Frank Anthony Buckiewicz

Frank Anthony Buckiewicz, 87, a resident of the Forest Grove community passed away on Tuesday morning, September 5, 2017, at Sweet Haven Adult Foster Care Home in Gaston.
The youngest of nine children, Frank was born on April 14, 1930 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to Julian and Hedwig (Malyszko) Buckiewicz. He attended St. Stephen's and Perth Amboy Catholic School then graduated with the Class of 1947 from Perth Amboy High School. Next, he followed his brother Walt and the other Amboy Dukes out west to Pacific University in Forest Grove to attain his Bachelor's degree in Physical Education. After marrying Diane Rimby on May 30, 1953, they traveled east and earned Master's degrees from Penn State University.
Frank and Diane traveled back to the west coast to begin their teaching and coaching careers in Seaside, Oregon. In 1961 they moved to Portland after "Coach" was hired by Grant High School. Four years later the family settled in Forest Grove as "Fearless Frank" returned to his alma mater. Well into their teaching careers, Frank and Diane acquired their Doctorates from University of Oregon in 1974. While th e classroom always came first, Frank enjoyed coaching and officiating a wide variety of sports. He umpired baseball and refereed basketball up to the college level. Even after he hung up his stripes and put away his whistle, his involvement continued as he trained and evaluated officials for
many years.
Coach Buck was a fierce competitor but also had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed golf,  poker, vegetable gardening, fishing, singing, dancing, and traveling. He was also a great cook and his stuffed cabbage was a reflection of the man himself - "ONE OF A KIND!"

He is preceded in death by eight siblings and his parents.
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane; four children, Frank (JoAnn) of Forest Grove, Greg (Angie) of Longview, WA, Gina (Dan Jones) of Lake Oswego, Jo of Tigard; twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to:
Care Partners, Hospice and Palliative; 11600 NW Compton Dr. Suite 210, Hillsboro, Oregon 97006
American Diabetes Association; 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202
Sweet Haven;  6060 Lookingglass Drive, Gaston, OR 97119