Death of Rev. Dr. Kenneth Buckwald

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We are holding in prayer the friends and family of the Rev. Dr. Kenneth H. Buckwald who died on Sunday, September 22, 2019.

Ken was born April 9, 1932 in Buffalo, NY.  He attended the State University of NY at Buffalo, Eden Theological Seminary, College of William and Mary, and received an honorary doctorate from Defiance College.

He was ordained at Trinity UCC, Buffalo, NY, on July 15, 1958.  He married Norma Helen Buckwald in 1961, and together they had two children, Lynn Coor and Kurt Buckwald.

He served in ministries at:

  • Christ Church UCC Rochester New York 1958-1962

  • Mesa United Church of Christ (Founding Pastor) 1962-1967

  • Church of the Beatitudes (Senior Associate) 1967-1999

    • Pastor Emeritus

  • Beatitudes Campus of Care (President and CEO) 1974-1999

    • Retired from Beatitudes Campus of Care

Ken was active in a number of leadership positions in the Southwest Conference and the Phoenix area:

  • Involved in Beginnings of SWC as it separated from Southern California

  • Church Extension (Chairman) SWC

  • Budget Committed (Chairman) SWC

  • Valley of the Sun Physician-Clergy Society

  • Phoenix Kiwanis Club

  • Region IV Clergy (Chairman)

  • Region IV of the SWC (Vice-Chairman)

  • North Phoenix Corporate Ministry (President)

  • New Church project in Sun City Sponsoring Committee

  • Valley West Strategy Committee

  • Seminary Education Association Western Rep

  • Worked for SWC part-time 1 day per week at one point

He also enjoyed photography, boating, fishing, and rock hunting. He was a member of the Church of the Beatitudes. 

The memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2019, at 12 noon at the Beatitudes Campus in the Life Center. The Beatitudes Campus is located at 1610 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix, Arizona, 85021.

We thank you, Beloved God,  for your Ken's life, ministry and leadership among us for so many years!  We pray for your comfort for Ken's family during this time of loss, hope in your promise of new life, and that your grace and blessing shine brightly in the days and weeks to come as Ken's life is remembered and celebrated!  Amen.