EAST BALDWIN- David Richard Wight Hodgdon Buckley, 38 years of age, passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2022, at home. David was born in Portland, Maine on September 12, 1983, to Laurie (Hodgdon) Buckley.
David is a 2003 graduate of Sacopee Valley High School in So. Hiram, Maine. While in school, one of his favorite memories was being a part of Special Olympics. He was always so proud and excited to share his medals with us. It was at these Special Olympic games that he made many friends. There wasn't a place we would be at that David didn't recognize a friend. Once you became his friend, you always would have a special place in his heart. David, my son, was a gentle and loving soul with an infectious laugh.
One of his many loves in life was fishing. It didn't matter if it was salt or fresh water, just so long as he had a pole and bait. He was so excited when he caught a 7 lb, 26" bass while fishing with his Uncle Pete. And, yes, he let it go back in the water so it can go home, as he would say. David enjoyed having campfires and the stories that went along with it. His best friend, Jay Warren, always had some great ones to share. He was always happy listening to music and playing his guitar. Amber, Andrew and Christine were a huge music influence on him, especially when Andrew would let his rhythm take over. I would tell him that having music in his soul was like having love in his heart. Music made him smile especially when I would attempt to have some of those rhythm moves. It's these memories and more that I am so thankful for to be able to look back on.
David was predeceased by his grandfather, Richard J Hodgdon Sr, and his brother-in-law, Richard Crocker.
David is survived by his Mom and Dad, Laurie and Bradley Todd Buckley of East Baldwin. Siblings Amber (Crocker) Buckley, Andrew Gerry, Christine Nina Gerry, Nicole (Buckley) Kimball and husband Travis, Todd N. Buckley and wife Ashley, Hannah Buckley and fiancé Noah, and Heather (Buckley) Chapman and husband Charles.
Aunts and Uncles, Peter and Heidi Payne, Deanna and Jeff Hartford, Richard Jr. (Johnny) and Vicky Hodgdon, Aaron Hodgdon and fiance Brittany Oster. Nieces and Nephews, Christopher, Timothy and Hayley Crocker, Noah Gerry, Calvin and Austin Kimball, Xander Dudley, Elijah Chapman, and Charleigh Buckley. Cousins, Scott and Heather Payne, Brandon and Moriah Payne, Cedric Payne, Ryan Emery and fiance Sovannary Thomas, Matthew and Ashley Emery, Tiffany Emery and fiance Derek Verrill, Joe Hodgdon, Nichole and Raymond Champ, Courtney and Jacob Hutton, Hazel Hodgdon, Hunter Hodgdon, Chianna Morrison, Hadley Oster and Isla Hodgdon. Grandmother, Phyllis Hodgdon.
Some of life’s simplest pleasures brought great joy to David.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday Jan. 13, from 5 - 7 PM at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., Cornish. Online condolence messages can be submitted to the funeral home website, www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Special Olympics, attn: Special Olympics, 137 So. Hiram Rd, So. Hiram. ME 04041.