I'm back at work Monday and I wanted to thank all of you for your prayers, your thoughts and your special wishes in the wake of the passing of my father, Bill Buckley. I remain overwhelmed.
We had a wonderful memorial service Saturday in Twentynine Palms at the church he helped to build as a trustee (Desert Congregational Church) that was attended by friends and family and just a few of the people dad touched over a lifetime of service to his nation and his community. We laughed and we cried and we celebrated a humble man who looked for the good in people, who led by example, who provided for and loved his family.
Dad was born the son of a coal miner (and local union president) who was determined not to work in the mines of West Virginia. He had eight brothers and sisters and 16 nephews and nieces. He was a strong man with a gentle soul. He joined the Navy and got to see the world. He became a hospital corpsman whose mission over 30 years was to provide the best medical care possible for sailors and Marines. He retired as Command Master Chief at the Navy hospital in Twentynine Palms. He then worked for a few years running the golf course at the Marine Corps base before retiring for good in 1991. My dad was a good man and we were close. I will miss him tremendously. 
I wanted to share a couple of stories emailed to me during the past week that give you a brief glimpse into the man who was my father. The first comes from a retired rear admiral in the Navy and family friend.
I remember the first time I met the Master Chief...it was the first month I was at the old Branch Hospital in 29 Palms. I was a "geographic bachelor" at that time and as I prepared to go home and pick up my wife and our daughter to return to the Stumps, I went to your dad and asked “Master Chief, what do I do with this Leave Request?" He said, and I can hear him now, "I can handle that for you, Lieutenant... let me see it". He took the form and looked it over and said "No problem"... he took a rubber stamp out of his drawer, inked it up from a red ink pad and stamped the top sheet, then he passed it back to me. Well, needless to say, this young Lieutenant was a bit flummoxed when I read "Bull-*%@$" in big red letters about an inch high.
Well, that was the start of a relationship that I can only say was one of the most important in my life. Master Chief (please excuse me for the title... but that is what he always was, and still is, to me) took me, a green Lieutenant, under his wing and helped me navigate the "rocks and shoals" of the early days of my Naval career. And a great mentor he was! His sage advice and down home manner of giving it was just what this Country Boy needed. After all these many years have passed, I still find myself thinking of the days at 29 Palms and what a great command it was and how fortunate I was to have met and served with leaders like your father. Please always remember that your father was influential in the development of countless young men and women in the Navy. His efforts, while not always noted, have helped to make our Navy what it is today and of what it will be in the future. Because of him, every Sailor who knew him took some of Master Chief’s wisdom, personality and sense of humor with them as they moved on to another command. And they passed all those attributes on to others currently serving and they will pass them on to those yet to serve.
And this email came from at KTLA viewer.
I work at Home Depot in Yucca Valley and Bill Buckley would come in sometimes just to wander around and make me laugh. He was ornery but a wonderful man. Always had a joke or a story to tell. Would ask me if I watched channel 5 at 9am, which I did. He was very proud of his boy. I will miss seeing him come into the store, will miss his jokes. But man will God be laughing at lot more with him around!!
I'm sharing these stories and a few thoughts on my dad in this blog post because I've learned it's difficult at times for me to talk about my dad without being overcome with emotion. It creeps up without warning. I'd love to spend time on the air telling you more about my dad but I just can't right now. It's too close. I don't want to grieve in public and certainly not when I'm bringing you the news. I hope you'll understand. So as I return to the anchor desk this week, I'm going to focus on the work and move forward. I know that as I do, I'll hear my dad's kind, comforting voice guiding me every step of the way.
I am so sorry for your dad's lost. Wherever he is, I bet he's looking down on you and guiding you.
Posted by: mill pond golf course | January 10, 2012 at 05:53 PM
"Bad, you exactly how many secret!" Impatiens beauty to love a joyous people, the more see more will claw. Of kind of the bad guy is likable, always have so many girls around concave!!!! Look after yourself as the fallen petal that, night lure him.
Posted by: cocktail dresses | December 02, 2011 at 01:10 AM
"Bad, you exactly how many secret!" Impatiens beauty to love a joyous people, the more see more will claw. Of kind of the bad guy is likable, always have so many girls around concave!!!! Look after yourself as the fallen petal that, night lure him.
Posted by: cocktail dresses | December 02, 2011 at 01:08 AM
Frank.....sorry for ur loss even though this is rather late. I watch u folks every morning from 5am to 10am and simply love ur show..I hadnt signed up for the site when ur dad passed but I know the loss is not easy since my wife and I buried each one of our parents exactly every 2 years from 1996 to 2002. It gets better even though we never forget.
Posted by: Ron | May 16, 2011 at 03:26 PM
dear frank,
sorry about the loss of your dad. i would like to say thanks to your dad for being in the armed sevices and fighting for our freedom. God bless you and your family.
