Michael J. "Mike" BUCKMASTER

BUCKMASTER, Michael J. "Mike" Quietly passed away last week in his home in Southern California. Born in Spokane, WA on June 30, 1954, he was the second of five children of Patricia and Eugene Buckmaster. The Buckmasters were an Air Force family who lived in Japan, Georgia, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin. The family returned to Spokane in 1967 where Mike attended St. Patrick's Catholic School and then Gonzaga Prep and Rogers High School, graduating in 1972. Mike attended Spokane Falls Community College, majoring in commercial art. He enjoyed creating art in several mediums, but particularly loved painting and photography. In 1980, Mike moved to California to pursue a career in the petroleum equipment industry, working for 38 years with several companies up until the time of his death. Most recently he was employed by Shields, Harper, and Company as a District Sales Manager. It was there in southern California that Mike further developed his musical talents, honing his guitar skills, collecting many fine instruments, and even jamming with B.B. King. Mike enjoyed biking and spending time with his friends, sharing his guitar talents and a really good cigar now and then. He is survived by his mother Patricia Buckmaster of Spokane, brother Richard and his wife Debbie Buckmaster of Littleton, Colorado, brothers John Buckmaster, and David and his wife Emily Buckmaster, both of Spokane and a sister Margaret Smith and her husband Roger Trainor of Veradale. He also leaves behind three nieces and four nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Eugene in 1989. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Spokane, on Monday, September 15th at 1:00 pm. The family suggests any gifts or memorials be given to Hospice of Spokane or the Spokane Food Bank.