Alan Buckley

Alan Buckley, 59

He was an everyday guy. He didn't do anything heroic. He just loved his family and took care of everybody.
— Patricia Buckley, wife
Alan Buckley worked as an equipment mechanic for the city of Burbank for 32 years. He and his wife were childhood sweethearts and had been married for 38 years. He is survived by his wife, two children and six grandchildren.
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65 memories of Alan

Buck and I went to John Muir Jr. High School and Burbank High School together. Later in life, in our 30s/40s, we played on a Burbank co-ed softball team. He was always a kick. It was quite a shock to learn of his tragic death from the television news. I'll miss Buck and all the good times we had so many years ago. My heart goes out to Trish and his family.

— Ron Coen
September 13, 2008 at 7:12 p.m.

I saw Buck almost every day on the train. He was gruff on the outside and a marshmellow on the inside. He sure knew everything there was to know about trains. THe commute won't be the same without Buck.

— Robin
September 13, 2008 at 7:37 p.m.

Buck wasn't just a great friend of the family, he was more like family, he was Uncle Buck..........
WHITE EAGLES FOREVER!

— David Kaiser
September 14, 2008 at 12:37 a.m.

Buck will be greatly missed. He was a blast to hang out with! I will miss our trips to the train hobby store. And our camping trips we took in the past to the "LOOP"! Buck we will miss you!

— Steele Family
September 14, 2008 at 7:20 a.m.

Buck was like a father to me and will be greatly missed. I can't say enough about how much of a good man Buck was and how he took care of his family in such a way that still makes me smile everytime I think about it. I am honored to know him and be able to call him my father-in-law (father to me) and a great friend. We will all miss you dearly and love you so much.

P.S.
LA loves you poppa!

— Danny Adair
September 14, 2008 at 8:28 a.m.

The best dad a daughter could ask for and an amazing grandfather to his 5 grandkids. For many who did not know him personally, he was the most caring man ever. As my best friend would say, He was big teddy bear. He did anything and everything to make sure our family was happy and taken care of. I am going to miss my Dad more than words can say. Thank you to everyone for all the support and prayers. I love you dad.
Love your daughter, Diane ( baby doozers )

— Diane Adair
September 14, 2008 at 8:30 a.m.

At least he started and ended with something he loved. Best wishes to his family in this hard time.

— unknown
September 14, 2008 at 10:54 a.m.

I will never forget all of the train rides - all of the laughter - all the karaoke at PC's - all of the foaming :)
You will be missed <3

— D.G. Bartley
September 14, 2008 at 2:26 p.m.

Not much I can say that hasn't already been said. My father and I had our ups and downs, luckily we ended on an up. This was the man that coached my little league teams and supported me all through my high school basketball days. I don't think he ever missed a game. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. There was nothing he would not do for them. It so Ironic that he was killed doing the thing he loved most, riding trains. Dad, you know I loved you and you will be with be with me forever in my heart.
Rest in Peace, you don't have to worry about anything anymore.
Love,
Your son, Jeff

— Jeff Buckley
September 14, 2008 at 2:50 p.m.

I will miss Buck's smiling face as I get off the train at the Burbank Station where Buck got on the train. He was well-loved amongst his train buddies and he will be missed.

God bless.

— Matt
September 14, 2008 at 3:57 p.m.

Buck was my best friend and pal. He loved sports, trains, and most of all his family. I will miss sharing a beer and burger with him as we shared our stories. He will always be in our hearts. PALS FOREVER!

— Bob Kaiser
September 14, 2008 at 4:42 p.m.

I heard of Alan's death via a city bulletin (my husband is BPD) and though neither of us knew him, I still looked for his profile on here. I literally cried reading that he & his wife were childhood sweethearts. My husband is mine & so I can't even imagine the pain. Please know our thoughts & prayers are with your family... Alan sounds like such a wonderful man. God Bless & be with you in your time of grief.

— Lydia
September 14, 2008 at 5:08 p.m.

I worked at Burbank in the same department as Buck. Because of medical reasons, I had to "shift" my hours to allow me to work earlier. Buck gladly "shifted" with me because I could not work alone. I will always appreciate that. Hope they have crossword puzzles in Heaven.

