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William Buchanan Obituary
William Edgar (Buck) Buchanan III died August 7, 2005, at Mad River Hospital, Arcata, CA. He had resided in Blue Lake for the past year and a half since moving from Los Angeles and Hollywood where he had spent his childhood and youth and the latter part of his career. Buck was born April 18, 1946, in Atlanta, Georgia, and Edgar and Mildred Buchanan chose him for adoption as their son.
Edgar and Mildred, both dentists, predeceased Buck. Edgar abandoned dentistry to become a character actor in motion pictures in 1940 and achieved considerable acclaim for his crusty, lovable roles in more than a hundred films and several television series, the last of which was “Petticoat Junction.” Buck was particularly close to his father and could imitate him perfectly. Also predeceasing him were his aunts, Kate Buchanan, Arcata, CA, Kee Groves, Lebanon, OR, and Lova Young, Roseburg, OR, and Bonnie Fisher, Seattle, WA.
Buck leaves his beloved daughters Sheila Buchanan, Hollywood, Rhonda Buchanan, Sherman Oaks, Amanda Buchanan, Hollywood, and their mother, Dolly Buchanan, Hollywood; an older daughter, Kaui Benson of Laie, HI, and grandchildren Lehiwa, La’akea, and Keha; his aunt, Gayle Karshner, McKinleyville, and his cousins, Bernard Young, Medford, OR, Brooke Constable, New York, NY, Gary Karshner, San Antonio, TX, and Warner Karshner, Gig Harbor, WA.
He also leaves a host of close friends from throughout his life, for he was a man who loved and enjoyed people. In conversations he was an appreciative, sympathetic listener as well as an entertaining raconteur. His charisma attracted young and old who enjoyed his imitations, stories (the truth often embellished), humor, and positive happy nature.
Buck’s major career was in radio. He possessed a rich, pleasing voice, wit, strong interviewing skills, and a love and knowledge of popular music. He received his training at California State University at Northridge where he studied radio, television, film, and journalism. His first radio job was in Altoona, PA. In 1971 he moved to Honolulu to be program director and afternoon talk show host for station KORL (ABC). In 1976, when his father’s health failed, he returned to the mainland to continue in radio.
From 1976 to 1978 he was national program director for several radio stations in the Pittsburgh area. In 1978 and 1979 he was director of station relations and associate producer for Golden Egg Productions in Los Angeles. During this period he was also research director and feature editor of Radio Report Magazine, a national publication.
In 1979 he returned to Hawaii as owner and operator of Station KZHI (Radio Hawaii) with a staff of 54 people. In 1985 he sold the station and returned to the Los Angeles area. Between 1985 and 1992, at KRTH (RKO), his “The Fifties at Five” was popular with commuters, teenagers, and housewives alike. During his radio career he was well known for his talk shows and interviews with prominent persons in Honolulu, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles.
From 1996 to 2003 he was employed by Earthlink Network, an internet service provider, working out of Los Angeles in several senior managerial capacities: Macintosh Technical Support, Quality Assurance, Technical Operations, MultiMedia Services, and Production. In 2003, for economic reasons, Earthlink cut 1500 employees from their professional staff, including Buck. It was a devastating loss.
Buck served on the boards of the Adam Walsh Child Resource Center, the Pennsylvania Association of Retarded Citizens, the Pittsburgh Historical Society, and the Tri-State Big Brothers. During his brief time in Humboldt County, he served on the Board of the Eureka Symphony and introduced their concerts. He was also active in The Wesleyan Church of the Redwoods, and he valued the friends he made in both organizations.
Pastor Chuck Clark will conduct a memorial gathering for Buck’s friends in Humboldt County at The Wesleyan Church of the Redwoods, 1645 Fischer Ave., McKinleyville, CA, Saturday, August 27, at 1:00 p.m. Paul’s Chapel in Arcata arranged for cremation; Buck’s ashes will be scattered in Maui by his daughters, following Buck’s wishes.
It is suggested that memorial contributions be sent to the Eureka Symphony, PO Box 7115, Eureka, CA, or the Wesleyan Church of the Redwoods at the above address.
Please sign the guest book at www.times-standard.com click on obits.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Buchanan
Sponsored by Sheila Buchanan.
Juanita Bainter
August 6, 2025
Remembering you still, Buck. Can it be so many years? We never met but you turned out to be a wonderful online friend who is still remembered with great fondness. Your voice on the phone, your sympathies when I had grief in my life, your encouragement to recover from my surgeries and hip replacement, all of it so appreciated. You are missed so much by everyone who knew you. I hope you are happy there, are fulfilled in your afterlife and still spinning those discs. What would you think of all this technology?
Juanita Bainter
August 6, 2024
My recent post lists me as family. I'm not related except by fondness and respect. I was a friend of Buck's.
Juanita Bainter
August 6, 2024
Once again I want to remember Buck 19 years on after his passing. I met him in a hip replacement support group. I've said enough in previous posts here but just wanted to say again that he is remembered fondly and missed tremendously. I can only imagine the fun and entertainment where he is. Losing him was a shock. I think we all thought he'd be with us forever! I miss his encouraging phone calls. Continue to rest in peace Dear Buck.
Juanita Bainter
August 6, 2022
Still remembering Buck. He was the kind of friend one would never forget. Dear Buck, the years have not been kind to me with more surgeries, cancer (still in remission thank God!), losing both of my parents less than 3 months apart. Really missed your caring heart and support during those times. Continued rest in peace Dear Man. You are missed.
