BUCHANAN, Kenneth James
April 23, 1957 - April 15, 2013
Ken was born in Prince Rupert, B.C. Beloved son of Helen (née Petrynko) and Glenn Kenneth Buchanan, who predeceased him in 2001. He is survived by his mother, his son, Franklin, his sister, Linda Trim (husband Dan) and his loving partner, William Christiansen. Ken's nephews Lee Trim (wife Tonnie), Grant Trim (wife Joanne) and Scott Trim (wife Debbie) also mourn his passing. He also leaves behind great friends and many coworkers, who have been a wonderful support to him as his illnesses became more and more severe. His greatest friend, though, was William, who nursed him through the final months of his life and loved him like he had never been loved. Ken's personality was marked by an openness and a willingness to be friendly to all he met. He had a ready smile, a great laugh that he inherited from his Dad and a heart that drew people to him. After schooling in Prince Rupert and training in the financial services business at BCIT, he entered his career with the Royal Bank of Canada where he was tasked with opening remote branches in places like Cassiar and Tumbler Ridge. He loved the frontier and was a true community builder. He would later settle in Hazelton, B.C. where he became a valued ally of the Gitksan band as they fought many battles to reclaim their traditional lands. For his work there, he was welcomed into the Wolf clan and is considered one of their own. He was also a village alderman and a member of the Northern B.C. Municipalities Association. Once he had retired, he moved to Vancouver and became an advocate for People with AIDS and later was named chair of the Positive Living Society of B.C. Ken, who was diagnosed with HIV in 2004, became a spokesperson for "positive" people and was often asked to speak at conferences and in the media on behalf of his community. A great thank you goes out to the doctors and nurses at St. Paul's Hospital, where Ken spent so many months over his life. You were so good to him. A celebration of Ken's life will take place in the Granville Room at the Chateau Granville in Vancouver on Sunday, April 28 at 2:00 p.m. Address is 1100 Granville St. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honour can be made to the Positive Living Society of B.C. Rest in peace, loyal friend, dear son, doting father and loving partner. God bless you.
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18 Entries
January 10, 2014
So sorry to hear about Ken. I knew him when he lived in Cassiar, hung out with the bank boys and even got talked into doing some housekeeping for them. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family especially his son Franklin and his life Partner William. RIP Ken!!
Mary Comper
January 10, 2014
Kathy DeCecco
So saddened to hear of your passing, my sincere condolences to your family. Working for you at the Cassiar branch was great, we were both quite new to the banking world. I remember training your Nephew Scott. RIP Ken
April 28, 2013
Clarence
Ken, you were as good a friend as anyone could have. Always smiling and ready with words of wisdom.
Rest in Peace old buddy.
April 27, 2013
Arlene H Morrison
Thank you Ken for being the best dad to Franklin...and for all that you did in the Hazelton's. we have definitely missed you in the Hazelton's:'(
April 26, 2013
Jacky Roe
To a great boss and an awesome friend, it was a pleasure to have known you. May you now RIP Ken.
April 26, 2013
Rene Chandler
It was a pleasure to know you, Ken. I hold very fond memories of a person who truly cared about others. You will be greatly missed.
April 26, 2013
Denise Schemenauer
Saddens me to hear About Ken , he was a very nice man always smiled and a laugh to remember . RIP Ken
April 26, 2013
Norm Denny
R I. P Ken
April 26, 2013
Simone Allwood
Rest in peace Ken, your in a better place now. Your friends and family will miss you.
April 26, 2013
vincent weget
rip my friend
April 26, 2013
Charlene Remer nee Lattie
Your kind heart and loving ways will be greatly missed. You were a Gitxsan through and through. You walked with us and fought with us....now you walk with the Creator. Condolences to your son, Franklin, your partner William and your family.
April 26, 2013
Charlene Remer nee Lattie
You will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to your life partner, your son franklin and the rest of your family. Your kind heart, and loving manner will be so missed.
April 25, 2013
Catherine Blackstock
My condolences to you mother and partner. You were awesome to work with and so full of energy that you shared with others. RIP. Hug wil'y yeen
April 25, 2013
Diane McRae
Ken was a very caring and community oriented man, he will be missed by the Hazeltonians who were fortunate enough to have worked with him.
April 25, 2013
Hazelton people and friends will never forget you Ken. RIP.
April 25, 2013
Michelle Sankey
Thank you Ken for being a kind and gentle man. May you rest well in the loving arms of our Creator, your work is done.
April 20, 2013
Kerry Manzuik
You touched the lives of so many people, your road you walked was amazing---you will be truly missed by family and friends.
Your cousin Kerry
April 20, 2013
Bonnie Cass
Ken the evening of your passing a bright light went out in the city, but later that evening a star appeared in the sky that was big and bright. Your light will never go out. Love cuz Bonnie
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