— Glenn M.
September 14, 2008 at 6:49 p.m.

Buck always made you feel like you were part of the family. May you rest in peace BIG BUCK. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeff, Diane, Tish and the entire Buckley family.

— Mudgett Family
September 14, 2008 at 7:18 p.m.

I remember seeing Mr.Buckley at Burbank on Thursday waiting for Train #111 which I also took. I just remember his face with his cap and his name tag "BUCK" on his shirt. I was sitting next to the train conductor's work table just 24 hrs before the accident. Makes you want to think about why such things happend to good people like Alan Buckley.

— Jack Stophel
September 14, 2008 at 8:28 p.m.

To Jeff, Diane, Chris and the kids, God bless and stay strong~!

— R, Jackson
September 15, 2008 at 2:41 a.m.

To Tish, Jeff and Diane - My heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time! Although it has been years since I have seen you and circumstances have moved us apart, I have many fond memories from the days when Kenny and Jeff played basketball together!

— Barbara Hood
September 15, 2008 at 7:35 a.m.

We Knew Buck as a kind a giving man that loved his family, we love you all, One more angel watching over us. He will always be in our hearts forever. God Bless.

— The Germano Family
September 15, 2008 at 8:04 a.m.

Our Thoughts go out to the Buckley Family, we are so sorry for your loss, we are here for you.

— Jeff and Tamara Adair
September 15, 2008 at 8:10 a.m.

I know that Buck loved his family very much and took care of them. My heart goes out the Buckley family. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

— Tamara Adair
September 15, 2008 at 8:20 a.m.

I've known Buck for over 34 years. I had the pleasure to work with him and had the pleasure of being his supervisor. He was an up and up guy, a very dependable person who would just crank out the work and never complain. Back in the early 70's he sponsored the race car I used to work on when he owned "Bucks Mobil" service station in Burbank. We both loved trains and enjoyed "talking trains". My heart goes out to his family and his co-workers. He will certainly be missed.

— Bill Kaufmann
September 15, 2008 at 8:59 a.m.

Sincerest and most deeply heartfelt symphthy is extended to you and your family at this time of such overwhelming sorrow.

— Randi Nagy
September 15, 2008 at 9:04 a.m.

I DIDN'T KNOW HIM , BUT MY PRAYES GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MY GOD BLESS YOU ALL .

— ANA G
September 15, 2008 at 10:30 a.m.

God bless you Buck. I'll miss seeing you every day at work. You are one of a kind. God bless your family.YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!

— Tim R. Smith, City of Burbank
September 15, 2008 at 10:52 a.m.

I had the honor to work with Buck for the last three years. He never hesitated to stop what he was doing and help me out in fixing whatever was wrong with my truck. Even if it was just a broken light bulb Buck would be on top of it. Buck i will miss seeing you every morning as i walk into work. My love and prayers go out to Bucks family. He will be deeply miss.

— Daniel Zacariaz (Street Dept.)
September 15, 2008 at 11:20 a.m.

I didnt know alan very well only met him a couple of times, but The way my brother spoke so highly of him and told me how much he cared for his family. How my brother loved him like his own father. He was a great person. A Great Father. My Love and thoughts go out to the buckily family. XoXoXoXo to the buck family. rest in peace alan.

— Christy Adair
September 15, 2008 at 1:48 p.m.

My thoughts and prayers are with Buck's family and friends.

— Justine
September 15, 2008 at 1:53 p.m.

It's been many years since I rode the train with Buck, but, luckily, my days riding the train with him outnumber the days without. He brought many smiles with the stories and jokes he would share each evening. I'll always have fond memories of the time we spent commuting on Metrolink together. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

— Denise Horton
September 15, 2008 at 2:03 p.m.

Diane/Danny - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this diffcult time.

— HaLe and Stuart MacLean
September 15, 2008 at 3:37 p.m.

OUR FAMILY WANTS TO GIVE YOU OUR CONDOLENCE. GOD BLESS YOU

— CONNIE FIELDS
September 15, 2008 at 5:07 p.m.

A friend of mine worked with this good man and shared with me that everyone in their department mourns his loss. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who knew and treasured him.

— J.B.
September 15, 2008 at 6:51 p.m.

