GEORGE NEWS - Larger than life. A true newspaperman through and through. An amazing legend. And an incredible human being.
These are a tiny sample from the tributes pouring in from literally hundreds of comments on Facebook after the sad news that Cliff Buchler passed away on Saturday 25 March, at his apartment in a retirement village in Cape Town from heart failure.
He was 84.
In 1978 Cliff established the Roodeport Record and remained editor for more than 30 years. He and "wifey", as he affectionately called his wife, Heidi, then moved down to George where he worked in different capacities for Group Editors.
He edited the George Herald for a while and assisted at Suid-Kaap Forum in Riversdale, Knysna-Plett Herald and also at Graaff-Reinet Advertiser.
He wrote a popular column, Cliff's Clout, for Group Editors and he will also be fondly remembered by readers of the Citizen in Johannesburg for his popular column each Wednesday.
But the best and most heart-warming tribute came from his son Kevin, who wrote:
"In my eyes, the world has lost a best dad, husband, Gagga, Gramps, swaer, best friend, the most remarkable and most loved person.
"My dad, Cliff Buchler, lived his life with such a positive approach to everything, he put his heart into everything, and achieved everything that he set out to accomplish in his life. Hey dad…. what can I say? You did it!! Best dad, best friend… so special, caring, engaging and contributing only good within all social circles.
"You will be so sorely missed, ever remembered by all friends, family, neighbours and strangers alike… as well as all your tabloid, newspaper readers of Cliff's columns, loving community-inspired Urban Village Register, Cliff's Lookout, Lifesaver Times, to the Cliff's Croc's Chronicle, Family Ties, Cliff's Clout, as well as your legacy of Caxton's most popular [paper], Roodepoort Record, your column Life In The City … read extensively and enjoyed by so many due to your unique encapsulating writing style, your feelings expressed and humour…
"Dad, whoever crossed your path, you had this uniqueness about you, leaving an everlasting energy, a vibe second to none.
From esteemed business leaders, work colleagues, politicians, clergymen, barbers through to petrol jockeys and car-park attendants - all positively affected with your contagious happiness and humour.
"Not only have you forged my character, taught me so many life lessons, one of which best describes you…. 'Kevin my boy, just think of it… it actually doesn't cost anything to be nice!!'
"If anyone can apply a third of my dad's ethos in life they would have lived a phenomenal life.
"Dad, wherever you lived you made Life in that City stunning."
It is with the utmost sadness that the Group Editors family say our final farewell to an honourable colleague, a trusted friend and one of the very best of his craft.
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