one ski trip. Their music continued on another trip to Ski Santa Fe, where Davey was going to take off his ski boots in the parking lot for our drive home. But he began dancing to their music instead and the song lasted so long that the car battery died! Remembering this now just made me laugh.

Davey was also very entertaining on chair rides up the mountains. He sang songs, recited poetry, acted out parts from theatrical shows he had been in. I never knew which Davey was going to show up, but they were all immensely entertaining!

Being with Davey was always hilarious. We ran into his students everywhere, and and their joy at seeing him was heartwarming. My wife and I even met a woman in Natchez, Mississippi who knew him!

To be Davey’s friend, the recipient of his great smile and warm nature, was pure joy. I will miss him forever - but I know he will be with me on every chair ride up a mountain.

Evelyn Vigil

March 28, 2021

This is the saddest news I have heard in a long time. Loved his laugh, sense of humor and willingness to roll up his sleeves to make this a better world.
A good man, through and through.

Mary Barber

March 28, 2021

Davey was everything people have said and yet, so much more. It’s impossible to encapsulate a life SO full of life. But I have to try, for Davey.

If you told Davey something you thought was rather astounding, you got his trademark “Well, alright then”. His other inspiring trademark, and how he dealt with his illness, was “Onward”.

He was fluent in Spanish and a fantastic Mexican chef, both of which he always attributed to his abuela. Those of us fortunate enough to enjoy his awesome culinary skills were grateful to both Davey and his abuela!

His love for TJ had no limits. She was his rock, but he was her bedrock foundation. Reconnecting at a high school reunion in their 50’s, after neither had married others, they packed so much love into every moment. You felt privileged to have a front-row seat to their ongoing love affair - which never eroded over time and, if possible, was heightened only by illness.

I’ll let my husband describe their skiing trips. But I always knew Harley was in for an adventure with Davey!

Davey, my dear, dear friend, we loved you mightily and we will miss you always and forever. Our world is truly diminished by your passing. Hasta la vista, mi amigo.

WES BAYLESS

March 27, 2021

I knew David, "Blackjack Davy" years ago when we shared a house in the South Valley of Albuquerque when I was a student at UNM, and occasionally we would run into each other around town later on. He had an infectious smile and seemed very upbeat all the time. I enjoyed his music and still listen to a tape he made for me. David will always remind me that there is joy in life and best expressed by happiness and the sharing of music, stories and laughter, and his philosophical view of living. My life was made better and bigger by knowing David Buckland. I am forever grateful for having my life bounce into his. He was a gift to me and so many others.

Darel Madrid

March 26, 2021

Wow, I am deeply saddened at the passing of BlackJack Davey. David was a multi-talented genius who played the blues guitar with passion. He was also the consummate educator and fun to be around co-worker. He inspired everyone he came in to contact with and was a stranger to no one. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Vaya con Dios amigo!

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