Mike was born, April 20, 1947, in Tiffin, to Joe and Joanna (Culichia) Buckley, who survive in Tiffin. His mother fondly recalls he was the cutest, orneriest, stubbornest, little dickens when he was little. He remained ornery and stubborn the rest of his life!
He met his future wife, Vicki L. Valentine, in 1971, and they married in St. Mary Catholic Church, Tiffin December 15, 1973. They went on to share their lives together and raised two sons, Layne and Devon.
Mike is survived by his wife, Vicki, of 40 years, and his two sons Layne (Caitlin) Buckley, of Del Rey Oaks, Calif. and Devon (Angie) Buckley of Melmore. Also, his wonderful grandsons, Kailub, Devon, Layton and Arlo; step-grandsons, Adrian and Alex Nedolast. Also surviving are his favorite little sister, Andrea (Jim) Bernard of Hinckley, and three brothers, Joe (Deb) Buckley of Republic, Andy (Oksana) Buckley of Yorkville, Ill. and Tony (Bev) Buckley of rural Green Springs; a sister-in-law, Tricia (Toot) Valentine of Columbus, and a brother-in-law, Brad Valentine, of rural Sycamore. Many nieces and nephews are spread out all over the country.
Mike's greatest love in his life was his grandsons. When his first, Kailub was born Devon was a truck driver with impossible hours. Mike was so proud to be Kailub's nanny and care for him. Kailub is the reason for Mike's nickname, "Bak". It possibly came from Mike saying to him, "I'll be back soon!" or, "I'll be right back!" He is called "Bak" by many now! Every time a baby was due, we were sure it would be a boy, because the Buckley Boys were best at producing boys. Layne and Devon gave him many- Kailub, Devon, Layton and Arlo. His two step-grandsons, Adrian and Alex, were also special to him.
One of his other enjoyments in life was auto racing-he never missed an Indianapolis 500 Race since 1968 until the last two years of his illness. Mike and Vicki also spent many of their early years together on top of an old GMC van they made into a camper, on the infield of the Michigan International Speedway. A favorite memory of Mike's was when he recognized Roger Penske taking tickets at the gate, and Roger let us take a picture with him and our oldest son, Layne, when he was just a toddler. Mike being Mike, was unable to part with the van these many years. His other interests included riding motorcycles, attending gun shows, the Kenton Coon Dog Trials, the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio and reading surfing magazines.
Mike graduated from Calvert High School in 1965 and Tiffin University in 1970. His career was varied. He worked at Frisch's in High School when his parents opened it. He drove truck for Tiffin Microfilm during his college years, started Seneca Shores with college classmates, was a car salesman for many years, a tire salesman, an over-the-road semi driver, and a dump truck driver. Seeing the country was a plus of the semi driving that he loved.
There will be no visitation. A memorial Mass is being planned for at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 10, 2014 at St. Mary Catholic Church with the Rev. Kishore Kottana officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mike's name to Denise Youngs' Memorial Poker Run Fund, P.O. Box 338, Bradner, Ohio 43406- an organization that aids many cancer patients, or to Community Hospice Care of Tiffin or to F.A.C.T.
Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419) 447-3113 is entrusted with the arrangements. To send condolences or get directions, go to www.traunerofuneralhome.com.