Caxton legend Cliff Buchler passes away at 84

Cliff Buchler, one of the most popular columnists of The Citizen newspaper, passed away on Saturday afternoon, March 25 at his apartment in a retirement village in Cape Town.
He suffered from heart failure and passed away aged 84.
Cliff had a unique ability to express his feelings and those of his readers through his writing about political and other issues. He could fantasise, mostly in a humorous way, about what his country needed and how to achieve it. He even wanted to become Minister of Electricity, at the time saying he had experience in coal transport. In his dreams, that was.
Cliff was one of the first editors in the pioneering days of Caxton Community Newspapers. In 1978 he established Roodepoort Record (among others since) and remained managing editor for over 30 years.

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He has lectured to aspirant journalists at the Caxton Cadet School in Johannesburg and spent time at various newspaper branches mentoring with subbing and other editorial functions.
He had retired to the fairest Cape. Cliff was always a hundred percent dedicated to the message he wanted to bring across. He did not play around with words and was straight and completely honest in his attitude towards the politicians who he differed from. He was just as dedicated to his family.
He leaves his wife Heidi, son Kevin and his daughter Catherine behind. Cliff, who left his mark in all the communities where he lived, was also a regular contributor of articles and letters to all major publications.
“Go well my friend, the newspaper world and many others will miss you dearly,” Theo Eybers said.
Cliff’s son, Kevin Buchler wrote:

“You will be so sorely missed, ever remembered by all friends, family, neighbours, and strangers alike. As well as all your tabloid, newspaper readers of Cliff’s columns, loving-community inspired Urban Village Register, Cliff’s Lookout, Lifesaver Times, the Cliff’s Croc’s Chronicle, Family Ties, Cliff’s Clout, as well as your legacy of Caxton’s most popular Roodepoort Record’s your column “Life In The City’. It was read extensively and enjoyed by so many due to your unique encapsulating writing style, your feelings expressed, and your humour.

Dad, whoever crossed your path, you had this uniqueness about you, leaving everlasting energy, a vibe second to none. From esteemed business leaders, work colleagues, politicians, clergymen, and barbers through to petrol jockeys and car-park attendants, all positively affected by your contagious happiness and humour.
Daughter, Catherine Currie added:
“He had been in the print industry most of his long life. Starting with the World newspaper. For most of his life, he worked for Caxton Press as an Editor on their locally distributed newspapers. He became really famous for his contribution towards the newspapers on the West Rand, called the Roodepoort Record and the Randfontein Herald. Ending when he was away in his 70s working on the George Herald.

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“He was a keen contributor towards publications wherever he lived. In George, he brought out a monthly publication called the Urban Legend, then at the retirement complex where he lived until his passing he produced the Cliff’s Lookout.
“Through the tight bond he had with my husband Ross, together they produced 21 publications called the Lifesaver Times which were distributed to the Fish Hoek Lifesaver Association.
“He had his blog Cliff’s Clout and his column in The Citizen. Many, many of his columns were published in the Sunday Times and the Daily Maverick, I think because of his humorous, cheeky style of constantly cruising the government.”

Editor Trevor Stevens said the following:
“Cliff was a firm favourite of mine and the readers on a Wednesday. I looked forward to his column submission each week. It would always arrive Thursday or Friday at the latest, many days before his deadline which is a rare trait for a journalist. He would always have a lovely one-liner accompanying the mail. ‘Hope you indulge an oldie’ … ‘hope you scoop your competitors’ … ‘loved your paper today’.
“Cliff was one of a kind. A genuine guy. A good journalist and an honest columnist. I loved his daily travails with Heidi, and couldn’t wait to hear what mischief he got up to in the queue at the doctor’s. His humour each Wednesday was already missed.
“His thoughtful emails will be missed. Cliff will be sorely missed, but not forgotten. Our deepest condolences to Heidi and his family.
“Rest easy Cliff. You were one of the good guys.”