Justin W. Buchanan

Justin W. Buchanan
formerly of Deposit
Justin Winfield Buchanan, 87, passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at his home in Vestal, NY. Prior to his recent move to Vestal, he was a life-long resident of Deposit. He is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 63 years, Isabelle, and two children, Sallie Isabelle (Buchanan) Atkin and husband William of Endicott, NY and Ft. Myers, FL, and Jeffrey Cuyle Buchanan and wife Wendy (Waldron) Buchanan of Windsor, NY. Justin was predeceased by his eldest child Justin Keith Buchanan in 1985 and also by a step sister Patricia (Cuyle) Roth. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Jason William Atkin and wife Jehan of Seattle, WA, Rebecca Isabelle (Atkin) McKertich and husband Robert of Endwell, NY and Ashley Marie, Sara Ann, and Michael Justin-Waldron Buchanan of Windsor, NY. Three great-grandchildren; Rose Isabelle and Thomas Stanley McKertich, and Hadley Elizabeth Atkin. Brothers-in-law Darwin Seymour, Harold Seymour and wife Barbara, several cousins and special friends Bill and Jenny Gould. Justin was born on September 21st, 1922, to Marie Louise (Sloat) Buchanan and Clements Buchanan in Deposit. He was raised by his mother Marie Cuyle and stepfather Clyde Cuyle. He graduated from the Deposit High School in 1941. While there, he was voted best dresser and dancer. He was an exceptional all around athlete, playing on championship teams and was a track record holder for many years. Following high school he worked briefly at Bendix Aviation, Sidney, NY and was accepted there as a toolmaker apprentice. A veteran of the Second World War, he served in the 113th Mechanized Cavalry Unit of the United States Army, saw duty in England, France, Belgium and Germany, and arrived on Normandy Beach two days after the invasion. On May 15th, 1946 he married Isabelle Ruth Seymour of Cannonsville, NY, in Deposit. For 11 years he worked as a pressman at the Deposit Courier and Printing Company and then briefly at The Binghamton Press. He then learned the carpenter's trade working on remodeling and house building. Justin eventually joined the Carpenter's Union, where he held numerous offices and was a member for 30 years. Always industrious, he started buying and remodeling Deposit homes in the early 60's which were turned into rental properties, eventually becoming business partners with long time friend Bill Gould. Civic duty called him to serve as an elected trustee on the Deposit Village Board for 20 years. Many major projects were completed during his time in office. Other involvements included PTA, Masonic Lodge, Rotary, Deposit Historical Society and board member of the Laurel Hill Cemetery. As an active, life-long member of the Deposit First Presbyterian Church, he served as an elder. As a youth he caddied at Scott's 18-hole golf course at Oquaga Lake, could actually swim the length of the lake, and often spoke of his lake friends. He loved to dance to the music of the 1940's Big Band era at the Johnson City Pavilion. He was an avid bowler and golfer and was on several championship teams. He was passionate about his New York Yankees, stood by those NY Giants and was an avid fan of the Syracuse and Duke College basketball teams. He was even more passionate about his family; following his children and grandchildren in their many accomplishments, whether it be academics, athletics, artistic or musical talents. It was difficult for him to give up the large post Civil War house and property on Fourth Street in Deposit, which he and Isabelle restored and groomed for the last 42 years. He was an energetic, competitive and a common sense kind of man. Many friends were made over the years. He knew the value of hard work, provided for his family, was faithful and steadfast in his marriage, conveyed his wisdom, and told great stories of his life. He will be missed.
The family wishes to thank Dr. S. Spivak, Dr. J. Miller, and Hospice for their care.
Arrangements are through Zacharias Funeral Home. Calling hours will be on Friday, April 2, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church, Second Street, in Deposit from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Funeral Service, officiated by Rev. Robert Howard, will follow in the church with Interment at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Deposit Educational Endowment Program, Box 22, Deposit, New York 13754 for The Buchanan Family Scholarship Fund.