Richard H. Buckerfield, devoted husband and father, business and community leader, and philanthropist, passed away peacefully on Aug. 28, 2009 at the age of 69 after a courageous six-year battle with lung cancer.
Dick was widely respected and loved by his many friends in Sonoma, Tiburon and Southern California, where he was born and raised. Dick served in the Marine Corps Reserves before starting his career as a highly successful business owner and pioneer in the insurance industry. Over his 41-year career, Dick expanded his insurance company, Beere and Purves, into one of the largest in California. Dick held many positions of high esteem within the insurance industry including President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. Dick often attributed his business success to his positive attitude and belief that all things are possible.
From Quonset hut parties with his Sigma Alpha Epsilon brothers at Long Beach State where Dick graduated in 1962, to moonlight bodysurfing forays at Seal Beach, to memorable parties in the homes he and Brenda shared in Glen Ellen and Tiburon, Dick taught all who were lucky enough to know him how to enjoy life. He and Brenda loved to travel with friends, but most of all, they just loved being together. Had Dick pursued another career it would have been in architectural design. His intense interest and talent is reflected in the home they designed, built and so enjoyed together in Glen Ellen.
He is survived by his beloved wife Brenda and his loving children, Laura Sakamoto and her husband Brian, John Buckerfield and his wife Sara, and his stepson Phillip Hostetter and his wife Christina, and his adored grandchildren, Gavin and Kylie Sakamoto, Will Buckerfield and Sydney and Tatum Hostetter. He was preceded in death by his dearly loved parents, Barbara and Herb Buckerfield.
At Dick’s request, there will be a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support lung cancer research at University of California Davis Cancer Center, Health Science Advancement, 4900 Broadway, Suite 1150, Sacramento, CA 95820.
