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John Buchanan Obituary
BUCHANAN, John Mead Jack was born in Trail, B.C. on July 31, 1916, to James and Helen (Riddle) Buchanan and passed away peacefully on January 29, 2011 in the Cowichan District Hospital with his wife at his bedside. He was predeceased by his wife Elsie (Guthrie), his brother Jim Buchanan, and sister Molly Salter. He attended St. Michael's School in Victoria BC and then The University of Washington, where he graduated with a degree in metallurgical engineering in 1941. He was the oldest living member of the fraternity Zeta Psi. Jack then commenced his career with Cominco in Trail before enlisting with The Royal Canadian Engineers in September of 1941. In 1942 he married Elsie Guthrie in Saskatoon and following the war they returned to Trail where Jack became superintendent of the zinc plant. He went on to become manager of metal production and finally assistant manager of Trail operations. From 1964 to 1967 Jack worked in India where he was responsible for establishing a zinc smelter for Cominco Binani Zinc Company. Jack was active in community affairs in Trail, he was a member of the Trail Library Board and was president of the Rotary Club and The United Way and also served as Civil Defense Coordinator for Trail and District and was a member of the Tadanac Municipal Council. Jack was a natural athlete and was an active participant in curling and golf, he was also an avid gardener. Jack enjoyed many summers at Kootenay Lake with his family. In 1979 he married Luella (McLellan) and he retired from Cominco in 1981 after forty years of service. In 1990 they moved to Duncan, where they became members of the Cowichan Golf Club, and enjoyed their friends old and new in Duncan. Jack is survived by his wife Luella, his son John (Patti) and daughter Janis Bower (John), stepdaughter Joyce Wilson, grandchildren John Jr. (Asia) and Patrick Buchanan; Jamie (Hollie), Jeff (Tjammie), and Richie Overgaard; Jason (Aiden) and Lisa Bower; as well as four great grandchildren Kyler & Nolan; Jack & Madeleine Overgaard; also nieces and nephews. Jack will always be remembered for his sense of humour and happy outlook on life. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a true gentleman. The memories will live on. No service by request. Jack asked that any donations made in his memory be sent to the United Way or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to: www.mem.com 616556
Memories and Condolences
for John Buchanan
40 Entries
February 10, 2011
Dear Luella
Can't find your address so using this medium. Wanted you to know Doris & I are thinking of you at this difficult time. We have pleasant social memories of Jack over many years. I also shared fun times with him in the early years of the St. Regis golf tournament at Banff - and had close associations at work in later years.
He really was a true gentleman & sportsman!
Our sincere condolences to you and his children.
Doris & Bill Jewitt
P.S. We'll be in touch with the Trail U.W.
Buddy DeVito
February 7, 2011
When Dorothy told me about Jack dying I was, of course, sad. The biggest disadvantage of ageing is the loss of friends. Jack and I are both Trail kids. I came to know him best after the war. Elsie and Betty were both "war brides" and we spent a lot of time in the Trail Legion. During the time I was Legion president Jack was chairman of the finance committee. It was a tumultuous time and Jack fulfilled his duties with efficiency and good humour.
I extend my condolences and best wishes.
February 6, 2011
To John ( Beak ) and Patti and other family members I do not know; from Norm Barry in South Okanagan ( formerly of Trail BC)- My warmest sympathies to your family on the loss of your Dad. He lived to be a great age I see. Another long-liver born in the Silver City ! Regards, Norm. Feb 6,2011)
Wayne & Judy Bagnall
February 5, 2011
Luella & Family:We did not know Jack for very long, but he will remain in our memories for many years to come. Our condolences.
February 4, 2011
Dear Luella, John & Janis:
The passing of your husband and father, Jack, will be bitter/sweet for you all as I am sure he left you with some wonderful memories. Luella, Janis probably told you that we have re-connected at the Trail luncheons in Vancouver. I think of you often and your lovely friendship with my Mother. I wish you all well, with happier days ahead.
Love, Alex Huckvale Rickards
Great Grampy & the great grandchildren
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
Tom Marilyn Steven & Nathan Clark
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
Janis & John
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
Jamie Hollie Jeff Tjammie & Rich Overgaard
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
John & Patti
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
John jr. & Asia
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
Jason Julie Lisa & Aiden Bower
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
nephews Gary & Randy Guthrie
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
The Guthrie family
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
The Guthries - Les, George, Dorothy & Elsie
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
February 3, 2011
Dear Luella,
So very sorry to hear about Jack's passing. I remember him not only from Trail but also from the great holidays we had with the both of you at Fairmont and at that place near Pebble Beach, Ca. He certainly had a great life and will be missed. Leon Davenport and family.
Waldon House
February 3, 2011
To all of Jack's family from his friends at Waldon House. We are truly sadden by his passing and will fondly remember him. His friend Olive who is almost 101 sends her condolonces as well. He was a great guy.
reading to the boys
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
Madeleine meets Great Grampy
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
Jack & Jack
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
The Buchanan's
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
building sand castles
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
view from the deck at Kootenay Lake
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
Christmas at John & Patti's
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
John Janis & Jack
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
February 3, 2011
Janis and family: Our sincerest condolonces on youe father's passing, Janis! May your memories of him always make you smile! love Les and Penny Underwood
family
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
Jeff''s wedding October 2005
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
John & Asia's wedding 2010
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
31 years together
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
Kootenay Lake in the morning
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
Trail friends
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
July 30, 2005
John Buchanan
February 3, 2011
JULY 29, 2005
JOHN BUCHANAN
February 3, 2011
February 3, 2011
Dear Janis & John, Lola forwarded the news of your father's passing. Ray & I send our condolenses. It's tough losing Dad's - the rock of the family. But you know they are never really gone because you continue to live with them through the years of great memories. Take care-Love Linda & Ray T
July 2009
Jack Buchanan
February 3, 2011
Lola Bush
February 2, 2011
I will keep you and your family in my prays that you may find solace in his memory. Lola Bush
Lisa Bower
February 2, 2011
I have fond memories of going to dinner with Grampy, Luella and Joyce at the Colander in Trail. I also remember him coming out to the Lake to have a round of golf or just relax on the deck.
He was a warm and gentle man and I know he will be dearly missed by his immediate and extended family.
Cliff Downey
February 2, 2011
John Will be remembered by all his fello Sappers. I simply would like to say "Once A Sapper Always A Sapper"
Cliff Downey
Chilliwack
February 2, 2011
As a young Royal Canadian Engineer, I offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jack Buchanan.
An obituary shall be listed on the Military Engineer Association website. Retired Sapper - Jim Harris
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