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Stories about DadHere are a few stories sent to us by friends of our Dad, Dave Bucknam:
My memories of meeting David Bucknam emerge, coughing and crying, from a haze of coal smoke and cinders on the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge railroad some thirty years ago. My brother Kurt and I, goggle-eyed teens on our first big expedition, had signed up as would-be campboys on the Colorado Mountain Club Outing in the Needles and Grenadiers Range in the early 1970s—the first of our countless mountain adventures; our first big odyssey out on our own without our parents (who arrived a week later than we did on the same trail). Immediately we found ourselves adopted by a set of surrogate parents: for as luck would have it, David and Susan were co-leaders of the CMC San Juan Outing that year. For almost a decade afterward we worked for them as campboys, climbed countless summits by their side, carried their kids on our shoulders, sang their songs, choked on their campfire smoke, chowed down their rehydrated freeze-dried food cooked on sputtering kerosene campstoves, and plied the roads of the Rockies in the back of their immortal orange VW campmobile bus. John Muir said that between any two trees in the forest lies the door to a better world. For my brother and for me, it was the Bucknams who first threw that wild door wide open. Getting to the trailhead alone seemed an epic adventure—riding the old narrow-guage railroad to the far side of Purgatory Canyon; then fording the icy, snowmelt-swollen current of the Animas River to reach the hellishly steep trails up to timberline (and what seemed like heaven) on the other side. As I soon learned, they didn’t call it Purgatory Canyon for nothing. After Dave had loaded it down with supplies, my pack was so heavy I literally couldn’t pick it up. Climbing onto the train, I fell over backwards like a drunken turtle. And by the time we hauled our old-fashioned Kelty packs off the caboose and clambered up over the rails to the rocky shores of the Animas River, David had already rigged a safety line across the rapids. Rapids? No one had said anything to me about crossing rapids. Secretly I was scared witless of whitewater. I had never forded a river that size in my worst nightmares. But there was something in the quiet strength of David’s hands on my shoulders, the calm voice, the quiet air of confidence and command which carried me across the current, proudly waving back at David, whopping encouragement, a big grin bursting out from the far side of forever. No summit I have ever climbed—from Colorado to the Himalayas—has ever meant more to me than crossing that river that day. Heraclitus, the old Greek philosopher, warned that we can’t step twice into the same river. Perhaps in the end it is so. It’s been decades since I have felt the cold sting of those Animas River rapids; decades since I’ve even managed to stop by the Bucknam’s once-familiar home in Lakewood to say hello. I’ve long since moved to the other side of the Sierras; my little brother Kurt, like David, died suddenly just two years ago. But there’s a flip side to Heraclitus’s paradox—one which Thoreau knew well: “Time is but the river I go a-fishin’ in.” For it turns out you can step twice into the same river after all. We do it every day. It is only we poor humans, trapped like leaves in shallowest eddies of time, who fail to grasp eternity in the steady roar of the current’s deep flow. It is not the river which changes; it is we alone who let memory and magic slip through our fingers like water or wind or wine. Or so, looking back from a farther shore, it seems to me now. Is it really any accident that the word “Animas” is also the ancient Greek word for the soul? -Scott Lankford
In my job with the Office of Surface Mining, I worked with Dave for about ten years. My most memorable experience was a tour of high mountain mine closures with Dave driving of course. I’m sure we set the elapsed time record going from Silverton to Telluride via Ophir Pass in a State jeep. I have always wanted a Porsche. One time before a group of friends, Dave told me that if I wanted a Porsche I needed to learn to pronounce it correctly, PORSH-uh not PORSH. Jim Fulton
