John Buckroyd

John Patrick Joseph Buckroyd, age 64, passed away Sunday, May 27 after a short, courageous battle with colon cancer. He was born September 11, 1954 to Mary Ann (Betty) Kenny Buckroyd and Lloyd Buckroyd, and grew up in Des Moines. John graduated from Hoover High School in 1972. A few years later he moved to Arizona and returned to Des Moines 17 years later. From an early age, John excelled in sports, Little All American Football League, High School football, golf…He was a natural athlete and always said, “I can turn on a dime.” John and his two brothers lost their parents at an early age. Self-reliance was an early trait and carried him thru his life. He was self-employed throughout the years in the tile and construction trades. John absolutely loved the game of pool. He was always on a pool league, captain of his current Tuesday night league and always trying to improve and fine-tune his game! To relax, John could be found at the park, flying his duel line stunt kite. John and Susan shared their life together for 20 years; always together, always taking care of each other. They enjoyed trips to Mexico and Arizona during the winter months, strolling thru the Valley Junction Farmers Market, but mostly they enjoyed just spending time together. He will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him. John was preceded in death by his parent. John is survived by the love of his life, Susan Metier; son, Robert White of Chandler, AZ; brothers, Paul and Jay Buckroyd of Des Moines; Susan’s sons, Phillip (Erika) Thomson of Des Moines and Graham Thomson of Ames, and many, many friends.