Alan B. Buckmaster
Alan B. Buckmaster
Alan B. Buckmaster passed away Nov. 13, 2022, aged 89 years, in Tucson Ariz. He was born in Highland Park, Mich. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Sharon W. Buckmaster; his parents Bernis Buckmaster Pretz (Philip Pretz) and Charles H. Buckmaster; as well as his sister Nancy Humphries. He leaves behind a brother, Charles Roger Buckmaster (Jill Buckmaster); two daughters: Alana S. Chendes (Michael Chendes) and Kelli L. Koltz; grandchildren: Kristen Sonberger, Brock Berriman, and Kylie Klotz; as well as great-grandchildren: Emma, Landon, Bryce, and Harper Berriman. Also, many nieces and nephews and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Alan was a Korean War veteran. He worked for Lincoln Electric and then worked 30 years for Ford Motor Company in their Research and Engineering Center and then as a traveling regional service representative.
His lifetime hobby was racing. He started a group while at Ford known as The Fastbacks, drag racing locally. He went on to work with Gapp and Roush and then Roush Racing and was famously known for his work with cylinder heads, among other things. After retiring with Ford, he continued working with Roush Racing and his longtime good friend Jack Roush.
Alan went to Leelanau School and then went on to Albion College and then Marietta College where he met the love of his life, Sharon Weihl.
Alan and Sharon resided in Dearborn Heights, Mich., for 30-plus years and then in retirement moved and bought a home in SaddleBrooke, Ariz., where they lived for 25 years.
Alan will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him personally and in business. He has been referred to as brilliant, legendary in his racing career, personable, and always willing to help anyone. The world has lost a truly wonderful man. He was a caring and loving father and has left a giant hole in his family’s lives.
Robert James Unchur
Robert James Unchur
Robert James Unchur died unexpectedly at his home in Tucson, Ariz., on Sept. 22, 2022. He was born May 7, 1947, in Amsterdam, N.Y., to the late Peter and Stella (Balbian) Unchur.
Bob attended Amsterdam High School, Class of 1965, where he was active in various student activities and was a three-year letterman in football. He then attended Syracuse University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in American History in 1969. At Syracuse he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity where he made many lifelong friends. Bob then moved to Berkeley, Calif., where he started a small business in the field of horticulture before joining the U.S. Peace Corps and working in Costa Rica as an agricultural advisor for the University of Costa Rica. After his stint in the Peace Corps, he settled in the Seattle metropolitan area for 35 years. He first reestablished his horticultural career and earned his certificate as Master Gardner and then joined the King County Superior Court with the King County Department of Judicial Administration as a court clerk for 22 years. After retiring in April 2011, he moved to Camano Island in Washington State before moving to Tucson in March 2016.
Bob loved to travel, read and study, and stay active. He became interested in the Civil War and traveled to many battleground sites in the South. He was an avid sports fan and followed MLB’s Seattle Mariners and Syracuse University basketball and football. Bob was also a big fan of Tampa high school sports at Jesuit and Wharton High Schools. He took great pride in the fact that he was a recovering alcoholic and was sober for 32 years and credited AA for their help and support. Bob was also very proud of the family dairy farm and often reflected about working on the farm as a youth with his parents.
Bob is survived by his sister Joan (Unchur) Snyder, his niece Kristin (Tom) Tonelli, nephew Dylan (Julie) Snyder, and grandnieces and nephews Thomas, Matthew, and Allie Tonelli and Cristina and DJ Snyder. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Stella (Balbian) Unchur, brother-in-law Robert E. Snyder, and niece Lisa Ann Snyder.
Per Bob’s request, his ashes will be scattered on the family farm on Jones Road. A graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.