I know I was only supposed to write a story about Dave, but I felt one story was not sufficient for my special friend, Dave Bucknam. By now most of you know that Dave Bucknam was a family man, an adventurer, a leader, a professional, a gentleman, an organizer, and a lover of life. As director of Oklahoma’s Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation Program, I have had the great opportunity to know and work with Dave for almost 20 years. Like any new federal program, the AML Program was dynamic and required changes as it matured. Dave was elected President of the National Association of AML Programs at the annual fall meeting in Breckenridge, Colorado, in 1990. His one tenure as president was very memorable. His leadership was critical because of the “Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990" passed by Congress. This Act had a significant impact on all state and tribal AML reclamation programs. During this period, Dave navigated us through some rough waters with a firm hand at the helm. After Dave’s tenure as AML Association President, he continued to be very involved with activities at AML conferences and workshops. Dave was a thinker. He did not always comment on every AML issue or activity. However, during Association meetings when issues arose that were critical to State/Tribal programs, Dave weighed-in and everyone listened. Dave would always have a clear view of the big picture and would make all of us think about the pros and cons of these issues before we would take a final vote. One of Dave’s AML passions was training. Dave always felt that one of the most important facets of a successful AML program was to keep staff properly trained. Dave was instrumental in working with the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) and state/tribal AML staff to develop a training program for both state and federal employees. Dave along with other folks developed the first AML course focused on AML project inspection. I was fortunate to teach that first AML course in Norton, Virginia, in 1991 with Dave and Alan Kraps (OSM - D.C.). You could tell immediately that Dave had that natural ability to relate to others. Dave taught by “weaving” his own past AML field experiences into the lesson for that particular day. Dave was always thinking of ways to improve the AML training program. He was also the driving force in the development of AML Design Workshops for Dangerous Openings, Dangerous Highwalls, Mine Fires, Subsidence, and Landslides. I was fortunate to take the Dangerous Openings Workshop at Silverton, Colorado. This time rather than teaching with Dave, I was a student under Dave and Ginger Kaldenbach (OSM - Denver). Dave’s enthusiasm was contagious; we all learned a great deal in the “high country” around Silverton that week. But, I must say that Dave was a tough taskmaster because we were divided into groups with homework assignments to do when we got back to our motel rooms in the evenings. One of the most rewarding weeks I have ever spent was with Dave in the first week of August, 1995. The Oklahoma AML Program had never used gates to close mine openings, so Dave asked me if I would like to go with him on his annual inspection of the Colorado AML mine closures. We also visited projects that were treating water or covering mine tailings contaminated by past hard rock mining practices. Dave was the perfect host, but we did not waste anytime each morning rising early to get to the project sites that were all in the higher elevations around Durango, Telluride, Silverton, and Ouray. During our project site visits, I visited with several of Dave’s AML staff. I have always noticed anytime I have been in contact with Colorado AML staff (whether as an AML instructor or at AML Association meetings) that they all exhibit a strong commitment to their work, are self-starters, and are enthusiastic about their work. I believe these traits can be attributed in part to leadership and teamwork that Dave imparted in his staff. I will always treasure the many opportunities that I had to work, to laugh, and to share our many AML experiences with each other. I would normally end this tribute with “May he rest in Peace.” But, with Dave, it just doesn’t seem appropriate. Rather, when we meet again, I would like to say, “Let us climb that highest mountain, ski that fresh new fallen snow, take that ride in your favorite Porsche, and sail into that beautiful blue bay of water.”
Mike Kastl,
How sad it is to learn about Dave Bucknam. Having worked with Dave on the Abandoned Mine Land Task Force committee for years, I learned to appreciate his endless qualities. We will prepare a letter to the MLTD with our condolences to both all his fellow associates and family. He truly was one of the best. He was always both a friend to the mining industry and to the conservation and preservation side of the industry. We ill miss him dearly. His accomplishments will be remembered by a large sector of our population.
