In Loving Memory Of
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, gphospice.ca ).
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Reg# 31903 Rtd SSgt Douglas Buchta January 15 1950 July 24 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta