Sherwood E. Buckland Jr.

Sherwood Ernest “Pete” Buckland, age 79, of Oxford, New York, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026.

Born on June 14, 1947, in Ottawa, Canada, to Sherwood Buckland Sr and Aileen Florence (Alker) Buckland, Pete lived a life marked by faith, service, and love for his family. Those who knew him best remember him as a man whose greatest passion was sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and encouraging others in their walk with the Lord.

Pete dedicated much of his life to Christian ministry, serving faithfully in churches and helping wherever there was a need. He had a servant’s heart and was always willing to invest his time, wisdom and energy in the lives of others. Whether through preaching, teaching, or singing and playing his guitar, he sought to point people to the hope found in Christ.

Pete graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and went on to serve his country with distinction in both the United States Navy and the United States Army. A proud Vietnam War veteran, he demonstrated a lifelong commitment to duty, service, and love for his country. A lifelong learner and avid reader, he valued both education and personal growth, earning degrees in Theology and Business. Yet his greatest passion was serving the Lord. His life was a testament to dedication, humility and a desire to honor Christ in all that he did.

Above all, Pete treasured his family. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and was grateful for the blessings God had given him through the generations that followed him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherwood Buckland Sr and Aileen (Alker) DuPont and his sisters, Pamela Buckland and Alera Buckland. He is survived by his brother, William Buckland; his sons, Jesse Buckland, Michael Buckland, Jeremiah Buckland, Benjamin Buckland, and Matthew Buckland; and his beloved grandchildren, Caleb, Luke, James, Emilia, Elise, Adelyn, Ali Aslan, Lilian and Marius.

While his family grieves his passing, they rejoice in the assurance that Pete is now in the presence of his Savior, whom he faithfully loved and served throughout his life.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:7

Visitation will be held at Behe Funeral Home Inc, 21 Main Street, Oxford, NY on Friday, June 19, from 2:00PM to 3:00PM, burial and military honors will follow at the NYS Veteran’s Home Cemetery, Oxford, NY. A memorial service celebrating Pete’s life will be held on Saturday, June 20, at 11:00 AM at Alpine Baptist Church, 5950 County Route 14, Alpine, NY, a reception will follow the memorial service.