Tom Hendricks
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Dave’s passing. By copy of this reply, I am informing the CMA membership and attaching your very fine tribute to him. In addition to providing many years of loyal public service to the Division, its constituents, and the general public, Dave was a genuine nice guy. We will miss him. Please pass along my condolences to his many friends within the Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology. Sincerely,
Stuart Sanderson
I’m so very sorry for the loss of Dave. I know the love you have for him is different than that we have for him, but please know that we love Dave dearly too. Dave was just so darn special that it’s really hard to know what to say or where to start. I can see the twinkle in his eye and his doing that little clicking “I’m thirsty” thing towards the end of the day at our Steering Committee meetings ... meaning ‘enough meeting for today—it’s Beer Time!’. Dave gave so much of himself to the training program in his experience, intelligence, and great hope that by sharing that experience he and his fellow instructors would help their fellow AMLers nationwide do a better job of reclaiming the earth and keeping their fellow citizens safe. Dave raised the bar very, very high for the training program. I remember one time right after we started the AML design workshops which were ‘Dave inspired’ that he and Ginger took me out to the sites for a class but before we went out, Dave pulled off the road and gave me about an hour talking to of why we had to go to certain sites so students would be challenged—even if the logistics of getting them there did drive me nutz! And why, even though it was going to cost a log more, we had to bring students together from different states so they could learn from each other how to do their jobs better. And, he told me not to think about compromising because even though it was harder for us it was better for the students and that was all that really mattered. And, of course, Dave was right. So, forever more, students can be grateful that Dave was champion and I will be grateful to Dave for caring enough to teach me this lesson that quality always matters and there’s no such thing as ‘good enough’. Another contribution that Dave made that will forever benefit the program is the resolution he drafted for the NAAMLP recommending that the training program have the funds it needed to bring students together. I remember sitting quietly with Dave after a Steering Committee meeting and he asked me about a million questions, smiled, and went away. He then crafted the resolution which has been used every year since by NAAMLP and the IMCC to support the program. That language, promoting teamwork among the Feds, States and Tribes has been in every presentation I’ve made about the program for many years and as long as I’m there it will stay, even though it will be a lot harder to read Daves words next time. But them, I think Dave will give me a nudge and say wipe the tear away and make the case to keep things going! I can only say it understates things to say that Dave’s legacy will live on. One last story—the last time I saw Dave was at the NAAMLP meeting in Flagstaff. I was really sorry he missed his planned road trip but was very happy he was able to come to the meeting. I didn’t know how sick he was but I was very touched that he took the time to come to a session I was presenting and was especially pleased that he had some younger Colorado folks with him. Dave didn’t need to come to the session—he could have taught it, but he sat in the front row cheering me on and encouraging the younger people to participate. I remember feeling hoe kind Dave was, how much he gave of himself, and how much he always wanted things to be better; to be at a higher level. Dave was truly a champion in every sense of the word—he gave us wise counsel, his big heart, and his love of life. He will live on in our hearts and minds.
Sarah Donnelly,
Words are never enough at a time like this. I worked with Dave for many years and wanted you to know how much anyone who has worked with him will miss his wise counsel and friendship. He, more than anyone else, brought our AML Training Program to become the source for AML expertise across the nation. I worked with Dave on the OSM/State Training Steering Committee for years and without Dave we would have been lost in the AML area. On a personal side, I was Dave’s Midwestern Porsche connection. I remember so well his excitement when he was going to Chicago to look at the 944 you ended up buying. From a personal and professional side I will miss Dave as will everyone who ever worked with him or spent time talking about Porsches.
Charles “Sandy” Sandberg
Brenda and I are so sorry to hear of David’s passing. The tours that you both put on were the true highlight of out summers. They were not only fun but educational and interesting. I remember during the last tour, I was following you and David, since Brenda wasn’t there and I had no navigator. We were in a town and stopped at a light with you directly in front of me, when a man pulled up next to me and asked if I was on a rally of some sort. I confirmed that I was and he said that one of the other cars just turned off at the last road. I informed him that the couple that created the tour (you and David) were in the car in front of me and if they were lost, then there were a lot of people in trouble!!! During those tours, I not only got to know my car, but two of the greatest Porsche enthusiasts I will ever meet ... you and David. Brenda and I will truly miss him and think of him at every event we participate in, in the coming years. Thank you David for making our lives so much more fulfilling ... we were truly lucky to have known you. Roy and Brenda Lange
We were deeply saddened to hear of David’s passing. He was an inspirational friend and co-worker and I will deeply miss his humor, smile and encouragement. But I will never forget them. Steve & Mimi Renner
All of us who have shared the wonderful times together with David will miss his optimism, his "can do spirit," his wonderful smile and laughter, his humor, his appreciation of life, his professionalism, his ability to bring people together to better this world of ours. He is sailing in calmer waters and away from the pain, waiting for the crew to catch-up with him to continue his journey to ports-of-call untraveled and yet undiscovered. At this Thanksgiving time, I am thankful that I had the honor to share friendships with him and sail to many coconut covered islands surrounded by azure waters, set anchor, and talk of life and family. David will be missed by all who he touched. He has enriched all of our lives. Thank you for informing us of his passing. I need to reef my grief for I can feel the barometer of my heart falling and dark clouds approaching rapidly. But I know that Captain Dave is at the helm and already looking for the sunshine and the rainbow of life that is just beyond the darkness. He’ll expect us
Philip Cloues - Mining Engineer/Mineral Economist
On behalf of myself and Indiana’s Reclamation staff, please, express our deepest sympathy to all of Dave’s family, friends and colleagues. Dave’s commitment to AML and dedication to making a safer and better environment for everyone will be sorely missed. He was truly a good guy.
