Former Kriel dentist passes away
Mrs Buckley said her late husband was always keen on teaching new assistants and constantly helped them to further their knowledge.
Well-known retired dentist and Kriel resident for many years, Dr Deon Henning Buckley passed away.
“Unfortunately Deon had health issues for many years and it came to a point in 2020 when he had to retire reluctantly after 38 years. It was extremely difficult for his loyal personnel and patients,” said his wife Esté.
Deon Henning Buckley was born and raised in Cradock, Eastern Cape.
He was raised by his parents John and Helen Buckley, he had two siblings.
Growing up in Cradock was a joy to Deon who was born on January 15, 1959.
His parents were keen tennis players, and Deon soon took on the sport and excelled therein, up to playing provincial tennis from his teens.
Being an excellent sportsman, he also became a reckoned adversary in squash and cricket.
Deon took on golf and soon became a very accomplished golfer, winning many trophies and tournaments.
Many golfers dreaded playing against him, while most wanted to team up with him, until his passing he was a loyal member of Kriel Golf club.
Deon attended Cradock Primary School until Grade 7 and completed matriculation at Ermelo High School, after graduation he enrolled for dentistry at the University of Pretoria.
After attaining his degree, he did two years of military service.
At the end of his basic training, he was stationed in Denelton, Mpumalanga.
He was mostly deployed to attend to the needs of the rural community and especially, children.
He soon became the beloved dentist in the community.
During his fourth year of studies, he met his soulmate, Esté Laurens, an oral hygiene student at Pretoria University.
They got married while he was doing his military service in 1983.
There are two children in the marriage, John and Doné who are also dentists, and because of the passion, Deon had for his occupation, both of his children are married to dentists, he also has one grandson, James.
At the end of his service, the opportunity to buy into a dental practice in Kriel with Dr Stighlingh presented itself.
“The two of them grabbed the opportunity. Starting was tough and money was tight, but they stood together, worked hard, and soon became successful and beloved in Kriel. Through the way he treated his patients, it was clear he always wanted to be a dentist,” Mrs Buckley said. With Esté by his side, the practice grew rapidly and by 2002, when Dr Stighlingh emigrated, the practice continued to grow.
Mrs Buckley also said that her late husband was always keen to teach new assistants and constantly helped them to further their knowledge.
He always strived to broaden his knowledge to the benefit of his patients.
Deon had a wealth of knowledge and a passion to share with young dentists.
“Deon was a caring person and giving came naturally to him. He always had an open hand, giving to people in need. The old age village and orphanages regularly benefited from his generosity. It was his pleasure to help with food, goods, and services. He was always involved with charity events at the golf club, fundraising, and sponsorships,” said Esté
His son and daughter-in-law continued the practice in Kriel until 2022 when they moved to the Western Cape.
It is an end of an era to see the practice leave Buckley hands.
The family hoped that the doctor taking over will have as many wonderful years in Kriel as they had.
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