APB

This  article is dedicated to and in loving memory of

Anthony P. Bucher Sr.

June 14, 1938 – May 17, 2021

Golf is a sport that I took up later in life. I was first introduced to it by my buddy Ant – a friend that I have known since I was 4 years old. On one of my many trips to south Florida to visit Ant, he told me he had started playing golf and wanted to take me out on a course while he played a round to show me how fun the game was. So off we went. I don’t recall the name of the course but I do remember it was very beautiful. The fairways were long and full of trees, and the greens were amazing. I drove the cart and Ant played golf.

At that time I didn’t think I would enjoy hitting a ball down the fairway and then chasing after it only to hit it again – obviously that thinking has changed. My job was to drive the golf cart, indulge in some beverage, soak up the sun and watch Ant play.

We joked, laughed and had

a great time! 

Not long after returning home from that visit, Kathy was talking to her sister Debby – who by the way plays golf very well I might add! Debby suggested that we take up golf. She pointed out that we would have something we could do together for years to come. 

Kathy and I talked about it and slowly but surely golf became a part of our life. Of course Ant was happy to hear that I started playing – because it meant that whenever I went to visit him, we could play a round of golf together. Over time we have played several courses in south Florida together.

I look forward to any opportunity to get in a round with him! 

Over the years Ant got his father, Tony, into playing golf. Tony was a natural hacker just like the rest of us. He loved getting out to play. Of course, once Tony started playing golf, he would join us whenever he could. I really enjoyed it when Tony came along.

Any time that Tony got to play golf with us I was excited because it meant there would be lots of laughter and good times! From time to time when Ant had to work, I had the honour of playing a round or two with Tony – just the two of us. We would go to the local municipal and play golf. Each round was special. Tony would always ask me how my life was going and sincerely wanted to know what I was up to. We would talk golf throughout the round and he would ask me to give him a few tips for his game. We always had a great day together.

Golf has that ability – it brings people together and provides hours of bonding!

Growing up Tony was a part of my life in a meaningful way. When I would go to Ant’s house, his father made sure to always include me in their family as if I was one of the Buchers. And after all these years, that relationship continues to this day. I am part of their family and they are a part of mine. 

I have always thought of Tony as a father figure. Heck, I am referring to him as Tony in this article, but I can count on one hand how many times I actually called him Tony. For me, I always referred to Tony as Mr. B. He was a person I looked up to my entire life, my elder. Once I became an adult, he told me to call him Tony. I just smiled and thought to myself – that will never happen. I knew that calling him Tony was something I would never feel comfortable doing.

To me – he was always Mr. B. or Mr. Bucher. That was that!

A couple of weeks ago, Mr. B passed away from a long hard fought battle with various illnesses. He was a Florida Marine Patrol Officer for 38 years and he was a golfer! He was loved and respected by all of his family, friends, and fellow officers.

With his passing I just wanted to take the time to say that every round of golf that I played with Mr. B. will forever be in my memory. He loved the game. I am pretty sure it was something he picked up because his son Ant loved it and he wanted to be a part of Ant’s life and joy. And for me – I got to be a part of Mr. B’s life and joy every time we played!

Thank you Tony – I love you!

You will be missed!  

 Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting. Written by Marc Festa