Paul Ehret
Although Dave’s his passing makes me very sad, I know that I will always have the best memories of Dave! I would like to share some of my thoughts about him. Roughly 40 years ago, when I was a CMC Junior, Dave was one of our faithful sponsors and he was great at it! Looking back, I think of Dave as being the older brother I never had. (I never had any brothers!) Dave was the big guy who was always patient, always ready to laugh....(and I can hear him laugh, now), always very easy going, always ready to explain and teach you something new and always fun loving, which is why he was so much fun to be around! Dave was my first instructor at Technical Climbing School. This made for a wonderful, positive experience for me, because I was scared of trusting myself to someone else on the end of my rope. But I trusted Dave and he made it fun and easy. He always explained the "why" behind things, which was exactly what I needed to make it all make sense. Dave was one of our sponsors on a long trip to the Wind Rivers and Gannett Peak. I had never been on a glacier before and Dave explained exactly what we needed to do to be safe, yet enjoy this incredible place. To this day, I can tell people how interesting and how dangerous glaciers are with their different formations, rivers, cracks, etc. So, thank you Dave for teaching me many life long lessons. You were a truly unforgettable and great guy! Nancy Holmes
Dave just struck me as one of those people who embodied the way to live life. Take it easy, mon. Enjoy every little detail. Enjoy everyone you meet. And smile throughout it all. I can’t imagine what he would look like without a smile on his face because I don’t think I ever saw him without one.
“Moby Rick”
While I was a high school boy, Dave, along with Susan, were models, guides and friends. They were young then, too, but an important few years older than me. Having then fallen off the map, I chanced to see Dave and Susan just a few times between the 1960’s of which I speak and our sad, present day. These times include the unlikely coincidence (if coincidence there be) of part-time paramedic service at the Porsche Club races. Dave had a magic eye: intelligent, caring, strong, and with the magic of unceasing humor. It was his gaze that told me he knew, cared about and accommodated his companions, the coming day, and what challenges lay before us. He had the twinkle in his eye, the always-ready laugh, and the very deliberate second voice of a selfless alter-ego. His accomplishments were always those of the group, not his alone. He knew no pretense I could see. He worked hard and played heartily. He made good pancakes under trying conditions in large quantities. (I do today, however, decline food with four-letter names such as "Spam" and "Gorp".) It is likely that Dave never knew how much he meant to me, what an important role he played for a brief but critical point in my life while still a boy. Other senior peers did this along with Dave—Susan, Tad and Brian, Phil and Bob and John. And they did this for others besides me, and not just a few, I think. It was Dave’s particular gift to me to be a living model of the next step from the high school years. Dave is always with me in my character as well as my memories, a friendly guide with a belay up the most important pitch, the one just ahead. And tonight, I learn, Dave is, again, leading, just one pitch ahead. -Mike Kiley
Jane and I are in Bali and got the news from Tamela about Dave’s passing. I felt a great sadness for you, your children and the thought of not having the physical presence of that delightful teddy bear at future RMR events is a big loss for us all. Dave will live on in my heart and will be remembered as a wonderful, kind, generous, lighthearted and thoughtful human being. Our love and condolences to you, Marv and Jane
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of Dave Bucknam. Dave was a friend and colleague of mine for over 20 years. I worked at the Colowyo mine and Oxbow mine and also served on the AML Advisory Board. Dave’s dedication and compassion towards solving mining related issues in Colorado was unsurpassed! Dave was a friend to the industry and highly respected by all who came in contact with him. Out trips to the Colorado Mountains to see reclaimed mine sites and Dave’s ever-present smile are cherished and lasting memories I will not forget. I can affirm that Dave was a first class guy and a role-model for his colleagues in DMG. Dave’s memory and legacy will truly live on in his many accomplishments. I will miss him. Jim Kiger, Paonia
The employees of the Office of Surface Mining are saddened by Dave’s passing. We enjoyed the relationship we had with him that began almost at our agency’s beginning. Dave’s leadership both in Colorado and nationally in the implementation and administration of the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program was a great contribution to the health and well-being of millions of Americans living and working in the coalfields. His work in Colorado closing dangerous mine openings and reclaiming lands disturbed by mining will be a lasting tribute to his professionalism and humanity. We will remember his positive outlook and friendly approach to everyone he met.
