Book of Memories for Laurie John Buckland

Condolence From Barbara Purdy

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:38:02 EST

I had the honour of working with Laurie when I arranged a few golf tournaments at Sticks. Laurie was extremely professional and personable. He knew I was "flying by the seat of my pants" and was a tremendous help. I have been a golf member for many years and always looked forward to a chat with Laurie. This is such a shock and so unfair. My thoughts are with the family at your time of loss. I lost my mother last September.

Condolence From Phil Hardy

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 10:50:14 EST

My sincere condolences and sympathy goes out to Laurie's family. I have known Laurie since I became a PGA member in 1975. I can see him vividly sitting in his office at Aurora Highlands never without a smile on his face. I will always treasure the Zone Mondays with Laurie and many of the great guys in our area. Laurie was one of the organizers who made me feel at home when I first joined the group in 1980. Playing golf every Monday in the Spring with the likes of Laurie, Ken Venning and Ben Kern was a special time for me. These are some of the major influencers of their time and Laurie, you are definitely part of that special class. They are all missed and Laurie, so too will you be. Rest in peace my friend.

Story shared: Yonge Bloor Bay Business Association

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 16:59:10 EST

Through the Yonge Bloor Bay Business Association's Annual Golf Day, we have had the privilege of working closely with Laurie. We were always excited to arrive at Wooden Sticks in September to be greeted by Laurie who did everything with ease and a great sense of humour. Laurie was kind, thoughtful and helpful in making our event a big success each year. Our thoughts are with Laurie's family and friends.

Condolence From Jim Black

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 12:05:12 EST

Whether it was co-ordinating our Annual Radio and TV Tournament, back in the old Aurora days, or making Wooden Sticks the 1st Class environment that it is Laurie was always the consummate Professional. My sincerest condolences to Laurie's Family and his Friends, Jim Black.

Story shared: Always a good friend

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 10:26:35 EST

I started working at the Aurora Highlands when I was 14 and stayed there until I was 19. During all of those years, crazy weekends, 4:00 am starts, rained out weekends and long winter Pro Shop hours I got to watch Laurie work, play and interact with all of the people who moved through the Highlands. With his staff he was kind, supportive and playful. Even with the crazy ones he occasionally hired. (there are some good stories) His confidence in my abilities helped to foster the courage to pursue education and other professional endeavours. He was charming, friendly, driven, mischievous and loved his life. Although he worked long hours he always spoke with joy about going home and his great reverence and no amount small of awe about his wife Renee and his children, who he was incredibly proud of - Jordy and Jeremy. Even thirty years later, Laurie always had time to talk when I saw him and was as enthusiastic about the sport as when I first met him. Thank you Laurie for all the memories, for your love and passion and mischief. I know that those who knew you at the Highlands will miss you dearly. Keep grinning Big Man.

Story shared: Just Learning...

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:09:19 EST

I remember when I bought my golf clubs, it was a cherished moment and I shared with Laurie that I wanted the pink ones because they were pretty. With his very kind and loving way, he said to me, you know mare, it doesn't matter what they look like, it's all about getting out there! To which I replied, - ya, I'm not much of a sports person so I thought Golf was the perfect answer because you know Laur, I'm not about the competition and golf isn't competative... - This was the only time that I ever saw Laurie actually look like he wanted to hit someone! and was very quick to reply - jeeesh thanks Mare.... what is it that you think I did all of my golfing career? Not compete???? I don't blush or rebuff often, but I did here, lots of back peddling etc. Very funny moment for him and I. Thanks for the wonderful memory!!!! I'll never look at golf the same way again.

Condolence From Mary Bone & Philip Knight

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:02:16 EST

What a sad day when I heard about my friend Laurie. I will miss you terribly. You were absolutely the salt of the earth and made everyone you dealt with feel so special. You will be more than missed, you will be a cherished memory. Love Mary Bone and Philip Knight.

