Richard Buckreis

Richard (Rick) Buckreis, a loving husband and father, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at the age of 64 in his home located in Boron, CA.

He was born on December 26, 1957, to John and Catherine Buckreis in Altoona, PA. Rick was preceded in death by his father, John, and mother, Catherine. He is survived by his wife, Judith, and daughter, Ericka.

As a child in an Air Force family, they lived in several places around the world as his father was moved from station to station, eventually being transferred to Edwards AFB. He would turn 18 and decided to call the Antelope Valley home. He would eventually move to Boron, where he found his future wife at a local ceramic shop. In 1991, they were married.

He would end up working for 412 Test Wing's Public Affairs Graphics Shop for over 40 years starting as an intern, working his way to becoming Graphics Chief.

Rick was passionate about helping animals in need and had considered becoming a veterinarian in his younger years. Instead, he decided to use his vast knowledge on rehabilitating injured wildlife by becoming a California State Wildlife Rehabilitator.

He volunteered his time, knowledge, and resources to dozens of non-profit organizations in Southern California over the last 35 years. This would include 8 years with Civil Air Patrol, Edwards AFB and over 20 years with the Kern County Sheriff’s Desert Search and Rescue (SAR) Team. His last duty was an Administration Lieutenant, a position he held for more than 10 years. Rick was also a key member of the grant writing team, receiving well over one million dollars in grant funds to support the SAR non-profit organization!

Rick also played Santa for local communities and families in need for over 36 years. In every facet of his life, Rick was known for his generosity and his giving nature. He was constantly doing for others and never expected compensation or reciprocation. It's not an exaggeration to say that Rick was not just an Edwards AFB legend, but an Antelope Valley and Eastern Kern County legend as well, with deep, long-standing ties to so many people. Many people knew Rick as an ally, a champion, friend, and family.

Friends are cordially invited to a celebration of life with the family on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 11am. It will be held at the Boron Senior Center, 27177 Twenty Mule Team Rd, Boron, CA 93516.

Condolences and requested letters of memories may be sent to the Buckreis family in care of Allen Wessel at Allen@RpmTraditions.com or 1113 W Ave M4, Suite D, Palmdale, CA 93551. In lieu of flowers, the family asks a donation be made to the Desert SAR Team to the same contact information for Allen Wessel with the envelope marked with "Re: Rick Buckreis". Please make checks out to Desert Search & Rescue.