Obituary of Eugene Lee Buckley

Eugene (Gene) Lee Buckley, age 79, of Las Vegas, passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday, May 26, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV, with his wife, Patricia, at his side. Gene was born September 20, 1932 in Aberdeen, WA. He married Patricia Keating in a naval ceremony on October 1, 1955 in San Diego, CA. Gene grew up in Oregon and Washington with his brother, Robert, hunting and fishing. He joined the Naval Cadet Program and earned his wings in 1954. His love of flying continued throughout his life as he navigated to many destinations, from South America to Alaska, for business as well as adventure. Gene was self-employed in real estate as both an entrepreneur and developer, citing Nickerson's "How I Turned $1,000 Into One Million in Real Estate." as a major influence in his life. He began buying, renovating and selling single-family homes and commercial properties in Southern California, before Gene and family moved to Las Vegas in 1978. He prospered in real estate, building mobile home parks, motels, apartments and then commercial real estate. Along the way, he had many varied business enterprises. Gene was an avid handball player, golfer, diver, skier and fisherman. He loved boating, traveling and most of all, making real estate deals. He and his loving wife Patricia, married for 56 years, traveled the world extensively, exploring many exotic destinations. Gene enjoyed life! Gene was preceded in death by his parents, JR Buckley and Margaret L Winans and brother Robert Thomas Buckley. Gene is survived by his wife, Patricia; sister Barbara (Winans) Mondini; brother Norman Winans; sons Michael (Julie), Thomas (Becky), Bryan (Lisa) and James; daughter Susan (Todd) Johnson; grandchildren Grant, Alec, Kelsey, Jessica, Dani, Carissa, Samantha, Matthew, Shane, Megan; and great-grandchild Benjamin. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012, at 11:30 AM at Spanish Trail Country Club, 5050 Spanish Trail Lane in Las Vegas followed by a "Celebration of Gene's Life" reception. Donations may be made in his memory to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association or The First Tee Of Southern Nevada. Gene Buckley was the eternal optimist who loved and lived life to the fullest. "Plan your work and work your plan"