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Cook-Walden Funeral Home

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Austin, Texas

Bruce Buckman Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 15, 2017.

A. Bruce Buckman, husband, father, grandfather, scientist, professor, expert witness, UT football and basketball fan, friend, neighbor, Kappa Sig, swimmer, golfer, margarita maker, voracious reader, world traveler, and handy man was born in Omaha, Nebraska as the Pearl Harbor bombs fell on December 7, 1941. Adopted by Al and Clara Buckman, his beloved parents, he grew up in Carter Lake, Iowa, a quiet Omaha suburb where he roamed free and fished with his little boat on the lake a block from his house. He graduated from Omaha Central High School, received a bachelor's degree from MIT, and completed his Master's and Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska. While at NU he met and married Carole Duncan, a marriage that lasted 50 years and 11 months.

Nick Bashara, his revered Ph.D. advisor, convinced him to begin his career as a professor at the University of Nebraska. Daughters Jackie and Jill were born during the 5 years he taught at NU. In 1974 Bruce was offered a tenured position at the University of Texas. For 35 years he enjoyed teaching and research at UT. He began a second career as an expert witness in patent lawsuits that he found fascinating and fun. He worked at it until his lung disease flared a year ago. For the last year he struggled to breathe and fight his disease.

Bruce was active in St. Austin Catholic Church, for many years coordinating, with Carole, the Sponsor Couple marriage preparation program. He also participated in a centering group that met weekly. His faith was strong.

Predeceasing him were his parents, Clara and Al, Carole's parents, Charles and Florence Duncan. Surviving him are his wife, Carole, daughters Jackie and husband Van Hutto, and Jill and husband Jeff Collins, and grandchildren Blakely Hutto Calvert and husband Blake, Forrest Hutto, and Kelly, Thomas, and Charlotte Collins.

We would like to thank Dr. Paul Harford and his partners and the staff of Seton Hospital for their compassionate care of Bruce. And we thank our many friends and neighbors who stepped in to help us.

Visitation will begin at 7pm on Tuesday, May 23rd with Rosary at 8pm at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas. Funeral services will be 11:00am with following reception at St. Austin Catholic Church, 2026 Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas.

To honor Bruce, his family is making a gift in his name to the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The University of Texas at Austin, Attn: Rachel Tedesco, 301 E. Dean Keaton St., Stop C2104 (ECJ 10.316), Austin, TX 78712. Contributions can also be made online at http://www.engr.utexas.edu/giving. Please include "In memory of Dr. Buckman" on the comments.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

June 10, 2017

Debby Hodges

I will miss him so much Carol! You and your family are in my daily prayers. Love you. Debby

May 25, 2017

Friend

Barbara Kennedy

Carole,
I am so sorry about Bruce. I was at the funeral yesterday but couldn't stay long since my 4th grade class was waiting for me back at the school. In fact, I was sitting with Greg W from our SCC. All during the service I was remembering our wonderful Small Christian Community and how you and Bruce invited us into your home often for our meetings. Good times and good conversations for sure! My thoughts are with you and your family. Hugs!

May 25, 2017

Dear Carole, I remember Bruce fondly from High School, and I was so delighted to have the opportunity to visit with him again and to meet you at the CHS reunion. Bruce was a good man, and it was nice to learn a bit about the wonderful Life you had created and enjoyed together. I send deepest sympathy to you and all of your family.
Bette Jafek Rosse, [email protected]

May 23, 2017

Mike Armstrong

Although I saw Bruce at extended intervals over more than 50 years, I knew him first and best as an undergraduate and fraternity brother at MIT. At one point, Bruce's ancient VW bug was the only car in the fraternity house. He generously responded to requests involving the VW, but the demand was overwhelming. He finally posted a notice on his study room door: The House Committee on Transportation has already considered your impending request. The answer is NO.

While I was with Bruce both at his wedding and his 50th anniversary party, my lasting memory of him will be the undergraduate Bruce dressed in a tuxedo, pipe in hand, holding forth in a manner which I am sure served him well in his professorial years.

Condolences from myself and Patricia to Carole, the Buckman family and Bruce's many friends.

May 18, 2017

Jim Breedlove

I was saddened to hear that an old friend had passed far too soon.

When I pledged Kappa Sigma in 1961, Bruce was my "big brother". We were, indeed, brothers for 3 years. Unfortunately, our paths diverged and I only saw him once in the 53 years since then.

I remember that Bruce encouraged me to join the MIT Glee Club. This single act did much to shape the rest of my life. I fondly remember a great man.

May 18, 2017

Dina Deaton

Carole, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. With deepest sympathy.
Dina & David

May 17, 2017

Lisa Weinheimer Roebuck

Carole, I am so very sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. I think of the wonderful times at your house with our small Christian community often. He was a wonderful man. I am praying for you.

May 15, 2017

David Dahlquist

Our memories, prayers, and feelings are with Carole and your family in this week which so many people will distinguish the full life of Bruce: a wonderful student, husband, father, grandfather, professor and teacher, world traveler, friend and dear family member.

Our prayers and condolences are with you.

David and Mary Dahlquist

May 15, 2017

Our memories, prayers, and feelings are with Carole and your family in this week which so many people will distinguish the full life of Bruce: a wonderful student, husband, father, grandfather, professor and teacher, world traveler, friend and dear family member.

Our prayers and condolences are with you.

David and Mary Dahlquist

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