Samuel Dayle Buckley, 74, of Idaho Falls, died October 23, 2011, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Sam was born September 6, 1937, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Delbert C. Buckley and Lucille Robinson Buckley. He grew up in the Idaho Falls-Coltman area. In 1955, he graduated from Bonneville High School. On January 1, 1994, he married Carol L. Brower in Elko, Nevada. While living in Idaho Falls, he started learning how to fly in 1955. He served in the United States Army for 3 years doing helicopter maintenance. For several years, he farmed and worked as an auto mechanic. In 1965, he started flying professionally. He also was a flight instructor in Minden, Nevada, before working in Boise for 3 years doing all types of helicopter flying. He worked for Evergreen Helicopter in McMinnville, Oregon for a year. In 1972, he started Mountain States Helicopters in Rigby, Idaho. Sam purchased the St. Anthony Flying Service in 1976 in St. Anthony and worked there for many, many years before retiring and returning to the family farm where he took up farming again. In 1987, he attended Western College of Auctioneering in Montana. Sam enjoyed flying, farming, and being an auctioneer. He will be greatly missed by all the family and friends who loved and admired him. He is survived by the following: spouse, Carol L. Buckley of Idaho Falls;Daughters: Cindy Saldana of Anchorage, Alaska; Wendy (Mike) Kenney of Mesa, Arizona; and Laura (Rick) Burlingame of Boise, Idaho;Son; Sam (Shirley) Buckley II of Boise, Idaho;Sister, Tena (Rory) Fagenstrom of Great Falls, Montana; and 8 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, 2 brothers and a sister. Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 28, 2011, at Fielding Memorial Park in Idaho Falls. The family will meet with friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 27, 2011, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls.