Robert "Bob" Charles Buckley, a devoted son, father, grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family and friends on September 4th, 2023. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and community spirit that will forever be remembered.

Bob was born and raised in Bad Axe, MI, to his parents Spencer Lewis and Cleopha Marie Buckley, where he attended Catholic school as a child and continued to embrace his faith throughout his life. He pursued higher education at Hillsdale College, where he graduated and returned home to Bad Axe in 1970, to join the family-owned business, Buckley's Shoes, which his great grandfather Spencer Blakely had started in 1894. From 1975 Bob expanded Buckley's Shoes to a Caro location, and managed that until 2009.

Bob was a passionate philanthropist, supporting organizations such as the Golf Association of Michigan, Youth on Course, the Hive short course, Lions Club, and Huron Community Foundation. Bob's impact also resonated in the community development of Port Austin.  Bob worked from concept to design on the Village Green, where he started a retail shop called Perch, which he ran with his daughter for three years. He sat on the Downtown Development Authority and helped with the vision and creation of Porchfest. Bob also was a part of the Port Austin Artist in Residence group bringing artists to the Bee Barn. His tireless efforts enriched the lives of many in the community, leaving a lasting legacy of togetherness and culture.

Bob was inducted to the Board of Governors for the Golf Association of Michigan in 2006. He had been active as a tournament volunteer, especially at junior championships, and was a strong supporter of the GAM Foundation since its formation in 2016. Through charitable giving, the GAM Foundation sponsors Youth on Course Michigan which provides affordable access to public golf for juniors – only $5 or less per round. The program has grown tremendously with Bob's help and now supports 9,000 youth golfers in the state who play over 20,000 rounds.

Bob spent much of his life at Verona Hills.  He was one of the longest living members of the club.  Bob served multiple terms on the Verona Hills Board of Directors, and he served as club president in 1990 and 1991.  He was also instrumental in the creation, design and construction of Verona's newest addition, a 5-hole short course called The Hive.

One of Bob's most enduring contributions was the inception and management of the Buckley Open, a youth golf tournament that he lovingly organized for 37 years. His commitment to fostering young talent and nurturing a love for golf was truly exceptional.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Father TJ Fleming and the St. Hubert Parish for their compassionate support in arranging Bob's memorial mass.

Robert "Bob" Charles Buckley's life was a testament to the values of faith, family, community, and the unwavering pursuit of one's passions. He will be deeply missed by his two sisters, Sue Smith and Kathy Christ, along with his brothers-in-law Mike Smith, David Christ, and Eric Messerly. Bob is also survived by his daughter Brooke and her husband Brennon Smith, his two cherished grandsons, Lachlan and Rowan Smith, his son Christopher "Bo" Buckley, and his wife Rina Matsumoto.  He is also survived by his children's loving mother Barbara Buckley, his niece Sarah Christ, nephews Jon Christ, Andrew Christ, and Patrick Smith along with his very dear friend Trudy Gage. Bob was preceded in death by his sister Mary Messerly, his father and mother Spencer and Cleopha Buckley.

Join us in remembering Bob's legacy and the profound impact he made on the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him on Friday September 8th from 9:00AM-11:00AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church for a gathering with family and friends, followed by a memorial mass starting from 11:00AM. The date and details regarding the planned celebration of life at Verona Hills golf course will be announced at a later time.

En lieu of flowers please donate to the Buckley Open Youth Golf Tournaments at PO Box 757 Port Austin, MI 48467 or The Golf Association of Michigan Foundation to support Youth on Course at: https://gam.org/gam-foundation-donation/