Richard Thor Buckstad, age 64, of Asheville, NC passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at his residence. He was born on January 3, 1957 in Union County, New Jersey to the late Douglas Buckstad and Nathalie Jacobsen Buckstad. At a young age, Richard showed exceptional skills in the athletic field. Starting off his early years in baseball, he soon raced to first in the Track and Field area. Being notably awarded and mentioned in numerous articles over his lifetime, Richard, at one point, was recorded in Sports Illustrated as the world's fastest runner. "Rick Buckstad, 14, of Edison, NJ, set an age-group record for the 3,000-meter steeplechase when he recorded a time of 9:49.0 in Trenton. Two weeks earlier he won the Road Runners of America cross-country title for 14 and 15 year old boys with a 7:54 for 1¾ miles." - Sports Illustrated Vault.com. This wasn't all just for the young man; Richard later on, with the gallant help of his late sister, Linda Lee Lancer, invented the Superman Telephone in California. He was an amazing Father, friend and protector to his left behind and cherished daughter, Shana Lee Buckstad of Asheville, NC. "My father would always quote his idol, John Wayne 'When the going gets tough, the tough get going.' He is no longer suffering and battling liver cancer. He is up in Heaven FREE AS A BIRD." Richard will be missed and loved from here on earth by those whose lives he not only touched, but made a permanent mark on.
LONG LIVE IN OUR HEARTS THE STRONG, STURDY AND CARING MAN WE ALL KNEW AS RICHARD THOR BUCKSTAD.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Lee Buckstad Lancer. Those left behind to cherish his memory are his beloved only daughter, Shana Buckstad, of Asheville; and a brother, Retired Colonel Robert Buckstad of Woodbridge, Virginia.
The family will announce a memorial service at a later date. Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Buckstad Family and assisting them with arrangements.
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