Condolence From Peter R Grant

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 17:48:07 EST

So sorry to hear this sad news. Laurie was a great man and a top-notch golf professional. I consider myself fortunate to have known him and will remember him fondly. My condolences to his family and best friends and associates at Wooden Sticks.

Condolence From Mike and Sandy Doyle

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:00:16 EST

Dear Renee and Buckland family. Sandy and I took some time before we responded to the sad message of our Dear Friend Laurie's passing. We took the time to visit the many pictures of those days forever enshrined in our mines . Those days formulated our life style and our family . Laurie was such a large part of our young family, encouraging our three children to play the great game of golf , and helping Sandy threw the tears and challenges of a beginner in the game . As a bit of memorability , we still have a number of those first purchases Laurie shared with our guest to add to our desire to join with him in advancing his spirit for the love of the game. May the golf angels be on your Golf Bag and the wind be at your back Dear Friend. Mike and Sandy Doyle, Thanks for those youthful memories.

Condolence From Helen and Bill Logan

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 20:27:49 EST

Seldom in life do you meet a person who has everything totally together at all times. Laurie was such a person. He was totally suited to being a top notch golf professional - and that he was. Blessed with a fantastic memory, regardless of the size of the membership, he knew everyone by name ,even if he hadn't seen some for a lengthy period of time. Laurie was a team player to the hilt and had a remarkably positive attitude - his glass was never half empty. Over the fifteen years we lived in Aurora, we were very happy and much of our feeling of well being could be attributed to Laurie's enthusiasm and friendship. Laurie was liked and admired by everyone . We are all the better for having known him. We have no doubt as to where Laurie is now and will be forever.

Condolence From Jill Jeffery

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:44:30 EST

To Laurie's family, I have truly been blessed with Laurie's presence at Wooden Sticks for the past four years. This past year we opened the clubhouse together every morning. No matter how early, what the weather, Laurie greeted me with that infectious smile we all know and love. We would spend every morning chatting over coffee and it is in this time that I learned so much about your family. He always spoke about the cottage and all the great times he had there with his family. He spoke so highly of each of you. Although not one for change! Every day I would serve him a cheese omelette and every lunch I'd serve him a chicken Caesar salad (no crutons!). I loved sharing a laugh with him every day over this. Anyone who met Laurie will agree that it truly was a blessing to have known him. I send my most sincere and deepest condolences to your family at this time.

Condolence From Frank MacGrath

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:12:11 EST

My condolences to the Buckland family. Laurie was one of the first people I met in the golf business years ago. He was always very friendly and helpful to those of us in the golf event business and a real professsional in every aspect of his life. He will be missed!

Condolence From Brian Larter

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 21:00:22 EST

He was a professional, a great golfer, a communicator, and a VERY nice man, but most importantly a friend to many in and around the Aurora area. I first met Laurie when Aurora Highlands hosted the popular Broadcast Executive Society's golf tournament back in the 80's. The rest is history. Our family has lived here (On the golf course twice) since 1986. Some 27 years later and we can thank, among others, Laurie for the reason we have lived in this beautiful town. Laurie, you will missed! Think of what you left behind you! 3-4 great golf courses, great friendships and above all you inspired in everyone you touched that we all can be better at what we do. (Not only in golf). I remember one lesson you gave me that made me actually believe I could be ten shots lower if I worked at it. Our company produced the video for the new Aurora Golf Course across the street on Bathurst. (King's Riding) We filmed the course hole by hole using me as the golfer on film. Laurie could have played client, but instead he chose to give me a plaque as the lowest round of the year (96). What people didn't know, is I played on the last day of the golf season. Good for you Laurie. More people should be like you. Laurie. You are one special man. Miss you Friend. Brian Larter

Condolence From Marianne

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:41:03 EST

Our deepest condolences to Laurie's family and friends. I had the privilege of working with Laurie on many Durham Dragons golf tournament. He was always easy to work with.

Condolence From Rob Strahan

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:59:09 EST

Laurie you were always a true professional and a credit to our industry.

