Richard Buchanan

Richard E. Buchanan

Resident of Foster City

52, formerly of Jacksonville, IL and residing on the Peninsula, died on Friday, August 13, 2010, with his wife Lisa at his side, due to complications from Type 1 diabetes which he fought for 48 years.

He was born August 25, 1957 in Jacksonville, IL. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Lisa Zacharewicz; parents Bill Wright and Dorothy Ellen Houston Buchanan of Jacksonville, IL; a sister, Joy E. Buchanan of Midland, MI; two brothers, John M. Buchanan (wife, Mary Ardis) of Jacksonville and Robert L. Buchanan (wife, Lynda) of Glen Carbon; a nephew, Joel Buchanan (wife, Kristen) of Jacksonville; and four nieces, Megan Buchanan of Morton and Caitlin, Lizbeth, and Emily Buchanan, all of Glen Carbon. He is also survived by an extensive group of friends he called his California family which included the Bhaumik's (Sam, Tami, Samantha, Maia), the Feigin's (Aaron, Randi, Marly, Brody), the Fowell's (Murlan, Cheryl), The Aoki's (Rod, Roxanna, Jordan, Josh), the Johnson's (Tom, Clarissa, Aaron) and the Tong Family just to name a few, all of Northern California.

Rich attended the University of Illinois at Champaign where he was an active member of Alpha Kappa Lambda.

Richard had an incredible knack to learn any subject and adapt to any field which led him eventually to an adventurous and successful career in Silicon Valley. The road began as a Beecham pharmaceutical rep in Kansas City where he quickly learned the trade and was quickly promoted up the ranks. He developed a passion and talent for computers and this led Rich to California where he joined SuperMac in sales and had his first taste of the world of Silicon Valley start-ups. He was hooked and continued to Radius where he honed his skills in sales and product marketing again, leaving his mark and building a solid and successful team. He joined a computer audio company called Creative Labs as Director of Product Marketing and due to his keen insights and talent to "close the deal" was quickly promoted to General Manager.

Rich then joined a series of graphics companies, Rendition and Raycer Graphics, and the first TV placeshifting company, Sling Media as VP of Marketing. Due to his passion, intelligence, and keen vision he was a major contributor to the successful sales of these startups to Micron Computer, Apple Computer and Echostar (DISH Networks), respectively. Rich then joined Ooma as Chief Marketing Officer, or as he referred to himself, Chief Marketing Dude, and successfully changed the business model opening up new opportunities for the company to succeed. Rich continued to advise many start-ups by providing direction and the key contacts needed to build their businesses. He loved nothing more than to mentor new start-ups and entrepreneurs.

The most consistent and admirable thing about Rich was his ability to bring successful and passionate people together. Rich was the consummate mentor, therapist, and friend and in doing what he did best, touched and changed lives for the better.

Richard also had a passion for many hobbies which included woodworking, racing automobiles, electronics, and collecting "boy toys". An eagle scout, he valued his time in scouting and the principles embodied by the scouting program. He possessed a unique ability to connect and communicate with children of all ages.

Funeral services were held in Jacksonville, Ill on August 19th. A Life Celebration for Rich Buchanan will be held on Thursday, September 9, 2010 from 6-9pm at the Hiller Aviation Museum at 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos, CA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - San Francisco Chapter, 49 Stevenson Street, Suite 1200 San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 977-0360 (for Credit Card donations) in the name of Richard Buchanan or Boy Scout Troop 107 of Jacksonville, Illinois, c/o John Buchanan, Buchanan Cody Funeral Home, 1100 Lincoln Avenue, Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 SNEIDER & SULLIVAN & O'CONNELL'S FUNERAL HOME

(650) 343 1804 www.ssofunerals.com