The death has occurred at the age of 93 of Albert Buck, who left many happy memories with his family members and friends in the Penrith area.
Born at Felling, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, he was the oldest of seven children of the late Albert Edward and Lillian Buck. He had four sisters, Doreen, Irene, Isabel and Marian, and two brothers, Lance and John.
When Albert was three the family moved to his father’s home town, Penrith. At first the family home was in Douglas Yard — part of the area now occupied by the Sandgate bus station — but after a couple of years they moved to Raiselands Croft, which was then a new development.
The young Albert attended the Boys’ National School, in Benson Row, and completed his education at the age of 14. He then started work with Penrith Co-operative Society, delivering milk alongside Dick Parker.
In his spare time he was head chorister at Penrith’s Christ Church — until he left the town to do his national service. He was stationed with the Army in Trieste, on the east coast of Italy — a country which subsequently held a special place in his heart.
After returning to Penrith he became an apprentice butcher at the Co-op, but left this job in 1953 to become a pump attendant at Davidson’s Garage, in the town’s Scotland Road. He worked his way up to become manager of the garage and worked there for 42 years, until his retirement.
Albert was best man at the wedding of Stan and Ruth Johnston, at which ceremony the bridesmaid was a young lady called Jean. Albert spent the rest of his life adoring her and the two were married in 1957. Their first son, Stephen, arrived the following year and their second, Neil, was born in 1961. The family home was at 48 Scotland Road, and later at number 102 in the same street.
Albert was skilful at darts and later enjoyed talking about the places where he had played, such as the “jerry” in Scotland Road where ale was served but not wine or spirits.
He played for the Royal Aces darts team in the 1950s and 60s and won a great many trophies during this period — as he also did in the local domino league. Always liking to be closely involved with things, he served as treasurer on the darts and domino leagues in which he played.
Another interest was dancing and he was in great demand as a partner at the Drill Hall, Penrith — at that time a very popular venue where bands played on a frequent basis.
At the age of 45 the man who had spent almost half his life working at a garage finally got his driving licence.
After their children had left home, and Albert had persuaded Jean to get on an aircraft, they used to jet off every summer to some European destination. Later, they enjoyed holidays at home and abroad with local coach firm Titterington’s.
Albert and Jean moved to Canny Croft after spending 30 years in Scotland Road and he retired in 1995. However, he was not content to just put his feet up but worked part time at the Herald with his son Stephen, taking papers off the printing press and latterly copy reading to check for mistakes.
Retirement also gave him more time to spend in his greenhouse, nurturing the plants which were his pride and joy. It gave him great pleasure to give the hanging baskets he had created to family, friends and neighbours — typical of his generosity.
He also enjoyed listening to music, particularly songs by American tenor Mario Lanza or other opera numbers, played at high volume. He often watched westerns, featuring John Wayne, on his television, and if other people watching had to leave before the end he could invariably tell them what they would be missing.
In the last months of his life he was cared for with great kindness by his daughter-in-law Carole, latterly with help from Hospice at Home, district nurses and healthcare assistants.
He is survived by his sons Stephen, Penrith, and Neil, Stainton; and sister Mrs Doreen Allen, Penrith. He had five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
The funeral service was held at Christ Church, Penrith, followed by interment at the town’s cemetery. Richardsons Funeral Directors, Penrith, had charge of the arrangements.