Buck was my next-door neighbor for some 15 years. So many things come to mind about Buck. Although he was a character, he did so many things for me. He built a bird feeder out by my kitchen window. We shared meals almost weekly (over the fence); whenever he ordered pizza, he'd order one for me as well. He fixed my car whenever there was a mechanical problem. He painted my bedroom. He gave me a cordless mouse for my computer. He remembered my birthdays with presents, as well as at Christmas, just to name a few things he did for me out of his goodness of his heart. I watched him rebuild a clasic Ford Mustang for his son, Jeff, who he loved so very much. He was so excited when his grandchildren were born, or when his daughter would stop by to visit him, a happiness I never saw before in Buck. I heard from him almost daily via email after I moved been back to Virginia 2-1/2 years ago. He was a kind soul, and a dear friend I will never forget. May God be with his wife and family and console them during this sad time.

— Shirley Gayle
September 16, 2008 at 5:50 a.m.

Alan and I met everyday at 4:30 a.m. on the platform in Moorpark for two years. He was a very worderful person. I will miss him greatly. My prayers to the family.

— John Eichwald
September 16, 2008 at 5:59 a.m.

Buck lived in one of my rentals for some time. He never asked for anything and was helpful to my mom and the neighbors. May God bless and be with his wife and family at this tragic time.

— Pam Corradi
September 16, 2008 at 9:01 a.m.

I will remember family gatherings, births, celebrations and joyful Christmas celebrations at Jeff and Angela's house. Last night, I found two very special photos that I took at Christmas last year. One of you, Diane, Danny and Landen Lee sitting on the stairs. You were watching everyone open their presents, looking at your family with the glow, love and contentment that only a parent and grandparent can understand. The other, a picture of you side by side with Jeff in the kitchen at yet another happy family celebration. I will make sure that Diane and Jeff get copies. I remember like yesterday, our last conversation. You declared how much you loved your family and your dog. I will miss you and I am so heartbroken that the next family gathering will be to honor your memory. Peace be with you Buck.

— G'ma/France
September 16, 2008 at 10:43 a.m.

Although I have not seen Buck in many years. I did have the priveledge of spending the majority of my childhood with the Buckley family. Diane and I were Best Friends growing up and Tish and Buck always treated me like family. Buck was a wonderful and caring man, I will never forget him. My heart goes out to all of the family. My thoughts and Love are with all of you at this difficult time.

— Lisa DeStefano-Fox
September 16, 2008 at 11:45 a.m.

Buck was one of a kind. Tough on the outside but soft on the inside. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it more than him. I remember spending many days at the Buckley's and Buck always made us laugh. He helped me work on my car and always gave me a hard time for the music I listened to. He never missed our basketball games, and he always wanted us to hang out at the house before games. He was a great man and will be deeply missed. I am so sorry for Tish, Jeff, Diane, and the rest of the family.

Please let me know if there is anything you guys need.

— Geoff Bunch
September 16, 2008 at 12:21 p.m.

I did not know Buck at all before I started to read these posts, it is very clear he left a mark on everyone's life that he met, and a person to be admired.

The Dickinson family

— Wayne Dickinson
September 16, 2008 at 1:34 p.m.

My condolences to the buckley Family. I didn't know alan but i knew his son Jeff buckley. My prayers for the family.

— Hilda Vilches
September 16, 2008 at 1:36 p.m.

I did not know Buck very well, but my husband did. Buck coached his T-ball team when him and Diane were young. Diane would always speak of how giving and generous her father was. He took wonderfull care of his family. He will be missed. To the family, We love you all and are here for you. With much love, The Henley Family

— Lindsay Henley
September 16, 2008 at 3:50 p.m.

God Bless you Buck

— Dana
September 16, 2008 at 5:27 p.m.

To Tish,Jeff,and Diane our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to your family on the loss of Buck. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Were here if you need anything at all, please dont hesitate to ask us.

— Paul & Mary Adair
September 16, 2008 at 7:35 p.m.

This is what heroes do, love their families and take care of every one around them. Mr. Buckley, it sounds to me that you were a hero! God bless your family with much love and peace. My prayers are with you.

— Claudia
September 17, 2008 at 10:26 a.m.

