Patrick Dwayne Bucknaga

Patrick Dwayne Bucknaga

December 5, 1962 - April 19, 2017

Born in Park Rapids

Resided in Detroit Lakes, MN

Patrick was born on December 5, 1962, to Melvin and Bernice (Clark) Buckanaga in Park Rapids, MN. He was raised and educated in Minneapolis, MN. He moved back to Ponsford in the late 1970's, where attended the Detroit Lakes Vocational and Technical College and received a degree in culinary arts. He was also trained to box by his father and uncles and became a Golden Gloves Champion who won numerous bouts and titles. His tough nature prepared him for his life as a father. He worked as a concrete laborer and went on to drive taxi for DL Taxi. He was married to his first wife, Stacy (Skinaway) Buckanaga, in the early 1990's, and they were married for 17 years. Patrick went on to have ten children and loved each of them in his own special way.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, having cook-outs, and family gatherings. He was a fan of boxing and basketball who liked watching and participating in both; he would often take trips to tournaments with his family. He enjoyed playing poker and loved his trip to Las Vegas; he had always intended to return. He enjoyed hosting poker games and had a ranking system for each player. He truly loved raising his granddaughter and told her every day how beautiful she is. No matter what he did in life he always had good intentions. He was one of a kind when it came to giving out birthday presents.

He is survived by his special friend, Becky "Buck" Kotchian of Frazee; children: Patrick Buckanaga Jr. of Pine Point, Michael Croud of Pine Point, Emily Fairbanks of Fargo, ND, Nicole Croud of Minneapolis, David Fairbanks of Fargo, Derrik Croud of Pine Point, Jessica Dean of Lake Park, Darius Kroulik-Buckanaga of Detroit Lakes, and Brooklyn Kroulik-Buckanaga of Detroit Lakes; siblings: Melvin (Celeste) Buckanaga of Mahnomen, Michael Buckanaga Sr. (Patti Viznor) of Mahnomen, Diane Buckanaga of Detroit Lakes, Roxanne (Michael) Flammond of Minneapolis, Evelyn Buckanaga (Jim Swan) of Mahnomen; a brother-in-law, Scot Blaine of Detroit Lakes; numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and all his poker buddies.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Bernice; his grandparents, John and Jane Buckanaga, and Clarence and Louise Clark; a sister, Wanda Blaine; his son, Travis "Travey" Buckanaga; a grandson, Brayden Buckanaga; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.