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Obituary of Philip Stephen Buckingham
December 26, 1934 - St. John's, Newfoundland
April 14, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta
Philip Stephen Buckingham, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 14, 2023 after a sudden illness. Born in St. John's, Newfoundland on December 26, 1934, Philip was the son of Edward and Anne Buckingham.
Growing up in Newfoundland with nine siblings, Philip's childhood was filled with love, laughter, and a large, tight-knit family. These roots were deep and defined his life and identity.
Philip is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Buckingham, and their children, Jeffrey Buckingham, Douglas Buckingham (Riin Rohumagi), Valerie Buckingham (Jim Stadelman), Stephen Buckingham (Erin), and Michael Buckingham (Heidi Koot). He was also the proud grandfather of Gibson Buckingham and Michael Wolk. Philip is survived by his siblings, Margaret Buckingham, Anne Crotty (Frank Crotty, deceased), and Joseph Buckingham (Helen). He was predeceased by his siblings Herbert, John, Edward, Agnes, Brendan, and Dermot.
Philip will also be fondly remembered by his many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces in whose successes he rejoiced, as well as countless loved friends in the maritime provinces.
Philip was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and active in the Calgary Catholic school community and was shaped by his involvement with the scouts throughout his young life.
Philip was an exceptional cook, known for his endless soup creations, and was an avid news and non-fiction reader who enjoyed reading aloud to others. He connected deeply with people and had a talent for forging meaningful relationships. His friends and family meant everything to him, and he was famous for his grand sense of humor, mischief, and incredible storytelling abilities.
Philip was an adventurer at heart, famously traveling with his wife, Carolyn, and their young children in a Volkswagen van throughout Europe and Morocco for two years in the early seventies. He also lived abroad in the UK, working for Pitney Bowes.
Professionally, Philip spent his career in sales, where he excelled at working with people, persuading, and uncovering a more ingenious approach. He was known for his spontaneity, always ready to drop in unannounced or go camping with the kids at the last minute.
In addition to his many talents and qualities, Philip was incredibly generous, always ready to lend a helping hand or share whatever he had with others. He was a deeply spiritual person, which guided him throughout his life and helped shape his character.
Canadian author Alistair MacLeod wrote, 'All of us are better when we’re loved,' and indeed Philip's abundant love, laughter, and generosity made us all better. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will endure through those whose lives he touched.
A Mass and Celebration of Life for Philip will be held on Thursday, April 27 at 10:00 am at St Michael’s Catholic Community (800 – 85th Street S.W., Calgary, AB), and will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/c/StMichaelCatholicCommunity Reception to follow. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.
In living memory of Philip Buckingham, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
