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1931
2016
Aug. 9, 1931 ~ Jan. 24, 2016
"A man's a man for a' that"
Frederick Stewart Buchanan passed away with his loving wife and family by his side on January 24, 2016 after a 24-year struggle with Parkinson's Disease. Fred was born in Stevenston, Scotland to an Ulster Scot father and a Scots mother, Frederick Buchanan and Elizabeth Reid. He lived on the Clyde Coast of Scotland and learned to love the rush of the waves on the rocks, the call of the curlews above the sand dunes and the song of the meadowlarks on Stevenston Moor.
He left school at age 15 to apprentice at the Ardeer Explosives Factory. Among the organizations which shaped his life were the Boy Scouts and his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had the distinction of being the only LDS Priest on the West Coast of Scotland.
At the age of 17 he immigrated with his parents to the United States for religious reasons. After only 18 months in Utah, Fred returned to Scotland when he accepted an LDS call to the British Mission, serving as President of the Scottish District. After his mission he served in the US Army as a Chaplain's Assistant. Eventually, through the generosity of the "GI Bill," he enrolled at the University of Utah where he received his BA and MS degrees in history and English. After graduation he taught at Bountiful High School launching his life-long passion for teaching and learning.
On December 27, 1963, Fred married his sweetheart Rama Richards in the Salt Lake Temple. With Rama by his side, and with her undying support, Fred earned his PhD in History of Education at The Ohio State University. He was a professor of Education at the University of Toledo for three years, followed by a 26-year career at the University of Utah, where he retired as Professor Emeritus. He is published in two areas-history of education and Scottish-Mormon studies, and received awards for these writings from the Mormon History Association.
Fred's love of his homeland Scotland was deep. Rama always says she didn't realize she married a country when she married Fred. He loved teaching and reciting the poetry of Robert Burns and was quick to offer a Scottish toast or blessing. He enjoyed singing Scottish songs and playing the bagpipes-most memorably when he would march around the neighborhood to ring in the New Year. He was a member of Salt Lake Scots Pipe Band and served as co-founder and first President of the Utah Scottish Association.
Fred and Rama created a beautiful life for themselves and their five sons. He was passionate about gardening, nature, cooking and reading. He instilled in his sons the characteristics that endeared him to so many: service, faith, compassion, healthy skepticism, love of all people, hard work and a passion for all things Scottish.
He cultivated and was blessed by rich, lifelong friendships.
Fred is survived by his dear wife Rama, who was by his side until his last breath, his Buchanan Clan of five wee sons and "guid dochters": Richard (Jenny), California; Brian (Rachel), East Millcreek, Utah; Glenn (Renee) Eugene, Oregon; Alan (Laura), San Jose, California; Scott (Alicia), Sandy, Utah, and 18 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter Emma, his three siblings William, Elizabeth Leslie and Mary Dyson and his parents.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Friday, January 29, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. Viewings will be held on Thursday, January 28, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the memorial service on Friday. All services will be held at the Foothill 2nd Ward, 1930 S. 2100 E., Salt Lake City, Utah.
Special thanks to the staffs at Sunrise Care Center and Millcreek Hospice. In lieu of flowers Fred suggests that you make a contribution to the Parkinson Wellness Clinic at the University of Utah. Och Aye!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Belated condolences to the Buchanan Family. Dr. Fred was one of my favorite professors during graduate school at the U. of Utah. He loved his family and would bring pictures of the boys to class. His pride in his family and the Auld Country was wonderful. Thank you all for sharing him with so many.
Janice W. Clemmer, PhD, PhD, JD
School
December 5, 2021
I was thinking of Dr. Buchanan today for some reason and thought I would look him up and was so distraught to see that I had missed his funeral. I owe Fred my entire professional career. He so very kindly agreed to be a visiting professor on my dissertation committee 18 years ago. He is the person who taught me how to research, how to write and how to complete my degree. I would never be in my position as a professor without Fred Buchanan's service and tireless patience with a young inexperienced historian. I will be forever grateful that our paths crossed. Mary Jane Woodger
February 23, 2016
Fred is a Gentlemen's Gentleman. Excellent Boy Scout leader of Troup 211 in Bountiful. We all looked up to him.
Robert Anderton
February 1, 2016
Goodbye Fred! My earliest memory of him was at Lowell Bennion's Ranch in Victor, Idaho, when I was a little boy over 50 years ago. I remember him singing Scotish folk songs there, one in particular, "Come along, come along!" I still remember it after all these years. I remember him playing his pipes out of doors in that beautiful setting. I loved reading his history of Salt Lake City School District. He was a warm and wonderful man!
Nyman Brooks
January 31, 2016
The Brooks children will always cherish their association with Freddy. We met him at Lowell Bennion's ranch near Victor Idaho. He was one of several teachers to work on the ranch in the summer. He brought his civilization with him in his suitcase. Sometimes in the evenings he would walk some distance from camp, wearing his kilt, and play his bagpipes. As I write I don't know if I am doing justice to the magic of that summer. He tried to teach us a little Scottish culture and this song sticks in my sister's memory:
Come along, come along, let us foot it out together
Come along, come along, be it fair or stormy weather
With the hills of home before us
And the purple of the heather
Let us sing in happy chorus, come along, come along.
