Paddy Buckler

Patrick (Paddy) Buckler, who passed away on 5 February 2016, aged 65, attended Connor House and Bangor Grammar School between 1957 and 1969, and was a well-known figure on the local golf scene.

A native of Helen’s Bay, he learned the game while still at BGS, featuring in the school team of 1968/69 alongside Kevin McGimpsey, Brian Stewart, Gordon Williamson, Dick Milliken, Richard Young and Billy Kirk. Those golfing skills were honed at his local club and later at Royal Belfast, where, in 1969, he was a member of the team that won the Belfast and District Cup.

At Helen’s Bay Paddy was a dominant f igure for many years, winning the Captain’s Prize in 1968, 1969 and 1983, several Tramore Cups, the Willie Pyper Scratch Cup and the Dufferin Cup. Predeceased by his wife Pamela, Paddy is survived by son Chris and daughter Caroline and grandson Blake. A memorial service was held at Helen’s Bay Presbyterian Church on 9 February.

Tim Buckler, also a former pupil of the School and now resident in Australia, paid a generous tribute to his brother, stating: “He was popular wherever he went, with a sharp wit, a great sense of humour, and an infectious laugh, and even more so when he found himself playing off a 3 handicap!”

The eulogy concluded by stating that Paddy would be fondly remembered by many people and would be greatly missed.