 BUCK, JOHN HAROLD JR. John Harold Buck, Jr., age 84. On Friday April 11, John's passing left the world a far less colorful place. The original "Most Interesting Man in the World", John was both extremely opinionated (ONLY Oscar Meyer bacon, cake glazed Dunkin Donuts, Cure 81 ham and Blue Bunny ice cream would do) as well as genuinely interested in learning the most he could about anyone he encountered. A Clarion State basketball star, a soldier, a basketball coach in the guise of a geography teacher, a music lover, a traveler, tinkerer, refurbisher, apartment manager and psychologist, John connected with people instantly through spirited conversations over coffee, rum, or both. Fiercely proud of his wife Nancy, his children Greg and Laurie, and his beloved grand- daughters Rachel and Emma, John was also known for "adopting" children in his former Pittsburgh neighborhood with his Cosby style of parenting. His love of all sports (baseball especially) and all things spiritual gave him distinctive bonds with his son-in-law Jon and his daughter-in-law Kumiko. His soaring spirit inspired all those whose lives he touched, and to those who knew him well, the simple memories and his unique pearls of wisdom define him best. Who can forget: "buy good meat and leave it alone", "work hard but enjoy doing it", and "you can't make chicken salad out of chicken sh?t". Often he would read inspirational billboards and improve upon them from a perspective only John could see-the most recent entry-"be silly, be honest, be kind"; then adding "be connected, be grateful". That we are John, that we are.
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