Reginald “Rex” Buckle
Reginald Rex Wallace “Rex” Buckle passed away January 3rd, 2019 at his home in Toronto, ON at the age of 79. Rex was born on September 25th, 1939 in Vancouver, BC. He grew up in Mission, BC and graduated high school in 1956 at the age of 16. He continued his scholarly ways by studying Film & Theatre at the University of British Columbia, the University of California, Berkley and the University of Toronto. He taught high school in Salmon Arm and later at the University of Guelph. He eventually moved to Toronto where he was involved in his passion, theatre, as a director, administrator and board member. Rex loved Toronto and all the culture and diversity it had to offer. When he needed a quieter pace, he would escape to his family cabin at Lindell Beach, and in the most recent years, to Invermere, BC located in the Rocky Mountains. Rex will be missed by so many, including past students and peers, all those he worked with in the theatre industry, many special friends and of course his family. Rex is survived by his brothers, Ted (Laura) and Ron (Susie) Buckle, his nephews, Chad (Krissy), Josh (Veronika) and Joe (Jennifer) Buckle, Dan (Annika) Buckle, Ahren (Cynthia) Engelbracht, his niece, Megan (Jeff) Hubert, as well as many great nephews and nieces. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Percy and Eleanor Buckle and his sister, Susan Engelbracht. Rex did not wish to have a funeral and would like to have his ashes spread in the Rocky Mountains, a place that brought him much joy.
Jill Lloyd-Jones
Condolences to all the family!
I learned so much from Rex and we had a friendship for many years. I will have many memories of the shows he directed in Guelph, both at the University and dinner theatre and especially the ones I was in. He was an amazing talent who was not afraid to take risks theatrically. He will be greatly missed. Jill and Lee
Greg Proctor
Just saw this obituary for Rex. I know it’s late but my condolences. Rex was a huge part of my theatre experience both at U of G and in Toronto. Will miss him greatly
Greg Proctor
Shirley (Hautala) Stenseth
Sincere condolences to the family. I had just typed in Rex’s name to see how he was….and was shocked to see the notice of his passing. I was a student of “Mr. Buckle” in Salmon Arm in the early 60’s. He was my favorite teacher and made English a fun course. The best part of my high school experience was due to Rex directing us in the musicals we put on…thank you Rex for the wonderful memories. Shirley (Hautala) Stenseth.
Kevin Bowers
Just saw this now – so sorry to hear of Rex’s passing earlier this year. Many happy memories of Guelph and excursions to Niagara on the Lake. Always proud to have made the transition from student to friend.
Andy Houston
This is a very late message of my appreciation for Rex Buckle. I was lucky to be one of Rex’s students at the University of Guelph. He was a fantastic directing teacher. His knowledge of directing, alongside his inspiration and support emboldened me to develop my knowledge and ability, and pursue directing professionally and as an artist-researcher at a few universities, and eventually at the University of Waterloo. I was a student at the University of Guelph in the 1980s, and in the years and decades after my graduation, Rex continued to be a support to me. I regret that in the past ten years or so our communication became infrequent, and sadly this lapse of communication is concluded with this message. Rex was an excellent friend, and a fine educator, and he will be deeply missed by me.