John Edward Buckens; Retired Wrangler for Universal Studios

John Edward Buckens, a longtime Saugus resident who parlayed his childhood love of horses into a career as a wrangler with Universal Studios, has died of cancer. He was 72.

Buckens worked for Universal for 22 years, raising horses and other animals that were used in many films, including “Paint Your Wagon” and “High Plains Drifter.” He also taught actors how to ride horses, said his wife, Edith.

Buckens died Sunday in Mission Hills.

Born Aug. 22, 1917, in Bridgeport, Conn., Buckens moved West with his family as a child and competed in rodeos as a teen-ager. After high school he worked as a machinist but continued to raise horses and teach his children about horsemanship.

Buckens served on the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Montrose Posse from 1951 to 1953 and was president of the Pacoima Saddle Club from 1955 to 1956. He was hired at Universal in 1962 and worked there until his retirement in 1984.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years; daughters Beverly Price of Sylmar and Carol Erickson of Northridge; a son, Russell Buckens of Acton; five grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. today at Chapel of the Oaks at Eternal Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary in Newhall, which is handling arrangements. Burial will follow.