Jeffrey D Jarrett
I’m writing to extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family for your loss and sorrow. If you are feeling unmoored in the deep waters of your sorrow, please remember the love of your climbing friends for both you and Dave that does not diminish with Dave’s death. My heart is heavy when I think of Dave’s capacity for caring and kindness—a really gentle person. We will miss that. I am sure we all thought we could head for the sunset together, and in my dreams you and Dave are always together. Love and peace, Lynne Horiuchi
It was a privilege to have known Dave for he was a good hand. During the Yukon gold rush to Dawson down the Yukon River he would have been known as "A man to go down the river with". No greater accolade was given to any man. Regards, Ed Hunter
I feel so sad that Dave is no longer physically with us, but his memory lives on for all of us. I vividly remember once (1966 or 1967) on Mix-Up Peak in the Cascades—Dave was midway up a slab when some rocks came down from overhead. I thought I’d have to catch him on the belay rope, but he hung on. He went on to lead so many trips for CMC—remember when your group surprised ours by showing up on the Capitol knife-edge via a different approach? And when you both took on the “Wilderness Kids”? What a splendid creative endeavor, and a great investment in enhancing the kids’ lives with mountain experiences. More lately, I can only imagine what a ride in his Porsche would have been like. May such memories, not to mention his welcome chuckle (which I can hear just by thinking of him) and his eager, generous, and friendly energy ease your sorrow. I have no doubt that his life, and how he went after his dreams will provide future inspiration for us all. Best Wishes— Love, Dick Walker
Today I learned of Dave’s passing and I am so sorry and so sad. I have admired Dave’s strength over the last few years and I will miss him very much. Dave was a calming force in my life and he taught me by example about how to find the good and fun in life. I have a long way to go to be like Dave, but I cherish having been able to learn from him. Dave was a true leader. I loved going on our Tech Training Committee trips together. He always found the best diners and we always followed Dave to the coolest pubs. I always knew that once we met at the airport I could just latch on and follow. Those were the greatest trips and I will miss being with him very much. I know that Dave’s fight has been very private, but I hope you know how much we have been worrying about him and how much he means to me and to so many of us here at DMG. Dave will be missed deeply. David Berry
My funniest recollection of David is still the 3 of us stuffed in your "old" 356 in Pueblo coming back from a restaurant, and me getting one of my rib cage cramps. Poor David was really at a loss as to what to do. I knew he wanted to help get me unstuck..... I still get the cramps, but avoid the back of "bugs" of all classes...... I envy you in a lot of ways, my dear. You had such a long love affair. Yes, it should have been longer, but the quality makes up for the time. Better a week in a 911 instead of a lifetime in a Chevette........ David always gave the very best hugs, knew some great lines, and seemed always to be smiling. Maybe that’s because when I saw him he was around two things he loved dearly, you and his cars. He was blessed. I will miss him dearly. Take the best care of yourself. He will like that. Love, Bonnie
Some special things about Dave come to mind, he was such a monument in the world when I met and married Phil, when I learned to climb with Phil. First of all, he took the liberty to trust his Volkswagen and, with Sue, drove through the night and day to get to our wedding in Philadelphia in November, 1967, as a surprise. It meant a lot to Phil, his CMC Junior buddy, and it restarted a hiking friendship which was to last until he could climb no more. He stood tall in the Himalayas when he joined us in the Pakistan/China heap of rocks, in the early 70’s, such a place. I remember well how he announced that a climb was much too difficult for us and that we had to back off, a 22,000-foot peak on a cloudless day, beckoning us to try. Yet, it was not right for us, he knew it and even if we wanted to try, we listened to him and saved it for another time. We trusted his wisdom. No backtalk. Dave became a fixture at CRMS, on the annual spring trips, where Phil and I worked and took groups of students into the desert for week-long hiking trips. Somewhere along the time line, Dave joined our groups, hiking or biking, and became an acclaimed member of the CRMS Spring Trip Leader Group. He was always able to get the kids to do things they didn’t think they wanted or could do, and he cajoled any and all of them through cracks and crevices. I assumed that he would always be roaming around our valley, along the Crystal, checking out the mine clean-ups as part of his job. From time to time, I would see him drive by on his way to check out a site, he would stop and come on in for lunch with the students and faculty at CRMS, just as he was expected to, a member of that place. When I left in l989, he may have left the patrol of that area too, but I will always think of him going out to net the re-vegetated hills, to check on the growth of planted areas, to keep things going as best they could. For that is what Dave always did, be it hiking through yet protecting fragile desert areas, putting up tents so they would stay up, finding the best way to tell a kid that he "forgot to clean up after himself," or showing up with a grin, he kept all of that going for us, his friends in the outdoors. I am lucky to have known him in so many situations. I will miss him. -Barb Settles
