Obituary of Dale Eliot Buckley

Dale Eliot Buckley, age 83, passed away in the Dartmouth General Hospital on April 13, 2020 with his wife Betty and son Balon at his side.  Dale was born in Wolfville, residing in Black River and Lumsden in his early years. His education started in a one room country school, advancing to city schools and then to Acadia University where he earned his BSc degree.  He went on to study for his MSc degree at the University of Western Ontario where he met his wife Betty, marrying soon after. He proceeded to USC in LA, and then on to the University of Alaska in Fairbanks to continue studies for his PhD.

He joined the Canadian Hydrographic Service in 1960, and then the Bedford Institute of Oceanography when it was built in 1962 as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists and technicians.  He became the first Head of the Marine Geology Subdivision when it was formed, as part of the Atlantic Geoscience Centre. He always felt he had the best job in the world and by the end of his 35-year career he had published over 225 scientific papers.  He took part in many conferences around the world and participated in information-gathering on board scientific ocean vessels, Canadian and other. In 1982 he was a visiting scientist/lecturer at various cities in China, creating a text book which is still used today.  In 1991 he served as a scientific advisor in Jakarta, Indonesia.

But his proudest achievement was the creation and sponsorship of the Beluga Award at BIO.  This coveted award is presented yearly to a staff member who has contributed to the interdisciplinary cooperation and success of the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, be he/she a technician, dockworker, support staff or scientist.  Potential recipients are nominated by their fellow workers who must document their worthiness and are voted on by committee.

Dale was an avid stamp collector from the time he was a young boy.  He was an active Boy Scout achieving many badges via difficult challenges.  Sports were always a part of his life, with hockey, handball, curling and golfing being his favourites.  Amateur photography was a fun hobby. A showing of his photographs was well received and even resulted in a sale or two! He was mad about Bridge and welcomed an evening’s competition at a moment’s notice.  While at Acadia he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force reserve which led to a posting to Canadian Joint Staff Headquarters in London, England.  He loved the opportunity that gave him to see a bit more of the world. His interests were varied and he loved nothing more than discussing solutions to world problems over a cup of morning coffee.

Dale had a quirky sense of humour and he enjoyed intelligent comedy.  Red Skeleton was his favourite comedian. Ever alert to opportunity he again managed to play a successful April Fool joke on his wife this year.

He is survived by his wife Betty (Galandzy); sons Balon (Ian Crowe) of Dartmouth NS, and Glen (Elizabeth) of Sackville NB; daughter Keera (Arne) Buchanan of Doha, Qatar; brother Ron (Carol) of Port William NS; as well as many nephews and nieces and their children.

Many thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of 3 West and 4 East at the Dartmouth General Hospital for their kindness and compassion in Dale’s final months.

At Dale’s request, there will be no service.  Memorial donations can be made to Doctors Without Borders, or to a local charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4P 1B9 (902-679-2822).