Condolence From Herb Holzscheiter

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:23:28 EST

I was deeply saddened to learn of Laurie's passing. He was always upbeat and smiling and you felt good after being around him. Deepest sympathy to the family. Laurie, you were one of the best - rest easy.

Condolence From Jim Miller

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 21:38:18 EST

I was so sad and shocked to hear of Laurie's passing, he was a great guy to work with when booking tournaments, and so easy to get along with, he will be sadly missed by everyone that plays golf at Wooden Sticks, he made the experience much more fun. You are in our prayers Laurie. Jim Miller

Condolence From Mike Weiler

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 20:19:55 EST

Renee, Jordan, Jeremy and your families. I was so sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. I spend many mornings of many years being greeted by Laurie at the Highlands. He was a big part of my Highland years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Condolence From Mike Thomas

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 12:30:23 EST

I am so sad--I didn't know Laurie was so sick.I will remember our many talks about our cottages over the 13 years we knew each other at Wooden Sticks.

Condolence From Bill and Cindy Powers

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 11:30:15 EST

We were so sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. He was a great friend and an outstanding golf coach. We still use some of what we learned from him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Condolence From Andrew Hicks

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 23:02:39 EST

I would like to offer my condolences to the Buckland family. I had the pleasure of working for Laurie at Wooden Sticks and I am very sorry to hear of his passing. He was always the first to greet you in the morning and no matter how early it was could put a smile on your face. I will deeply miss his light and positive energy with which he carried himself and never forget the respectful and caring manner with which he treated all of the employees. I will always be grateful to him for giving me a chance at Wooden Sticks and making my summers there memorable. To a great boss and and outstanding guy, he will be dearly missed.

Condolence From William and Cindy Powers

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 20:32:45 EST

We were so sad to hear of Laurie's passing. We have not seen him since 1979, tried to see him in our last visit to Ontario several years ago ,but missed him. He was a special friend who will be missed. He gave us golf lessons we still use today. He was a special friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today. Bill and Cindy Powers

Condolence From David Cowan

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 11:56:43 EST

The one word that can easily be used to describes Laurie is Kind. He was one of the most approachable and nicest persons I had ever have the pleasure of knowing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Buckland Family.

Condolence From Bob & Tracy Duvall

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 10:41:15 EST

Very sad to hear of Laurie's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Condolence From Greg Roberts

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 10:20:44 EST

Renee, the boys and the grandkiddies I am truly sorry for your loss. I feel honoured to have known such a great guy and I'm happy I was able to spend as much time as I did with him and enjoy all the chats and the laughs as Laurie liked to do so much. To my Quest partner for the past 12 years "Thanks for letting a hack like me play golf with you over the years, thanks for the free lessons on and off the course and most of all thanks for being a great friend who always asked "how are you doing"! We will all miss you very much!

Condolence From Scott Lonergan

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 00:48:17 EST

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Laurie's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Buckland family in this time of grief. I had the pleasure of working with Laurie for 10 years at Wooden Sticks and will fondly remember those times. Rest in Peace Laurie.

Condolence From Douglas Gross

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 23:19:21 EST

I am deeply saddened at the loss of Laurie, such a kind and wonderful man. I grew up hanging around the Buckland household with Jordan and worked my first job for Laurie at The Aurora Highlands as a teenager. It seems like just yesterday he set my fiance and I up with new clubs and lessons at Wooden Sticks. You will be greatly missed and I am honored to have know you Mr Buckland. My deepest sympathy to Renee, Jordan, Jeremy and the Family.

Condolence From Chas Muylaert

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:24:39 EST

Deepest condolences to the family and friends of this special guy. Rest in Peace Laurie, you will truly be missed.

