Gary D. Buckles, 51, former press superintendent for the Daily Egyptian and pitching coach for the SIUC women’s softball team, died Tuesday of an apparent cardiac arrest at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale .

Buckles had worked at the Southern Illinosian for 21 years before coming to the DE as print shop superintendent in 1988. He also worked as pitching coach for the softball team for nine years until 1994.

Friends of Buckles said that he had been suffering from diabetes and kidney problems for a while, but until recently, he remained very active. Buckles took a medical leave of absence from the University in the summer of 1995.

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Walter Jaehnig, associate professor of journalism, said one of Buckles’ best traits was an ability to train and work with students.

Even though he worked well into the night with students, they still intensely followed and respected him, Jaehnig said. One of the hardest things to do at the Daily Egyptian is to train a new crew of students every semester. Despite that problem, he still ran the press room effectively.

Jaehnig said Buckles did not let his health problems keep him from coming to work regularly.

Gary was somebody who hated excuses and didn’t like to make them either, he said. There were times when he looked too sick to be here, but Gary didn’t want to let his health problems get in the way of him doing something he loved.

Cathy Hagler, associate director of finance for Plant and Service Operations and former DE business manager, said Buckles was an inspiration for everybody he worked with.

Gary was a role model for students and faculty alike who wanted to make the Daily Egyptian a respected publication that everybody could be proud of, Hagler said. Everybody admired Gary because he always had a kind word for everyone and was a team player. Those are two rare qualities for a person to have.

Kay Brechtelsbauer, head coach of the SIUC women’s softball team, said every player Buckles coached had both admiration and respect for him.

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The players liked and respected Gary, Brechtelsbauer said. He made everyone feel special and touched the lives of everyone who came in contact with him.

Kay Lawrence, accounting technician for the DE, said she admired Buckles as a friend and a co-worker.

I counted him as a friend and saw him as a person who cared about his family very much, Lawrence said. The only thing I can say about him is that he was special to us all.

Visitation services for Buckles are scheduled for Wednesday at the Meredith Funeral Home, 303 S. University Ave., from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, 11 a.m., at the Merideth Funeral Home.

Buckles is survived by his wife Nancy; his three sons, Kent, Bob, and Keith; and daughter, Krista.