I am trying to find an obituary for Fred Buckinkham who was with the
California Highway Patrol who passed away in 1994-1995. He was the
love of my Moms life and would like to know the cause of death. How
can I access obituary archives for The Fresno Bee or CHP obituarys?

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Request for Question Clarification by missy-ga on 27 Oct 2002 11:16 PST

Hi Sammyz,

Searching the archives at FresnoBee.com yielded no results for "Fred
Buckinkham" or "Fred Buckingham" (I checked the latter on the off
chance that you might have made a typo.).

If you have his full name, approximate date of death, and the city and
county in which he died, you can order a copy of his death
certificate, which will list the cause of death.  Would you like the
information explaining how to do that?

--Missy

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Clarification of Question by sammyz-ga on 27 Oct 2002 11:58 PST

Missy,
Thanks for the response. You were correct it was a typo. The correct
spelling is Buckingham, Fred. Fresno, Ca  was his last known address.
Do you know if the California Highway Patrol publishes the obituarys
for its officers. Freds last known rank was lieutenant. Approximate
year of death is 1993-1996.
I hope this will help.
Thank you Missy,
Sammyz

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Request for Question Clarification by missy-ga on 27 Oct 2002 13:33 PST

Hello again,

I've checked the California Highway Patrol's website, and have found
only tributes to officers killed in the line of duty:

In Memoriam
http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/fallen.html

They do not appear to maintain a listing of those officers who died in
other circumstances, but I've e-mailed the CHP Public Affairs office
to see if they might have a lead.  It may take a few days for a
response, but I shall pass along whatever I find out.

--Missy

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Clarification of Question by sammyz-ga on 28 Oct 2002 09:10 PST

Missy,
Thank you so much for your effort. I really appreciate it. My Mom is
visiting with me till the end of the week, so hopefully we will be
able to give her some closure.I'll keep checking for any information.
You have a terrific day.
Sammyz

Hi Sammyz,

As noted previously, I e-mailed the California Highway Patrol.  They
responded today!

I wrote in my note to the CHP:

"Dear Sirs,

I'm attempting to help a customer chase down a piece of information
about a
deceased CHP officer.

The officer's name is Fred Buckingham.  According to my customer, he
had
achieved the rank of Lieutentant and last resided in Fresno.  He
passed
away sometime between 1993 and 1996.  The customer is seeking a copy
of his
obituary, and wonders if the CHP keeps such things for its officers?"

The CHP responded today:

"Thank you for contacting the CHP.  Please have your customer contact
the CHP's Personnel Division for further information.  Their number is
(916) 375-2510."

Personnel will have what you're looking for.

Good luck, and best wishes to your mom!

--Missy

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Request for Answer Clarification by sammyz-ga on 01 Nov 2002 14:15 PST

Missy, 
Again I thank you. You have definately put us on the road to closure.
Your an angel.
Sammyz

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Clarification of Answer by missy-ga on 02 Nov 2002 20:17 PST

Hi Sammyz,

No angel, me.  I'm just doing my job.  

My best wishes to you and your mother.

--Missy