The obituary notice of John BUCKLEY

Whenever I was registering for something online and it asked me to select a favourite question... The question choice would be easy.

'Favourite teacher'

The answer to that question would be easy too.

'Mr Buckley'

Obviously now I've made this public I will have to change it up.

but on just the teaching level first and foremost, we all witnessed a master class in teaching.

You had us in line. You made me cry in year 7 btw, you accused me of something I didn't of and you bent down to shout in my face about it looool I was furious with myself afterwards because I didn't even cry after getting beatings but I cried after someone shouting at me.

I tell that anecdote because I cared that you respected me, you had people caring, you encouraged healthy competition of being smart within classes.

Your class wasn't the class to mess around in, you were our head of year, and you gave us rewards for attendance and excellence. The intention behind your teaching. Pop quizzes to make sure we retained key information. As referenced motivation by having past leavers on the door.

I think if you put your mind to football you would've been battling with Alex Ferguson for the Premier League, because the craft whether it was being a history teacher or head of year, you had high intention behind everything you did.

You used to repeat sentences with facts in them as you were speaking so we would be more likely to remember them.. Me and my brother Peter used to joke that you would start off lessons by saying.... "I'm only going to say this once... I'm only going to say this once".. Any way I can go on, It will always be a big regret of mine that I didn't reach out to you intermittently after I left. That's another big lesson you have taught me. Amazing teacher and an amazing man. Big love to Mr.Buckley his family and his friends!!

Thank you so very much for all of your amazing tributes. We are all very proud of how he has had such an effect on your lives. ♥️

RIP Mr Buckley.

One of my favourite teachers during my time at St Michaels. You made me truly love history.

Farrah Ohue (nee Hilton)
St Michaels Rc (1999 - 2004)

RIP Mr Buckley.

One of my favourite teachers during my time at St Michaels. You made me truly love history.

Mr Buckley, John.
So sad to hear of your passing but sad to also realise that I didn’t get to tell you in the more recent years about how I’m doing and how wonderful you were as a teacher. I did get to see you only a few years after leaving St Michaels on the bus and we had a catch up like old pals. You were firm but fair, enthusiastic for life and for education, you didn’t take any rubbish but you knew how to have a laugh. History lessons were a dream with you. Then there was the public speaking competitions that we took part in, on central London. I remember you buying us a Burger King from Piccadilly circus on the way home as a well done. Then there was your performance as teen angel when we did Grease the musical which was epic. I also laugh to myself whenI think about you and other teachers who would talk in code on a Friday and say “yes I’ll see you at the church meeting shortly” now knowing it was the pub.
I’m sorry to hear you had such a battle to deal with and I’m sure you fought it with all your might.
I hope you take great pride in knowing that being such an incredible History Teacher you were a vital part of so many peoples educational history.
Much love to you on to your next adventure ❤️
Kerry Enright Pupil from 1992-1997

Rest in peace John. Janet & Neil

To Mr Buckley,

I am saddened to hear of your passing.

You were a fantastic History teacher during my tenure at St Michael's and I will always fondly remember your support and teaching style.

Many were privileged to have been educated by you and I feel happy to be one of their number.

Thank you,
Jonathan