Overview of
The William F. Buck
Cancer Research Program

William ("Bill") F. Buck, IV

Phoenix resident William "Bill" Fenner Buck IV, died December 5, 2010 at the Veteran’s Hospital Community Living Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Mass and memorial service will be held on December 18th at Christ Anglican Church, 35500 North Cave Creek Road in Carefree, AZ 85377, at 10:00 A.M.

Mr. Buck was born January 10, 1943 in Utica, New York. to William F. Buck III and Dorothy Mae Rodgers.

Bill came to Phoenix in June 1947 when he was 4 years old. He attended Creighton School through the 8th grade and then went on to North High School. In January,1960, Bill joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, assigned to the U.S.S. Enterprise. After his service to our great country, he returned to Phoenix, Arizona where he discovered an organization he greatly believed in, the Phoenix Jaycees, where he quickly excelled in taking on projects for needy and underprivileged children. In1979, Bill became president of the Phoenix Jaycees. In 1982, Bill served as the chairman for the national Jaycee convention here in Phoenix, a task which entailed countless hours of detailed preparation and planning. In 1986, Bill served as a campaign manager for Andy Tobin who was a candidate for president of the U.S. Jaycees (and who became the youngest ever to be elected to that position, a record that he holds to this day). Bill was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in the Jaycees. The culmination of Bill's involvement with the Jaycees was being elected to the Junior Chamber International Senate where Bill was named an Ambassador.

Bill resided in Phoenix for 60 years. His diverse career included ecology recycling with Gene Gabrielli in the mid-70's; Advanced Copperstate Refuse Company with Carrol and Jack Conant; Ferto of Arizona; Great Western Travel; NAFTA Travel with attorney Sid Rosen; and Valley Metro where he was a favorite pal and inspiring co-worker to his innumerable colleagues throughout the years.

Bill had a passion for classic cars and was an avid Cadillac collector; his most prized automobile was his 1959 Cadillac with its large fins and dual brake lights. At Christmas he loved being Santa for children all over this country; he fit the part with his jovial laugh and rolling belly.

Bill was a long-time member of the Valley of the Sun Kiwanis, the Cadillac Club, the Arizona Automobile Hobbyist Council, and the Republican Party.

Bill was an early member of the Church of the Epiphany in Phoenix, helping to transform a simple house on North 12th Street into a beautiful house of God where he and his family have shared in giving glory and serving our blessed Lord. Bill was an active member of the parish for many years. He was on the Vestry for 25 years, serving at different times as Senior Warden, Treasurer, and Clerk. Bill was a delegate to represent the parish at numerous Diocesan Synods and National Synods of the Church. Throughout the years, Bill was always an outspoken and persuasive advocate on behalf of the Church's laity on a variety of issues. His fellow parishioners will always fondly remember Bill's gregarious ways and big heart.

Bill is survived by his beautiful, loving, and supportive wife Barbara Ellen Buck, his sister Jeri Lee Bowman, his sons Richard W. Buck (Leah) and William F. Buck V (Daphne), and stepdaughters Tawny Leathers and Deena Stevens,12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bill was and will forever remain in our hearts a very passionate man who was totally full of life and devoted to Christ and the family he cherished. Bill’s generous spirit, his robust and hearty laugh, as well as his abundant kindness to everyone were an inspiration to his entire family and his always-expanding circle of friends. He lived his life with great purpose, integrity, and bravery.

Memorial contributions suggested to: The William F. Buck Cancer Research Program at the International Cancer Advocacy Network, c/o ICAN, 27 West Morten Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021-7246, www.askican.org/BuckProgram as well as to his parish memorial fund at Church of the Epiphany, 8433 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020: www.epiphanyanglican.com.

Bill Buck's Program at ICAN will concentrate on Cancers of Unknown Origin. Please click here to read the article which is a good description of the gist of the area as well as the challenges faced.

The William F. Buck Cancer Research Program
is a vital part of ICAN's Cancer Patient Advocacy and Clinical Trials Program Advocacy Services.