Condolence From Ann Tacy (Sanders)

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:32:32 EST

I was shocked and saddened to hear that Laurie had passed away. We grew up together and he was a very sweet and talented guy.I have many happy memories of him. My sincere sympathy to all of his family. Ann Tacy (Anna May)

Condolence From Heather Cotie

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:23:30 EST

It is with a heavy heart that I write this message. Although I only worked with Laurie for a short while at Wooden Sticks he was a great friend and a kind soul. Hearing him call my name from his office to help him with a task on the computer is something I miss quite regularly. Rest In Peace Laurie.

Story shared: Remembering Good Times

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:51:54 EST

From myself, and in the memory of Keith, I want to express my deepest sympathies to Renee and family. We had many good times with you and Laurie, and all the Aurora Highlanders.

Condolence From Tom Arnott

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:49:40 EST

We lost a true gentleman with the passing of Laurie. The four years I spend working with Laurie were some of the greatest of my career. Laurie was a very tolerant and understanding man and everyone that has ever had the pleasure of knowing him would agree. Laurie will always be missed and fondly remembered, especially during the time I spend on Lake Temagami. My sincerest condolences to the Buckland family.

Story shared: The Cream of the Crop

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:09:27 EST

Laurie was the best of the best golf pros who was always so soft spoken, polite and professional. My memories of him are from his days as the head pro at the Aurora Highlands Golf Club. As a new golfer, he made me feel welcome and his expertise still helps my game to this day. So many happy times to recall like the fashion shows, Gary Playter, pro-am tournaments in Jamaica, Dominican Republic, etc and the fall fun week-end in the Haliburton Highlands. Thank you, Renee, Jordon and Jeremy for sharing him with us.

Condolence From Chris McGrath

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:39:39 EST

So very sorry to hear about the passing of Laurie. I had the chance to work with Laurie, albeit briefly, while he was at Wooden Sticks. Always a top-notch person and a real pleasure to be around. The golf world will miss you Laurie

Condolence From Bob Fletcher

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:28:58 EST

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Laurie. It doesn't seem that long ago I was speaking with him at the Sticks. A true gentleman, with a kindness matched by many few. My heart goes out to the family. He will be sorely missed by all who had the priviledge of knowing him.

Condolence From pat cassidy

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:48:43 EST

Very, very sorry to learn of Laurie's passing. Like many others I benefited tremendously from his mentoring; I learned so much from him in my early days. God bless, and we will all remember him fondly.

Condolence From Terri Ellis

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:11:51 EST

I am so sorry to learn of Laurie's passing. He was a great mentor and advisor to me during my time spent with him. Please know my heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you.

Condolence From Kevin Spiers

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:49:14 EST

To the man who gave me my first job and was always kind and had time to talk whenever we met rest in peace. Your family is my prayers. You were a class act Laurie and will truly be missed by many.

Condolence From Karen Winterstein

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:25:48 EST

Rest in peace old friend. To Renee, Jordan and Jeremy and your families - thanks for sharing such an inspiring soul with me. Laurie taught me many things - humility above all from a very humble and inspiring man. He was a terrific friend, a mentor and father figure and he will be dearly missed. Thanks for all the giggles Laurie- you remain one in a million.

Condolence From Peter Colomvakos

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:21:18 EST

My sincere condolences go out to the Buckland family on the passing of such an amazing man. Your door was always open for us at Wooden Sticks and I will miss our chats about life, health and Golf. Laurie, you will truly be missed each and every day but you have left such an impact on the lives of all the people that you meet that your spirit will live on forever. Rest in peace.

Condolence From Shelley Lane

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 08:03:19 EST

Renee: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Laurie has touched many lives in the golf community in such a positive manner. I worked for Laurie at Aurora Highlands and have many happy memories of the giggles he always shared with the staff. Shelley Lane

Condolence From Cameron Hicks

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:06:39 EST

I would just like to say sorry for your loss. I worked at wooden sticks and I had the privilege to work for Laurie. He was a great father figure at work, he cared about everyone's well being, and he was always there to help. He will be extremely missed. Cameron

Photo shared: Buckland,_Laurie.jpg

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:01:05 EST