BUCKLER, Donald Keith peacefully and quietly slipped into the arms of God on July 25th 2012 in the Veterans Unit of the Soldiers Memorial Hospital Middleton NS. Born January 26th 1923 in Bear River NS, he was son of the late Roscoe and Olive (Bishop) Buckler. He was predeceased by sister, Maxine, brother, Gerald and daughter-in law Judy (Brian) Buckler. He is survived by sisters, Hazel Bell, Bear River, Dorothy Isles, Bear River and Roxy Potter, Nictaux NS. He was a kind and gentle person who was deeply compassionate not only about his entire family but also about the community around him. He dearly loved hunting and fishing. As a youth he attended Oakdene School and joined Maritime Tel and Tel in 1941 retiring in 1975. In 1942 he joined the RCAF and in 1943 joined the 427 Squadron in Lemming, Yorkshire. During the evening of March 15th, 1944 as a mid - upper gunner engaging in a night time fire fight with German planes, his plane was shot down over Stuggart, Germany, but not before his shooting down one of the attacking planes. He was a POW for thirteen months in Germany and Poland. He escaped from the Germans only to be recaptured later but escaped again and joined 15th Scottish Division. He was a proud life member of the POW Association, the Caterpillar Club, Air Crew Association and Telephone Pioneers .During his retirement he enjoyed being a 3 term Municipal Councilor for Bear River. He served 11 years on the Digby General Hospital Foundation: 18 years as chairman of the Buildings and Grounds Community of B.R.E.D.S. and was a founding member of the Bear River Health Clinic. He is survived by his wife LaVaughn, sons, Greg, Digby, his daughter, Sarah (Jason) Dorcas, Fredericton, NB; Brian, Bear River his daughters: Jennette (Tom) Nguyen their children: Mason and Lauren, Ohio; Carolee (Julian) DelCampo, their children: Julian Jr. and Jayden, Winnipeg, daughter Janice (Michael) Renaud, San Diego California and their children: Dallas (Stephanie), Kenley, Digby, Vanessa Kenley, Santa Monica Cal.; Michelle (Matthew) Oliver: their son Mason, Amanda Renaud: her son Gage and Chris (Dena) Renaud: their son Ryder, Kingston, NS. Cremation has taken place, funeral service will be held at the Bear River United Baptist Church, Bear River NS on Sunday July 29th, 2012 at 2 pm with interment in Mount Hope Cemetery., Bear River. Reception to follow at the Bear River Fire Department Hall. Family flowers only by request, donations in memory of Don may be sent to the Bear River United Baptist Church, Bear River NS, B0S 1B0. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street (902) 825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com