Richard Bucey ’51

Richard Bucey ’51, who died September 7, 2011, in Hudson, Ohio, will be remembered and appreciated by his Dartmouth classmates especially for his leadership of memorial services at class reunions, recalling those who had passed away and exhorting the living to “give back”! Despite serious illness he returned to campus last June, determined to fill this role once again at the 60th reunion. Dick’s 50-year ministry included senior United Church of Christ pastorates in Cleveland and Avon Lake, Ohio. In retirement he served as interim minister at churches in Daytona Beach and Naples, Florida, at Cleveland’s Old Stone Church and as an associate minister in Hudson. He was a gifted, prophetic preacher who challenged his congregations with the responsibility of relating the gospel of love to world issues of social justice, war, poverty and hunger. Dick was sought after as a pastoral counselor and often served as a mentor to young people. For many years he interviewed and encouraged Dartmouth applicants. Dick came to Dartmouth from West High School in Akron, Ohio. Following his graduation he went on to receive advanced degrees from Yale Divinity School (master of divinity) and Lancaster Theological Seminary (doctor of ministry). He was an active board member at Deaconess and St. John West Shore hospitals (both in Cleveland), the Cleveland YMCA and several youth and family service organizations. He is survived by his wife, Norma, their three children, including Scott Bucey ’81, and seven grandchildren.