Alwyne Buckley (Oct 7, 1888 – Oct 19, 1970), was a highly regarded horticulturalist, philosopher and writer. Originally from Birmingham, England, Alwyne was a student at Oxford University when he met Elsie Mary Brown. They married and left England to settle in British Columbia in 1907, first in Armstrong, and then to Langley in 1934.
He and Elsie had five children—Joan (1908), Phyllis (1910), Ralph (1912), Denis (1915), and John (1917). He enlisted in the Canadian military in August 1916, but was discharged due to partial deafness.
Alwyne is known as a pioneer in the commercial production of lilium auratum seeds. He used his expertise in horticulture to open the Esperanza Lily Farm in Langley, which made a name for itself internationally, from 1940 to 1949. With bulbs imported from Japan, known to grow only in particular conditions, Alwyne and his family put years of work into perfecting the land, nurturing bulbs, propagating seeds, and fertilizing blooms by hand. As a result, the lilies thrived, drawing attention from all over the world.
Alwyne was involved in the Langley community, having been a founding member of the Langley Garden Club as well as an elected Trustee of the Langley School District (35). He had contributions in many clubs and organizations throughout the years, such as the Brookswood Boy Scouts, and was well known amongst Langley locals.
Alwyne is a published author of multiple books, ranging in topics from horticulture to philosophy and psychology.
References:
“BC Archives,” s.v. “Alwyne Buckley” (1885-1970), https://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/1de2b2ad-50f4-43f7-9bc1-0df23b19a1a8
“Buckley, Alwyne.” Library-Archives Canada. Genealogy / Military / Personal Records - First World War, 1916. http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.redirect?app=pffww&id=73805&lang=eng.
Langley Advance. “60 Years Brings Out Philosophy,” March 30, 1967, 2. https://www.newspapers.com/image/536667071/.
Langley Advance. “Death Takes A. Buckley,” October 22, 1970, 12. https://www.newspapers.com/image/536982372.
Langley Advance. “Our Neighbors,” March 16, 1961, 16-17. https://www.newspapers.com/image/536896663.
Langley Advance. “The Corporation of the City of Langley 1960,” December 1, 1960, 8. https://www.newspapers.com/image/536653587/.