George Buckbee

George Buckbee, professor emeritus and dean emeritus of the Pacific Conservatory of Music, appreciated as a singer, conductor of orchestras and choirs, opera director and an outstanding teacher, died June 22 after a brief illness. He was 81 and lived in Helsinki, Finland.

Professor Buckbee will be remembered for his enthusiasm and love for his art. He left a deep imprint not only on Pacific and the Conservatory, but also on the community, which in 1992 awarded him the Stockton Arts Commission's STAR Award for his contributions to music. Buckbee conducted both the Stockton Symphony and Stockton Opera, of which he was also artistic director. He continued to be an advocate for the arts throughout his retirement. He was a graduate of the College of Wooster and the prestigious Eastman School of Music.

He served as Dean of the Conservatory from 1994 to 1996 and from 1999 to 2000. He taught in Pacific's voice program and as director of opera from 1973 until his retirement in 2000. His work abroad included conducting the Finnish and Norwegian National Operas, and the Swedish Oratorio Chorus. Pacific in 1996 awarded Buckbee its highest honor, the Order of the Pacific, for distinguished service and outstanding contributions to the University. The Conservatory plans to honor his memory during the 2012-13 academic year.

http://www.pacific.edu/About-Pacific/Newsroom/2012/May-August-2012/...