Tribute - Bruce Buckmaster
Tribute - Bruce Buckmaster
Major Bruce Buckmaster was promoted to glory on Sunday 13 December 2020 from Redlands Hospital, Brisbane. He was 77 years old and surrounded by his loving family at the time he passed.
Bruce entered The Salvation Army Training College in 1962 as a member of the Servants of Christ session of cadets. Commissioned in 1964, Bruce was appointed as the assistant at Bexley Boys Home (NSW) where he stayed for only six months before moving to become the assistant at Goulburn Boys Home (NSW).
In 1966, Bruce was appointed as the assistant at Pacific Lodge Aged Care (NSW) where he only stayed for 12 months because in 1967 he married Lieutenant Jean McGroder and together they were appointed to Bingara Corps (NSW).
Many corps appointments followed, including Maclean (1969-70), Moree (1971), Parkes (1972-3), Wagga Wagga (1974-76), West End (1977-78), Penrith (1979-81), Belmore (1982-84), Port Kembla (1985-6) and Orange (1987-88). While serving at Orange, Bruce also took on the appointment of Area Coordinator for Mitchell, West NSW Division (1988), before his final corps appointment at Mount Gravatt (1989-92).
In 1993, Bruce moved out of corps work and took up an appointment as a chaplain and then senior chaplain at Queensland Courts and Prisons, where he stayed and served faithfully for 15 years until his retirement on 1 February 2008, having completed 44 years’ service for God and The Salvation Army.
In retirement, Bruce enjoyed some overseas travel, including England to spend time with his brother Paul. Exploring Australia, however, was his priority and he visited many places on his list including the Bungle Bungles, Longreach and Tasmania. Bruce also enjoyed having more time to garden, to continue Bible and history studies, do some woodwork, and, most importantly, spend more time with family and friends.
Our love, sympathy and prayers are with Major Jean, David, Ian, Stephen and their families, as well as the many friends honouring Bruce’s life.
“I’m a soldier bound for glory, I’m a soldier going home; Come hear me tell my story, All who love the Saviour, come. I love Jesus, hallelujah! I love Jesus, yes I do; I love Jesus, he’s my Saviour, Jesus smiles and loves me too.”
The funeral service was held in Brisbane on Monday 21 December at The Salvation Army Bayside, conducted by Lieutenant Scott Frame.
Comments
It doesn't surprise me that Bruce was a prison chaplain in Queensland as his passion was obvious to me when I went as part of his visiting team to the Emu Plains Correctional Facility while at Penrith Corps. He was a great man of God.