For Dave: Where there are friends, there is wealth and tonight we celebrate a rich life. We celebrate Dave’s life with his family and with his many friends. We worked with Dave for many years. But whether the time was twenty years or two, Dave gave to his working relationships the same compassion and energy that he gave to all his endeavors. Dave managed our staff with a blend of leadership, friendship, respect, trust and encouragement. His qualities as our friend, mentor and supervisor have made our workplace a truly unique experience. For those of us who worked with Dave he was a force to be reckoned with. He constantly challenged employees and colleagues to follow their passion and interests and also demanded quality work. He trusted employees judgment but also offered counsel, advice, and criticism. He taught us the important balance between work and play. We will always remember him for his competitive spirit and tireless energy to do just one more task... just one more mine site, go just one more mile. He was a doer, a perfectionist and never on the sidelines—but always in the game. Whether it was a hike to the Old Hundred, a lap around the track, a run down the ski slope, water sampling in the San Juans, underground at the Edgar, a game of shuffle board, or beers at the “Breck” we all have our memories and they will live long in our hearts....
From staff members of Colorado Inactive Mine Reclamation Program
[Congressional Record: March 10, 2005 (Extensions)] [Page E408-E409] From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:cr10mr05-29] TRIBUTE TO DAVID LEE BUCKNAM ______ HON. MARK UDALL of colorado in the house of representatives Thursday, March 10, 2005 Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the hard work of David Lee Bucknam, a dedicated public servant in Colorado who recently passed away. Mr. Bucknam, who was 60 when he died November 22, 2004, spent 24 years directing the inactive-mine reclamation program of the Colorado Division of Mineral and Geology (Division), sealing abandoned mines and restoring the soil and water they contaminated. Earlier today, I introduced two bills designed to address the barriers hampering the cleanup of abandoned hardrock mines in Colorado and throughout the west. The introduction of these bills reminded me of Mr. Bucknam and others like him who worked hard to protect the public and promote wise environmental stewardship. Mr. Bucknam worked with me and my staff on this legislation I am introducing today and I would like to take this opportunity to express my posthumous appreciation for his assistance and for all the work he did for Colorado. Mr. Bucknam was born in Brockport, New York in 1944 and arrived in Lakewood, Colorado when he was 10. He became an avid and skilled mountaineer and skier, getting an early start in the Denver Junior Group of the Colorado Mountain Club in his teens. In the "Juniors'' he headed climbing trips and outings, taught mountaineering skills to other teens and adults, and shared his love of the outdoors. He continued to climb throughout the western United States, in the Himalayas, in Canada and in Mexico. Mr. Bucknam taught junior high history and geography for several years, worked for the Colorado Land Use Commission and then for over 24 years with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. He retired as Director of the Office of Active and Inactive Mines, and when asked what he did, he always smiled and said he ``closed up old mines''. Under his leadership, Colorado's Inactive Mine Reclamation Program and the Colorado Mine Safety and Training program were nationally recognized. He was a mentor and role-model for many of the employees in the Department. His competence and dedication--coupled with his compassion for his co-workers and his leadership on national issues--made a lasting impact not only on the Division, but the state and the nation as well. In 1990 he served as president of the National Association of Abandoned Mined Land Programs and continued to provide leadership to the Association by serving on several national committees. During his tenure at the Division, he helped secure access to about 400 abandoned mines a year out of an estimated 20,000 in the state in order to address the problems they created and reclaim the surrounding land and water. He also helped work on the endless problem of underground coal fires, of which at least 29 subterranean fires still smolder in coal seams throughout Colorado. Mr. Bucknam's love of the outdoors, his service to his state and community, and his work on addressing the legacy of mining activity are all worthy of recognition. My staff and I wish to express our thoughts and wishes to his family and coworkers. ____________________Thanks to everyone who has sent stories (and pictures)! If you have a story to share with us, send it here. We love hearing them! |