My father was proud to call him a friend.
Dean Brooks
January 31, 2016
Dear Rama and the lads.Yesterday's memorial was so amazing. I loved your stories, the bagpipes, the men's kilts, the Buchanan tartan fabric each family member wore. I'm glad I could join the extended family as one of Fred's quasi-relatives and colleagues. It's been 59 years since he hired me as a staffer at Camp Tracy Wigwam in Millcreek Canyon where each summer we'd train Boy Scout troops coming in for a week at a time to learn a range of practical skills & ethical values that would last a lifetime. As one of Fred's assistants, he taught me much about Lord Baden-Powell, scouting's British founder and the principles he held. Fred also opened our awareness of Scotland and many things Scottishlanguage phrases, culture, Scottish ballads, the poetry of Robert Burns, the economic and social principles of Adam Smith, the courage and legacy of independent Scotland achieved by Robert the Bruce, and so forth. Fred inspired me to go on to college and eventually become a professor like he was, although I taught at the parochial university in Utah County known as BYU. Every time I visited his dear Scotland to lecture at Edinburgh or Glasgow universities, I'd take time to wander through the hills of purple heather, drive to Loch Lomond, and sing some of the melodies I learned from my dear friend. I've been blessed to renew our friendship many times over the years, visiting him and Rama at their home in SLC. Even as his health deteriorated and he moved to the Sunrise Center, he was often lucid and very intent. I'm but one of the many whose life was touched for good. May you Rama, and your sweet boys, be comforted. Thank you Freddie, lad, for helping me to learn and always remember what your mentor, Burns, wrote: The heart aye's the part aye, That makes us right or wrang.
Warner Woodworth
January 30, 2016
Dear Rama and the lads.Yesterday's memorial was so amazing. I loved your stories, the bagpipes, the men's kilts, the Buchanan tartan fabric each family member wore. I'm glad I could join the extended family as one of Fred's quasi-relatives and colleagues. It's been 59 years since he hired me as a staffer at Camp Tracy Wigwam in Millcreek Canyon where each summer we'd train Boy Scout troops coming in for a week at a time to learn a range of practical skills & ethical values that would last a lifetime. As one of Fred's assistants, he taught me much about Lord Baden-Powell, scouting's British founder and the principles he held. Fred also opened our awareness of Scotland and many things Scottishlanguage phrases, culture, Scottish ballads, the poetry of Robert Burns, the economic and social principles of Adam Smith, the courage and legacy of independent Scotland achieved by Robert the Bruce, and so forth. Fred inspired me to go on to college and eventually become a professor like he was, although I taught at the parochial university in Utah County known as BYU. Every time I visited his dear Scotland to lecture at Edinburgh or Glasgow universities, I'd take time to wander through the hills of purple heather, drive to the "Bonnie Banks o'Loch Lomond, and sing some of the melodies I learned from my dear friend. I've been blessed to renew our friendship many times over the years, visiting him and Rama at their home in SLC. Even as his health deteriorated and he moved to the Sunrise Center, he was often lucid and very intent. I'm but one of the many whose life was touched for good. May you Rama, and your sweet boys, be comforted. Thank you Freddie, lad, for helping me to learn and always remember what your mentor, Burns, wrote: The heart aye's the part aye, That makes us right or wrang.
Warner Woodworth
January 30, 2016
So sorry to hear of your family's loss. Fred was a great friend to my dad, Max Rogers. I have such fond memories of growing up on Yuma St. next door to the Buchanan family. The sound of bagpipes on Christmas morning is a favorite. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Lorie (Rogers) and Jim Swaydan
January 30, 2016
Dear Rama and family: My condolences to all of you for Fred's death. I shall not forget him, his kilt and pipes, piping at just about every activity he could for the Columbus saints. He was impressive and gave me a love for the "pipes". Having lost Annetta several years ago, I'm familiar with the blessings that come from the grief one encounters. I have grown to love her more each day and will welcome our reunion. I am comforted by the words of Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, who said at the funeral for Richard L. Evans, in 1971, No righteous man is taken before his time. That, I firmly believe. The Lord bless you all.
Don Mortensen
January 29, 2016
All my condolence Rama and the boys. I have good memories working with Fred. He used to tease me with what was said in some letters, I was typing for him, from Scottish settlers criticizing the Swiss people. I enjoyed working with Fred in Educational Administration. And I remember the time he brought some plums from his plum tree and they were so delicious. I also remember when Fred came to Milton Bennion Hall with his bagpipe and played downstairs and we could hear him everywhere in the building.
