Bradford "Brad" L. Buker Obituary (1939 - 2021)

WINSLOW—Bradford “Brad” L. Buker, 81, passed away on May 22, 2021, in Winslow, Maine. He was born on July 8, 1939, the son of Earl Buker, Jr. and Marie Estelle (Libby) Buker. Brad graduated from Hartland Academy and went on to graduate from the University of Maine at Farmington in 1961. While at the University, Brad was a member of the initial soccer team. Brad was a teacher/principal of the elementary schools first in East Vassalboro and then at Carl B. Lord schools for 8 years. In 1968, Brad moved with his family to Winslow and taught at the Winslow Junior High School for 31 years making his teaching career a total of 39 years. While at Winslow Junior High, Brad coached freshman boys’ and girls’ basketball and he also coached the girls Varsity field hockey team at the Winslow High School for 2 years. Brad was the president of the Initial Heart of Maine Squares Dancers in Winslow. Brad ran the summer milk route and made ice cream for Smiley’s Dairy for a number of years. He is survived by his sisters, Margo Carmine and her husband, Tom, and Carol Horch; her daughter, Elizabeth Chapman and her husband, Robin; his son, Raymond Buker and his wife, Tammy; his daughter, Heather Buker and her fiancé, Bob Fortier; his daughter, Johnna Peri McCollor and her husband, John; 12 grandchildren; and several great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents; his daughter, Natalie P.B. Brooks; and his granddaughter, Melissa E. Hall. A time of gathering will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 5 at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street in Fairfield. A private burial will be at Howard Cemetery in Winslow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, P.O. Box 896076, Charlotte, NC 28289-6076 in loving memory of his daughter, Natalie P.B. Brooks.