Robert Byron “Bob” Buckmaster, 83, passed away on July 22, 2026, due to congestive heart failure. He answered to many names throughout his life, including Buck, Bob, Dad, Husband, Friend, Grandpa, and most recently Great- Grandpa. Every one of those names reflected the caring, loving, and good man he was. We will miss having Bob in our lives but will be forever grateful for the time we were able to share with him.

Buck was born on March 2, 1943, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Mary and Thurl Buckmaster. He graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School, attended Ferris State University, and proudly served in the Michigan National Guard.

Bob built his career in the skilled trades as a union pattern maker. He retired from Paragon Pattern after a distinguished career that began with an apprenticeship at Anaconda, where he worked alongside his father. He took great pride in his craftsmanship and the lasting friendships he formed through his work.

Dad loved hunting at Trout Lake with his friends and family, fishing on his Lake Michigan charter boat the “Buckaroo,” and watching every high school sporting event he could attend. Bucky also spent his younger years racing cars around the Muskegon area, collecting many victories. More than anything, Bob loved his family. He rarely missed his children’s and grandchildren’s games and treasured time with all of them. He enjoyed going to estate sales with his wife, collecting sports cards, military history books, and spending time with friends at Russ’s and in the Vikings organization.

Robert is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 39 years, Kay Buckmaster; in-laws Allan Cole, Craig (Nancy) Nelson, and Marianne Nelson; sons, Tarek (Angela) and Jeff (DiDi); stepchildren, Laure Veitenheimer (Jim), Lisa Wolski (Mike), and Scott Herrala (Maria); grandchildren, Alex, Maizy, Nicholas, Jeremy, Aubrey (Felix) Drake, Blaire (Stefan), Jered, Marian, Jenna, Jason (Brittany), Matt (Allison), and Anya; and great-grandchildren, Sloane and Reese.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Thurl Buckmaster, siblings, Cheri Cole, Larry Buckmaster, and David Buckmaster, brother-in-law Richard Nelson, and granddaughter Madyson.

Buck is remembered for his quiet strength, steady work ethic, devotion to North Muskegon High School athletics, love of the outdoors, and deep commitment to family. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this fall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the North Muskegon Athletic Boosters or the Wounded Warrior Project.