Niels Robert Buckles

Niels Robert (Pete) Buckles, age 69, passed away peacefully at his home in Flora Vista, New Mexico on November 30, 2021. He was born in Farmington, New Mexico on December 17, 1951, to Robert and Helen Buckles.

Pete graduated from Farmington High School in 1969. He attended DeVry Institute of Technology in Phoenix after high school. He returned to college later and graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree from San Juan College in 1991 and continued at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado to receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1993. Over the years, Pete tutored many students in Math.

Pete worked for PESCO in Farmington, NM for 24 years and retired in 2017. He enjoyed playing golf and taking his dogs to the dog park. Sometimes children would see Pete and believe he was Santa Clause because of his white beard.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by two sisters, Amy Armenta (Felix) and Robin Buckles, of Aurora, Colorado and one brother, John Buckles, of Farmington, New Mexico. He is also survived by two nieces, Shanel (Armenta) Kuchera of Denver, Colorado, Taira (Buckles) Shelton of Farmington, New Mexico and two nephews, John Buckles Jr of Latham, New York and Gabe Armenta of Aurora, Colorado.

Pete had four dogs when he passed away. The dogs were welcomed into forever homes by friends from his favorite dog park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saddleback Park and the face book page is Saddleback Park Puppers, Pete’s favorite dog park. A donation is also set up with Lora Worley at Ruff House Pet Supply to honor Pete at his favorite dog park with a park bench and plaque. Pete had an amazing dog park family that he cherished. He was very active in the Saddleback Park Puppers group that also donates to Turquoise Paws and San Juan Animal League. On December 17, 2021, which would have been Pete’s 70th birthday, his dog park family held a birthday celebration and donation that went to Turquoise Paws and San Juan Animal League.

Pete has been cremated. A celebration of his life will be held on February 5, 2022, at Inspired Moments at 310 W. Main Street, Farmington, NM from 3:00pm to 4:30pm; with Pastor Larry Moore from Hope City officiating.

Condolences may be sent to the family at bucklesjohn@outlook.com or taira_janine@hotmail.com. The family of Pete is so very grateful for all the love and support.