Reg# 31903 Rtd S/Sgt. Douglas Buchta Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Reg# 31903 Rtd S/Sgt. Douglas Buchta

January 15, 1950 - July 24, 2018

Obituary For Reg# 31903 Rtd S/Sgt. Douglas Buchta

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Douglas Buchta on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at the age of 68 years.

Doug passed away after a lengthy struggle with a rare blood cancer, including having endured a challenging stem cell/bone marrow transplant procedure.

He is survived by his dear wife and love of his life, Joan Buchta (nee: Barker). The High School sweethearts were together for over 50 years and raised two loving children: Angela English (nee: Buchta) and Matt Buchta. Together with their respective spouses, Shawn English and Melanie Buchta (nee: Duke), their children raised four wonderful grandchildren: Markus and Abby English, Alex and Seth Buchta, two magically loving and caring families which Doug cherished above all else. He loved nurturing his children and in later years his four grandchildren, always placing their needs ahead of his own.

Throughout his life time, Doug was a committed and accomplished athlete who enjoyed every aspect of the rigors of athleticism, playing hockey, baseball, snowboarding, golfing, kayaking and mountain trekking right into his mid 60’s. He held various track & field, swimming, and ice hockey records throughout his youth, some of which still stand today.

He was a graduate from NAIT, Edmonton, AB, acquiring an Honors Diploma in Architectural Technology. After working in the construction industry a few years, he joined the RCMP on October 2, 1974. Doug spoke fondly of his part in a bit of Force history, having trained as one of the few first married recruits, Troop 19/74, training which included working alongside the very first troop of female members. He served faithfully and honorably for 30 complete years, retiring on October 3, 2004. During his career, he embraced the challenges of a variety of disciplines including duties as a General Duty Member, Hwy Patrolman, Motorcycle Patrolman, Crime Prevention Practitioner, Media Liaison Officer and, in his last 18 years, a Forensic Identification Specialist. He left us a young man in both heart and soul and will be truly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 3, 2018, at 1:00pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie, AB (10005 107 Ave.).

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in memory of Douglas be forwarded to Grande Prairie Hospice Palliative Care Society (Box 21215, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 6W7, https://gphospice.ca ).

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June 24, 2021

HOBBS RON

I was sadden to hear the sad news of Doug's passing. I enjoyed working and playing hockey with him. He always had that little laugh and enjoyed being one of the last ones to finish a beer in the hockey dressing room. Two weeks ago I was looking at an old team photo of the Surrey Sidewinders Old Timers hockey team with Doug in it at a tournament in Victoria. I know he was very proud of his career with the Force, and always spoke so fondly of his family. Brenda and I send our condolences to your family. Take care Ron Hobbs
June 24, 2021

Lawrence Richard

R.I.P Doug. I was posted in Langley with Doug and I enjoyed him both on the job and on the ice. He was such a physically active man and the news of his passing not only saddens me but shocks me also. Condolences to his wife and family. This is a huge loss. Rick and Patti Lawrence.
June 24, 2021

Chabot Sylvia

Hello Alex, Seth and Family. I just read on Facebook about the loss of your grandfather. Please accept my most sincere condolences; may God grant you peace and comfort. You are in my prayers. Sylvia
June 24, 2021

Watson Dalton

It was upsetting to hear of Doug's recent passing. I attended high school in High Prairie, Alberta with both Doug and Joan. I will always remember Doug and Joan on 'date nights' attending a movie at my family's theater in High Prairie. Doug was an excellent sportsman, confident and friendly. At different times, we both joined the RCMP and co-incidentally served in the Vancouver Lower Mainland, occasionally crossing paths. Everyone will miss his wide smile. Joan and Family, kindly accept our most sincere condolences at this time. Dalton and Marnee Watson, Langley, B.C.
June 24, 2021

Vanderaegen Bill

It's with sadden hearts that Cheryl and I heard Doug had passed away. He was a real fighter and tried ever so hard not to leave Joan and family. With all the pain and suffering he had to endure, he never complained once and never showed that he was suffering. He even kept his sense of humour., right to the end. As those of you who knew Doug, he was a real family man and his grand children were his life. I would receive messages and photos of the events with his family. He was so proud of all of them. I think he actually believed that he taught Matt everything he knew, right Matt? Joan you were always by his side and the reason Doug remained with us as long as he did. Thank you ever so much. Doug you will always be missed and will always be in our hearts. You've have suffered so much pain and now it's your time to Rest In Peace. Sincerely Bill and Cheryl Vanderaegen
June 24, 2021

Blanchette Rollie & Yvonne

Joan and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. We will always remember him.......Rollie, Yvonne, Chantal & Serge
June 24, 2021

Vanderaegen Robert

Our families have grown up together in the hometown of High Prairie, Alberta. Doug, Joan and I have crossed paths numerous times since then even after Doug and I joined the RCMP. When I married Joanne, we moved to Kamloops, BC and became neighbours with the Buchtas. Our children grew up together as transfers took both families from Kamloops, throughout the province, and eventually to the lower mainland, where we were once again neighbours in Langley, BC. We remained very close, socializing, shared Christmases, and enjoying stories of our adolescence and those wierd and wonderful events that occurred within the police force. Doug will be deeply missed, not just by his loving family, but by anyone who has grown to know such a genuine, thoughtful, and kind persons he is. Sleep well my friend, you have earned a place of eternal peace and rest. We will certainly meet again. Joan, Angela, Matt and their families, Doug's siblings and his parents (Charles and Mary Buchta), please accept our deepest condolences.on your loss. Love, Bob, Joanne, Tracey, Troy Vanderaegen and families
June 24, 2021

Davidson Wayne & Karen

So sorry to hear of Doug's passing. We have such fond memories of our visits in Hemet. We will miss Doug's postings on Facebook, Politics will never be the same. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Loves leaves a memory no one can steal. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hugs, Wayne & Karen Davidson.
June 24, 2021

Morris Peter

Doug was my boss at Langley Ident and a great one. Learned a lot from him and we had a ton of great laughs. He was dedicated to the force but his family was #1. So sorry of the loss this special man Joan and condolences to you and your family. Peter and Rani Morris

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