"The Buckster" and I ran together @ Burbank High-school, Drag racing , hanging out @ BOB's , and cutting school together. I went to Prom with him and Tish. He was the only one to have a real "steady girl" and that relationship lasted him all his life. A outstanding friend. We got hooked up again via the internet a few years ago and sent a fair amount of time cutting and joking about politics from the left and right . Very funny guy. I really regret not getting out to reconnect in person.
Rest in Peace , my brother .

— Ed Haywood
September 18, 2008 at 6:24 a.m.

If Alan Buckley was half as nice a guy at 59 that he was at 19 he was he truely was a good man. When my sister called to say she heard he had been killed in the crash I went out to the garage and opend my old Lufkin tool box, took out Buck's old Army hat that he gave me when he got out of the National Guard; and remembered what a kind and gentle guy he was. I also remembered all the the times he helped me fix my car - and what a great train set they had in their garage, along with an old V8 Ford. Truely a generous and kind man. God bless his family.

— Anthony Amarante
September 18, 2008 at 9:53 a.m.

WHITE EAGLES FOREVER God Bless the Buckley family.

— Harvey and Ethan Allen
September 18, 2008 at 5:04 p.m.

i know exactly how you feel, my father had passed in that accident, i will pray for him and the whole family. HUGS

— Mey Chao
September 19, 2008 at 9:27 a.m.

Did not really know Buck, but our thoughts and prayers go out to the Buckley Family during this difficult time.

— Mike & Jamie Brown
September 19, 2008 at 6:18 p.m.

Our son grew up knowing the Buckley family through T-ball and their daughter Diane. We did not know Buck all that well but see that his kind, generous and caring spirit lives on through his loved ones. We are so saddened at your loss of this wonderful husband, father, grandfather, relative and friend. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. It is a blessing to read how many lives Buck touched with his.

— Dan and Lorna Henley
September 19, 2008 at 8:13 p.m.

And in the end, the love you take
is equal to the love
you make.

— anonymous
September 19, 2008 at 10:51 p.m.

I am so very sorry to learn of Buck's passing and your huge loss, Tish...I have many fond memories of him and you at BHS. Please know that my prayers are with you and Buck and your family.

— Mary Black
September 20, 2008 at 12:23 p.m.

So very sorry for your loss . My thoughts and prayers are
with you and your family. Can't stop thinking of you. I know your husband will be a great friend during this time because he knows what you are going through! Love you guys

— Tracy Singer/ Ordas
September 20, 2008 at 10:33 p.m.

I love you Dad!

— Jeff Buckley
September 21, 2008 at 10:15 a.m.

I too have very fond memories of riding the Metrolink with Buck from 1992 until I moved away in 1995. I recall that we usually made a bigger deal when Buck joined us than we did with most others, and we'd all gather at the window and wave and yell to him when he got off in Simi Valley!He was a lot of fun and will be missed. I am so sorry.

— Jeri Cunningham
September 21, 2008 at 4:02 p.m.

Happy 60th Birthday Dad! We miss you so much!
Love, Doozers, Danny and Landen ( LA )

— Diane Adair
September 22, 2008 at 5:54 p.m.

Happy 60th Birthday Dad. I know it would have been the best. May you finally get the rest you need!-Jeff, Angela, Chris, Marcus, Ryan and your little princess Sam! We all love you!

— Jeff Buckley
September 22, 2008 at 9:27 p.m.

To my dearest brother Al, my Lil' Bro:
This has been the second of two distressing weeks since your tragic passing. With your Birthday on the 22nd and our dear Mom's Birthday on the 24th, it was a difficult time, missing you both. Our wonderful brother, Warren, has been having a difficult time with your loss, as well. My children, Robin and Scott, and Warren's kids, Kathy, Mike and Kelly were your nieces and nephews and you were their uncle, their Uncle Buck. You will be deeply missed by all.
From the Brooks and Dunn song "That ain't no way to go"...
"Train whistle blowin' down the track..lonesome sound..says your not comin' back." Peace be with you as you rest in the arms of our Lord. I miss you, I'll love you forever and you'll always be in my heart. Until we meet again...
Your loving sister, Pat

— Pat Falconer
September 25, 2008 at 9:53 a.m.

