Ian Buckwold remembered at funeral as a “family man”

SASKATOON – Family and friends said a final goodbye on Friday at the funeral of a prominent Saskatoon lawyer.

Sixty-four-year-old Ian Buckwold was killed last weekend in the community of Emma Lake.

His son, 31-year-old Alvin Buckwold, who suffers from schizophrenia, has been charged with second-degree murder.

Ian Buckwold’s eulogy, given by his oldest daughter, was amplified to the overflow crowd standing outside the Agudas Israel Synagogue.

“My dad was a devoted grandpa to my children” she said. “They were number one in his world and he spoiled them outrageously.”

The eulogy also paid testament to Buckwold’s accomplishments as a lawyer and an avid volunteer.

He and his wife, Mary Ellen, were instrumental in the creation of the Les and Irene Dube Centre for mental health. The family vowed to continue to stand by Alvin, saying that’s what Ian would have wanted.

Those at the funeral say they were able to take away a message to continue to advocate for mental health.

“His daughter spoke eloquently about mental health and the need for it to be addressed by people primarily with an understanding of what mental illness is” said a colleague of Buckwold’s, Justice Gerald Allbright.

Buckwold had many ties in the community and grew up up with Mayor Don Atchison, who said Buckwold will be greatly missed.

“Ian really amplified what Saskatoon is all about, quietly behind the scenes getting the job done,” said Atchison.

Friends are giving credit to the strength the family is showing during this difficult time.

“They have handled it in a very dignified and respectful manner” said Jake Ens, a family friend.

Buckwold is survived by his wife, three children and two grandchildren.