Posted by: gene | May 12, 2011 at 10:35 PM
frank,
I am so sorry about your fathers passing. My mom passed away on April 17 2011. Just know your dad is in a happier place and looking down on you each and every day.
Posted by: michelle | April 25, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Just read the post on your dad...So sorry to hear of your loss. Can feel the love for him in your words... I feel like I should send you koden...My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Posted by: LoriMats | April 22, 2011 at 10:09 AM
Dear Frank,
I was so saddened to hear about the loss of your father and fully understand how emotionally "raw" speaking about him can be. I, too, lost my beloved father in July 2009 and not a day goes by without thinking about him, or wanting to share my day with him. If it helps, just know he loved you every moment of everyday and was obviously proud of you! The pain does get easier, but the loss never does. God Bless you and your family.
Posted by: Stella | April 20, 2011 at 08:19 PM
Frank:
I was sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I teared up reading this blog. We lost my father in May 2009, and I was just thinking about about my dad this morning as I was trimming the branches of his trees and raking the leaves on the ground at his home.
In time, it will get easier to talk about your father again; but every once in awhile remembering your dad will make you emotional again.
When I lost my father, a friend told me that "You are your father's legacy -- always do things to make him proud." I live by those words.
I'm glad to see you back at work, Frank. Take care.
Posted by: Helen | April 19, 2011 at 04:47 PM
Frank -
You always joke that you are there for "us, the home viewer." Well, please know the home viewers are here for you. Your insight and stories you've shared with us are very much appreciated. They help define who you are and these personal stories and experiences you've chosen to share explain your character. It is obvious the pride you have for your own family including your father and it shows by you allowing us a peek into the man that you admire so much.
If the outpouring of thoughts and prayers help lift your spirits during these difficult times then we the home viewers are here for you. : )
My condolences to you and the entire Buckley family.
-m
Posted by: mike | April 19, 2011 at 02:19 PM
Frank, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your words are very touching and made me choke up with tears. Glad you're back!
Posted by: lindalegal | April 19, 2011 at 01:05 PM
Frank,
Thank you for sharing... crying with you. You have been missed in the morning and I know that your father will be too.
Glad you're back. Continued prayers for you and your family.
Posted by: Jennifer | April 18, 2011 at 10:39 AM
Sorry for ur loss, i loss my father 38 yrs ago, i still have my moments, i know how difficult it is. Ur family is n my prayers.
Posted by: lyd | April 18, 2011 at 06:09 AM
Frank,
My sympathies to you and your family for the passing of your father. May your memories of him bring you all comfort and joy.
Take care.
MB888377
Posted by: Mike | April 18, 2011 at 03:59 AM
I wanted to express my symphys to you and your family my Mother passed away 9 yrs ago and my Dad passed in 1987 I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time
Posted by: Kim Reif | April 17, 2011 at 03:39 PM
Frank....thank you for sharing your Dad with us. I choked up reading about him because you wrote it with so much love. Please know that everyone is thinking of you. My brother and I lost our dad 3 years ago and our mom 5 months ago. It will hurt for a long time but remember the love you had for one another.
Posted by: Julie | April 17, 2011 at 12:35 PM
Although I saw the news of your dad's passing on Twitter, I did not comment as I was dealing with my husband's medical issues. He is still in the hospital and I was worried and emotional about him.
I am so sorry about your dad. There really are no words that express the deep sorrow that you feel. I have great respect for you and just know tomorrow when you're back at work, you'll have a whole body of empathy backing you up. You don't have to say one word about anything. Everyone should understand how the situation is!!! Take care and know I'm behind you!
Posted by: Pamela Strand | April 17, 2011 at 10:29 AM
So sorry for your loss Frank. Let the healing begin. We, YOUR fans totally understand Frank. As my friend Nick said; "All the KTLA fans got your back"....so always know, WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK! You mean a great deal to us Frank. It will be so good to have you back...
Posted by: Dan | April 17, 2011 at 09:20 AM
my little brother dad worked at that golf course and went to that church. Bill Buckley will be missed.
Posted by: Chris | April 17, 2011 at 09:08 AM
"Running the golf course at the Marine Corps base before retiring..."
Sounds like your Dad had a good life deserving of a good man.
Posted by: Cafe Pasadena | April 17, 2011 at 09:07 AM
I am sure Frank that by blogging your feelings and memories that it will bring you much comfort as you grieve and celebrate your Dad's life. It helped me when I faced the same situation 2 years ago. All the KTLA fans got your back and we're supporting you. Live Strong, Stay Strong, Finish Strong.
Posted by: Nickcastrellon | April 17, 2011 at 09:06 AM