Bill Buckland

William "Bill" Russell Buckland, our Son, Father, Brother, Uncle, Nephew and Cousin passed away January 20, 2023. We mourn and celebrate his life.

Bill was born on May 9th, 1968, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Russ and Kathy Buckland. He attended Hawthorne Elementary, O.E. Bell Junior High, Clair E. Gale Junior High and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1986.  He graduated from Idaho State University in 1989 with an Associate of Applied Science Laser/Electro-Optics Technology Degree.

Bill married Valerie Haddon on August 7, 1993 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They divorced in 2013.  Together they had two children, Evan, age 21 and Laney, age 19.  He loved his children immensely—they were his greatest joy.

Bill began working for Micron Technology, Inc. in Boise as a Technician in 1990. After nine months, he moved to San Jose, California, and began a new job with Heraeus Lasersonics Inc., working in post-sale support. He returned to Micron in 1995, and was employed there until he retired in 2019. He recently moved to Idaho Falls to be closer to family.

A woodworking shop class at O.E. Bell was the start of his love for woodworking. His first piece was a small lamp that he was still using on his bedside table. He was a perfectionist and made some great pieces of furniture that will be great keepsake gifts for his children.

Bill's love of sports and the outdoors was evident his whole life, playing youth hockey and soccer during his school years. He continued playing in adult hockey leagues in Boise, was a member of a cycling club and loved playing golf. He always looked forward to family camping and backpacking trips during the summer months.  During his time in California, he joined, and was an active member, of the Kilohana Outrigger Canoe Paddling Club, serving on the Board of Directors.

Bill was a problem solver and always knew how to repair things or improvise a fix when nothing else worked.  Always doing it with a smile and willingness to lend a hand.

Bill is survived by his parents; children, Evan Taka Buckland and Laney Mariko Buckland; their mother, Valerie Haddon; sister, Rebecca (Jon) Bailey; niece, Erin Hana Bailey; nephew, Holden Kano Bailey; aunt, Fran Inouye; and cousins, Sandy Inouye (Jim Scala), Kyra Scala, and Sue Inouye (Ric Ivanisevich).

The family would like to thank the staff at EIRMC and the Emergency Responders for their compassionate care.

Plans are for a Celebration of Life this Summer.