DENMARK — Roger Edward Bucknell, 88, passed away on April 29, 2024, at home with loved ones by his side. Son of Arthur and Mary Bucknell, Roger was born in Hiram on August 20, 1935. He graduated from Potter Academy in 1954. After attending college at UMaine, Orono, Roger joined the Army in April of 1959, was in the Reserves in 1961, then honorably discharged in 1964.

One of Roger’s hobbies was bowling. He played for many
years on several leagues, and even brought his future wife on
their first date to a bowling alley. He married the love of his life, Betty, in 1971.

Roger is best known in the community for his insurmountable work ethic. Starting at a young age, he was working in the fields growing and selling vegetables at the family farm stand. In 1946, the family moved away from vegetables and focused primarily on strawberries. Roger, and his brother Frank, took over the Bucknell Farm – Pick Your Own Strawberry business in 1966 and continued till they retired in 1999.

When not selling strawberries, Roger drove the school bus and harvested timber. If Roger was not at home, he would most likely be found in the woods cutting trees and chopping firewood for himself and family members. There are even stories of people stopping to take photos of his beautiful rows of stacked firewood.

During the fire of 1947 in Brownfield, Roger was 12 years old and insisted on helping. However, his father would not allow him to fight fire due to being so young. They compro- mised and Roger helped at the fire rolling hose. When Roger returned from the Army, he joined the community fire department. For over 50 years, Roger volunteered his time to the Denmark Fire Department to help save others.

Roger was an avid outdoors man. From gardening, bird watching, and collecting sap to make maple syrup, to hunting, fishing and camping, he always had a great respect for the animals and making the most of what the land has to offer.

Throughout Roger’s life, he held many jobs. But his most cherished titles were “Grampa” and “Great Papa.” His love for his family is unmatchable.

Roger was predeceased by his loving wife Betty, son Thomas Richardson, brother Frank Bucknell, sister Betty Hunt, and his mother and father.

He leaves behind his daughter Katherine Lord (husband Gene Lord) of Denmark, son Kenneth E. Richardson (wife Susan Richardson) of Denmark, three grandchildren, Ryan Lord, Katelyn Callaghan both of Denmark and Kenneth G. Richardson of Virginia. He also leaves two great-granddaughters, Molly and Makenzie Callaghan of Denmark. Sister Fran- ces Beckett and her husband Carl Beckett of Mechanic Falls, brother M. Richard Bucknell and companion Debbie York of Denmark and sister-in-law Bertha Bucknell of Denmark.

A graveside service will be held on May 11, 2024, at Gilman Cemetery in Denmark at 1 p.m. with light refreshments at the Denmark Municipal building following.

In lieu of cards or flowers, donations can be made to Fryeburg Academy Special Olympics. Send to County Treasurer: Pam Lovely, 14 Republican Ave, Oxford, ME 04270.

The family would like to thank Androscoggin Hospice for their attentive and compassionate care during Roger’s final days.

Arrangements are under the care of Wood Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 9 Warren St., Fryeburg. To make an online condolence please visit www.woodfuneralhome.org