State officials and community members gathered in Denver Friday to commemorate the life of state Rep. John Buckner. The Aurora Democrat died May 28th after a long battle with a respiratory illness.
“He was able to relate to all different people at all different levels and that's what made his legacy great,” said Rep. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora.
Buckner was the chairman of the House Education Committee and a longtime Cherry Creek School District principal.
Those who paid their respects included Gov. John Hickenlooper, former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb and retired basketball star Dikembe Mutombo, who called Buckner a father figure.
Buckner leaves behind a wife, four children and three grandchildren.
