With great sadness we share that Bruce L. Bucklin passed away at home in Leesburg, VA on July 10, 2024, at the age of 82 following a long illness.

Bruce was born on January 14, 1942, in Jamestown, NY to Gilbert and Madge Bucklin. A voracious  learner, Bruce obtained a BA from SUNY College at Fredonia, an MA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an MPhil from George Washington University. After over 20 years of federal service, Bruce retired and transitioned to the non-profit film organization, Council on International Nontheatrical Events (CINE). He also chaired the jury annually for the Ekotopfilm Environmental Film Festival in Bratislava, Slovakia where he made many life-long friends.  Still curious, his last "profession" was as a potter and for years he could be found in his booth at local craft shows and farmers markets.

Later in his life, he was blessed to meet his loving wife, Katherine. They wed at St. James' Episcopal Church on June 24, 2006, surrounded by family and friends.

Bruce painstakingly traced the genealogy of his family and we are certain there was never a Bucklin who was as funny, supportive, or as good at Wii Bowling as "Grandpa Bruce."  He loved taking his family on adventures and they were all well versed in Civil War battlefields, Smithsonian museums, zoos, nature trails, and numerous aquatic activities. There was inevitably fun when Grandpa was around, whether it was a movie night with popcorn and Pepsi (always Pepsi, never Coke) or helping us make pottery.

Always willing to help family, friends, or neighbors, Bruce was oriented towards service, including volunteering at the George C. Marshall International Center, Habitat for Humanity, the Loudoun Museum and making pottery for Loudoun Empty Bowls. He also contributed in numerous ways through his involvement at St. James' Episcopal Church. Finally, Bruce quietly and regularly contributed to many worthy causes including supporting an equine rescue organization, the Salvation Army, and sponsoring a child abroad for over 20 years.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Jennifer Cross (Michael), Steve Bucklin (Monica), Meredith Dunn (Sean), Jeannette Bjorklund (Chip), Jack Campbell (Krista) and Lori Fulton (Stuart); his younger sibling, Jerry Bucklin and two nephews. Bruce loved being a proud grandpa to Aidan, Nathan, Sean, Ethan (Morgan), Emily, Kylie, Ashley, Lindsay, Lily, Ashley, Katie, Campbell, Colton, Carsyn, Christian and Daniel. He was also a devoted dog dad and leaves behind Ziva and Dexter. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Melanie.

All are welcome to attend a memorial service and celebrate Bruce's life at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at St. James' Episcopal Church located at 14 Cornwall Street NW, Leesburg, Virginia. The Rev. Dr. Chad T. Martin will officiate the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the Loudoun County Humane Society or Blue Ridge Hospice. Condolences can be sent through Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg. Finally, the family would like to thank Blue Ridge Hospice, and in particular Clay Morgan, for their loving care of Bruce and support of his family these last several weeks.