Though we all may have lost someone who is a big part of our lives and our hearts and we are not able to replace or fill that emptyness that our love ones have taken with them when they left this world. but i hope that maybe we all can come together and allow each other to come into each others lives since i know that we all share the same pain. when my father passed in that metrolink 2008 crash my life has not been the same and its been very difficult, my father left behind his wife and 5 children and so many grand children, and we all miss and love him so much but talkin about him with my family and remembering all the good times we had with him helps us with our pain of losing him. so i just would like to let you all know i am here if you need to talk or just someone to listen to you. my email is

chaomey82@gmail.com

my hearts and prayers go out to you.

— mey chao
October 1, 2008 at 9:40 a.m.

I worked with Buck for 23 years in the Public Works Equipment Division at the City of Burbank. He is one of the good guys. We all miss him very much. Things just aren't the same without him. I know he's riding the train and doing his crossword puzzles up in heaven.

See ya Buddy.

— Scott Beck
October 2, 2008 at 2:42 p.m.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as you mourn the loss of Alan. We also lost our son Christopher in the train crash and know how you are feeling. May your wonderful memories of him sustain you through this most difficult time. Donna and Roy Aiken donnaaiken@rochester.rr.com

— Donna & Roy Aiken
October 4, 2008 at 1:33 p.m.

Missing you Dad!

— Diane
October 27, 2008 at 3:43 p.m.

to the buckley family (for you diane). i haven't posted yet. sorry. but here i go. as i am just another family/friends name on this post, for reasons known or unknown, i do know the sudden loss of such a great male figure in your life. what he was/is, what he stood for in terms of your existence today, somehow has quickly vanished. it is truly unfair in regards for the goodbyes unspoken. there is a piece of us remaining that has also vanished. i cannot explain it fully. you know of it now as i do. a piece of us has vanished whether it is a piece of our mind, soul, physical health, or even all three combined. if i can bring any kind of peace to your lives (life), let it be through this simple posting of my true feelings towards your loss. alan was a buddy for those who knew him and most of all a father to those who truly loved him. take that into your heart(s). today, we are here now on this planet to live on. that is what he (they) would want, right? i do not know what to say from here on out. know that the spacey family will successfully continue in this world along with the buckley family. we, the spacey family, are deeply saddened by your loss. we are truly sorry. we love you buckley family. be strong,be safe, and take care.

chris...xo

— chris spacey
October 30, 2008 at 12:26 a.m.

I worked with Buck over at the City of Burbank Equipment division as first a helper and then a mechanic from 1982 thru 1988. The news of his passing in this horrific wreck slapped me hard when I got an email telling me what happened......it has taken me awhile to respond to this but he needed the recognition as a good man more than anything else, so here goes.
He was kinda quiet and a bit gruff on the exterior but a great guy all the way once you got to know him. He also probably knew every truck, car and piece of equipment at the city yard better than the drivers & operators themselves, and had a good sense of humor besides. It was a pleasure to have been able to work with & know this man.
It has been some time since he left us all and I sincerely hope his family and all others involved in this are getting by OK. God bless you, Buck, and I'll see you on the other side!
-----Mark Miller
Heavy duty equipment mechanic
L.A. Dept. of Water & Power

— Mark Miller
April 15, 2009 at 5:18 a.m.

Diane,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to you and your entire family. I did not know your father, but having read about him and his many contributions I felt very compelled to write this message, about a true hero.

— John Miser
April 27, 2009 at 8:50 p.m.

Even though it has been 9 months since you left I haven"t missed a day without loving you and missing you so dearly. I am so lost without you and I don't seem to be able to get very far in my life with out you there to make everything better. I have always loved you and will never stop. You are always in my heart. Your loving wife forever
Tish
June 7, 2009

— Tish Buckley
June 7, 2009 at 1:06 p.m.

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Keep in mind
  • The Times initially mispelled the name of Michael Hammersley and Beverly Mosley.
  • The coroner's office reported a 26th victim the afternoon of Sept. 15, but a few hours later said the tally was 25.

Chatsworth Metrolink Crash is the Los Angeles Times' database of fatalities from the Sept. 12, 2008, train collision.
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Latest Numbers

25 dead

135 injured

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