Buckner, John Crawford of Weston and Marstons Mills, died unexpectedly on September 29, 2013, at the age of 55. Born in Boston on October, 3, 1957, Dr. Buckner was raised in Seattle, WA, where he graduated from the Lakeside School. He went onto Stanford University, graduating with honors and distinction in Psychology. He subsequently received a PhD in Psychology from the University of Maryland followed by a research career in psychiatric epidemiology and prevention at the National Institutes of Mental Health, the National Center on Family Homelessness, and finally at the Harvard Children’s Hospital Boston.
Dr. Buckner published widely and lectured on the topics of community cohesion, the effects of homelessness and poverty on children, and on the concept of self-regulation in children. He took his work beyond his academic role by founding and running the non-profit organization, Community Resources Information, Inc., that operates the widely used website: www.massresources.org. The website provides information on resources that address basic needs of individuals and families.
Outside his career, John was known as a superb athlete excelling in baseball in high school and college. He had become an outstanding golfer and was proud of winning the Willowbend Senior Club Championship in 2013. He climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro twice in his life, most recently in 2012 with his daughter Mila followed by a memorable safari with both Mila and his daughter, Kimberly. He enjoyed following current events and financial investments, his dogs, traveling, golfing, Cape Cod and keeping up with close friends. He was known for his generosity and kindness, his intellectual capacity, gentle manner and staying power. Above all, John was a loving and devoted family man who will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Dr. Elizabeth Cousins Buckner, his daughters Kimberly of New York and Mila of San Francisco, a brother, Dr. Frederick S. Buckner of Seattle, a sister, Catherine B. Hobbs of Corte Madera, CA, his mother, Ann S. Buckner of Seattle, and his father, Philip F. Buckner of Seattle and New York.
Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St.,Wellesley, Friday, 4-7 PM. A funeral service will follow at 7 PM in the funeral home. Relatives and friends kindly invited. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John’s memory to the charity of your choice.