France Rimli-Shortridge
January 29, 2016
My memories of Fred are old (like a lot of us) but strong. Fred and I were fellow teachers at Bountiful High School in the 1970s. I directed the school musicals and Fred was very helpful. I particularly remember that we produced Brigadoon, and he offered knowledgeable and helpful aid. He was always a genuine friend. My wife Susan and I send our love to the family. We love Fred!
Kim and Susan Burningham
Kim Burningham
January 29, 2016
Rama,
I will always be thankful to Fred for his help when I was editing the journals of Mary Haskin Parker Richards. You were both very kind. In my mind, Fred would last forever because he had so much knowledge to share, and because of his goodness and willing to share what he knew with others. May your heart be at peace.
Maurine Ward
January 28, 2016
Fred was a blessing to me, a non-Mormon. I was writing about my great grandparents who had converted to Mormonism in Scotland in the 1840s and came to Utah in the 1850s. Although fully aware that these people left the faith during the fanatical period of the 1850s, Fred was always helpful in my research and always encouraging. I will miss his sweet emails and Burnsian expressions. He will remain a bright light in my memory.
Polly Aird
January 28, 2016
Dear Rama and sons,
We love you very much and are so happy that Fred has returned to his Mother and Father in heaven, along with his earthly parents, friends, and other family members. We know this is a difficult time for your family and pray that you will be buoyed up by the knowledge that you will all be together again, someday. Fred is an amazing fellow and Sharon and I have been so blessed to visit your family on a somewhat regular basis. We have been so impressed by your love and dedication to Fred over the years. I very much enjoyed the time we were able to spend with you both and witness the love you have for each other until Fred's last breath.
May you feel the Spirit of peace and love during this trying time,
Love, Greg and Sharon Gough
Greg Gough
January 28, 2016
Dear Rama and Boys,
Celebrating Uncle Fred's life and all of the joy that he brought to others. I will miss him very much. My deepest sympathies.
Love,
Deborah
Deborah McFarlane
January 27, 2016
Sad news for my neighborhood, colleagues at the U of U and all of us who cherished our friendship with the remarkable Fred Buchanan. He was our mentor and teacher who made the world a better place for so many students, believers, questioners, listeners, researchers and fans of Bobby Burns. Our condolences to Rama, Richard, Brian, Glenn, Alan and Scot and your dear families. The Finlinsons
January 27, 2016
Whether professing, inquiring, probing, searching, challenging, or synthesizing it all in a book, Fred's mind was always in high gear. Knowing him was an adventure. One of the delights he provided was the holiday call to the door by a kilted piper, with a tune, a jig, soda bread, a Burns poem, and good wishes in brogue. We are better for his having been among us. To Rama, admiration for being such a devoted companion. To all of the Buchanan Family, sympathies. To Fred, Godspeed.
Louis Moench
January 27, 2016
Fred was a great friend and neighbor on Yuma St....We miss his playing the bagpipes on Christmas mornings....and of course... will never forget his playing at our wedding.
Jon and Diana Rogers
January 27, 2016
Fred was a tireless booster of all things Scottish in Utah. He will be missed in the Scottish community, deeply. His legacy is the continuing tradition of a thriving and growing pipe band presence and a truly fine Scottish Festival and Games here in Utah.
Bruce Baxter
January 27, 2016
My condolences to the Buchanan family. Regardless of your faith, it is always tough to lose someone you love. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Matthew Johnson
January 27, 2016
Professor Buchanan:
"Clarior hinc honos" -- motto of the clan Buchanan ("Henceforth forward the Honour shall grow ever brighter")
You were a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend. Thank you for all you did for me. Your honor shall indeed grow brighter eternally.
Cynthia Skousen
January 27, 2016
Rama, Alan and Family:
We were so sorry to read about Fred. We'll always remember him walking around our block playing bagpipes to celebrate a special occasion. May His memory be eternal!
Connie, Jerry, Emilee and Greg Floor
Connie Floor
January 27, 2016
Dr. Buchanan was my favorite professor at the University of Utah. He was full of knowledge, wit, and patience--and we all loved him. His life was a blessing. Godspeed.
January 27, 2016
Fred Buchanan - one of the kindest, gentle and warm individuals in my acquaintance. He will be missed by many friends. May he have a Highland Welcome on the other side of the Scottish mist.
Dodd & Annalyn Greer
January 26, 2016
Rama, you know how we loved Dr. Fred. We love you and the family. Our Prayers for your comfort and Heavenly Father's Love are with you always.
Dan & Karen Stuart
Dan & Karen Stuart
January 26, 2016
Our condolence and sympathy to Rama and the family. A knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will sustain you in the days ahead. Fred was a man of intergity and devotion. We will miss his sense of humor and love of Scotland.
Richard and Cenia Parsons
January 26, 2016
Our condolences to Rama and the family. Fred was a man of integrity and devotion. We met Fred and Rama at various family events, as the grandparents of Alan's wife Laura Anne Rife Buchanan. Our love and best wishes as you remember the good times and memories of Fred. Having a knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will help carry you forward in life.
With Love,
Richard and Cenia Parsons
Richard & Cenia Parsons
January 26, 2016
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