Brock Dwane Bucklin

Brock Dwane Bucklin, 62, from Minneapolis, MN and Orlando, FL, passed away unexpectedly from a brief illness on Monday, January 13th while vacationing with friends in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Brock had a personality that many described as "larger than life." He was a unifier, and spent his life connecting with so many people throughout the world. He spread joy and happiness wherever he went. If you knew Brock, you had a friend for life. Brock placed family above all else. He was a devoted son to his parents, whom he loved dearly. He was a great brother to Chanda and Brett. He was a loving, fun and proud uncle to Jadyn and Chase. Brock was intentional in keeping in touch with his large extended family, as well as his many friends.
Brock was born to Marjorie and Dwane Bucklin on September 25th, 1962, at Renville County hospital in Olivia, MN. He grew up in Buffalo Lake, MN, where he attended Buffalo Lake High School and graduated in 1981. Brock was involved in many activities throughout high school. He played the drums in the band, played basketball, ran track, and was a statistician for the girl's basketball and volleyball teams. He was a huge champion of all Laker activities and was well-known throughout the community. He worked at the Buffalo Lake Nursing Home where he enjoyed engaging with the elderly. Brock could talk to anyone and make them feel at ease.
After graduation, Brock attended Mankato State University. He lived in Mankato for several years while working in the retail business. He worked at Lancers, a MN based clothing store, and he also opened a variety of Benetton Stores. He met his lifelong friend Carol Hayes, while in Mankato.
Brock moved to Bloomington, MN, and he worked as an EMT and dispatcher in Bloomington, and he also worked part time at Daytons in Rosedale for years.
Brock joined Northwest Airlines, which later merged with Delta Airlines in 1989. He was a beloved Delta Employee and had a long list of accomplishments during his tenure. He would accept special assignments in addition to flying, such as interviewing and hiring new flight attendants. In 1997, Brock joined the Charter Team at Northwest and continued flying charters with Delta for various professional sports teams including the Wild, Lynx, and Timberwolves. Brock was a member of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet that helped to fly military troops in and out of hot spots during the Desert Storm and Iraq Conflicts. Brock became a Purser (leading international crews) in 2001 and continued to enjoy flying international routes. Brock loved his job and his fellow co-workers and spread joy and laughter wherever he went.
Later, Brock bought a place in Orlando, Florida, where his sister lived. He and his parents would spend the months of November through early May. While in Orlando, Brock worked seasonally at Walt Disney World, from 1998-2020, where he would do various jobs including being some of Disney's favorite characters, Goofy and The Beast. He also would help his good friend, John and his team, with his events such as the Miss America Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando and the Daytona 500 pre-show. Brock had a special group of friends in Orlando, who were like a second family to him.
Brock loved to travel in his free time and traveled with his family around the globe. He enjoyed his annual trips to Hawaii and New York City. He also enjoyed cruising and set sail for many ports of call with his parents and friends. Brock also enjoyed a good restaurant and attending concerts and plays with friends. He loved the MN State Fair, as well as all the Disney theme parks, Universal Studio parks, and SeaWorld in Orlando. He loved spending time with his family and friends.
Brock is survived by his father, Dwane Bucklin, his sister, Chanda Williams, brother-in-law, Brett, niece, Jadyn, and nephew, Chase and many special friends including Gail Diercks along with lifelong friends Kim Schwarze Bergman, Tamie Meehan Morken, Dawn Waller Lueck, Brad Mueller, and Dale Walter. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his Delta family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, mother (Marjorie), a special cousin (Josh Abbell), and numerous other relatives.
The family would like to thank all of the wonderful people at Delta Airlines, who were so helpful in assisting with bringing Brock back to the United States. They are forever grateful for the immense support and care during this difficult time.
People can honor Brock by spreading joy and laughter, being kind, talking to a stranger, traveling and seeking adventure, but most of all staying in touch with family and friends by making time for one another and staying connected. These were Brock's gifts and his legacy. Live your life to the fullest, and you will truly honor him.
Memorials can be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or other organizations of your choice that help others and would honor Brock and support his legacy.
A Celebration of Brock's life will be held on Friday, March 7th at the Intercontinental Hotel in Bloomington. MN overlooking the Delta Runway. More details to follow. There will also be a Celebration of Life for Brock in Orlando, FL and the details will be shared once they are available.
Fly High, Brock. You will be greatly missed, but your spirit will live on forever in all those you touched.