August 8, 2019
Come August 7th each year, I ALWAYS remember Buck making his transition on that day. I just re-read the message I wrote one year after he left us. It reminded me of many things that I had not thought about in a long time. The #1 thing that struck me that I had completely forgotten, was that Buck and I were within a week of heading to Florida together to make a new start, when he suddenly left us. It made me think of how different my life would be now, if we had made that move to Florida these many years ago. I miss you, Buck, my dear friend. Dolly, Sheila, Rhonda and Amanda, know that I always have positive thoughts of you! Love to you all...Corbett.
Ob Bop
August 5, 2017
Buck is still missed but also remembered with fondness.
Steven Gibson
March 23, 2008
I first met Buck while a fellow student at San Fernando Valley State College (now California State University, Northridge). I had the pleasure on many occasions of joining Edgar, Mildred and Buck for dinner outings at some of the finer restaurants along Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills, Encino and Sherman Oaks. Edgar and his wife were most gracious hosts and Buck was a lot of fun to be around. I have many wonderful memories of the Buchanan family, which will be with me for the rest of my life. time.
JD DiAngelis
September 15, 2007
I've been hesitant to do this, because its finality is harsh. But, this is to/for his friends, family and coherts over the years.
I met Buck in Weirton, WV, too. The difference there was it was my home town, and he gave me my first broadcasting job. He was my FIRST program director. He has been a huge influence on my life.
I had a morning show with American Forces Radio and named it after his, I started producing a morning show and he was the only one I wanted to tell.
And, just so you know, I caught up with him and stayed in touch until - I later found - a week before he passed. It was a painful surprise because I truly believed we would catch up again one day (of course, now I KNOW we will - but that's another story.)
To let you know just how much I refuse to let go... he sent me "his book" he was writing, and I still have his phone number in my phone.
I still miss him.
I never met his family or close friends, although I've written and heard from a couple - for which I will be ever grateful.
I still miss him. And apparently, so do you.
I'm sorry to those who discover his passing this way, but know, he touched ALOT of lives, and if he cared about you then - he sincerely cared about you throughout his days.
The conversations I had with him - near the end - proved to me how much he cared, about everyone.
I'm proud to call him a close friend.
This may not sound familiar to some of you, but I wanted to share this.
He wrote this to me, and I cherish it to this day: 5/1/05 ... see the light at the end of the tunnel. You are one of my closest friends. I want you to know that. You are my brother. God bless you and Dawna.
Another one read:
It is all in God's time and for God's reason and purpose. The mysteries of faith no longer are mysteries, but Christ's consciousness. Your words are always so well received by me and found to be daily inspirations. God bless your day. I'll be in touch.
Buck
I look forward to that day, still.
Warren "Art" Roche
January 5, 2007
I was deeply saddened to learn of Buck's death just a few moments ago after doing an internet search.
Though I hadn't spoken with Buck since probably 1979 I have thought of him and spoken of him often. In fact, just a few hours ago I described him to my 14 year old daughter.
I first met Buck while working in radio at WCHA/WIKZ in Chambersburg, PA in 1977. We took an instant liking to each other. He then brought me with him to WEIR in Weirton, WV. Buck did morning drive there and I did evenings.
As a professional, I was so very impressed by his unique style. He was the consummate entertainer performing skits with a whole cast of characters, Buck performing the role of each one! I was in awe of the man!!! I also got a kick out of watching him drive the big old Cadillac with the Hawaii license plates throughout greater Appalachia!!!
As paychecks at WEIR in Weirton in those days had a nasty habit of BOUNCING, I soon left WEIR for the comparitively "Big Town" of Wheeling to do mid-days at WKWK. I heard Buck left WEIR shortly afterward too but, much to my disappointment, was unable to find out where he went.
I have looked for him via Internet searches over the last 10 years or so with no result. Tonight was the first "hit" I got only to find his obituary. I had rather hoped I would find him someday just to say hello. He was such a wonderful, sweet, "one of a kind" personality. I have missed him for nearly 30 years and I always will!!!
My condolences to all who knew and loved him.
Corbett Brattin
August 7, 2006
As I write this on August 7th, 2006, it's been one year since Buck made his transition.
I loved Buck. More than I realized. I think of him...frequently.
Buck was a "man's man". When a bunch of the guys would gather for whatever the reason, and Buck was among us, he was always the center of attention. He was a great story-teller, and he commanded the floor. Everyone would listen raptly as he would regale us with stories about our radio days, or his father's Hollywood adventures, or golfing.
Buck was my favorite golfing partner. Whenever we went out, the two of us would share a golf cart, no matter who else was in our foursome. We enjoyed one another's OCCASIONAL, great shots...and each other's MANY flubs. I think the hardest I ever laughed on a golf course was one day when Buck got into a sand trap, and took a swing...trying to get out. And again. And again. And again. He swung at that stupid little white ball 13 TIMES!!!before he finally got it out of the trap. By that time, we were both laughing so hard we nearly peed our pants. Another time, we were at the course in Montebello, and I was driving the cart. At one point, I put the cart into reverse and gunned it...without first looking behind me. Buck turned, and shouted..."LOOK OUT!!"...but it was too late. I ran right over a little, middle-aged Asian woman who was walking the course, and sent her tumbling head over heels. Thank God she wasn't hurt, but she looked up at us and said..."You better get out of her fast, 'cuz my husband is coming up behind us, and if he sees what happened...you'll both be very, very sorry!" Well, I took off as fast as I could, and (since she wasn't hurt), Buck and I just about died laughing at how comical it looked to see that little lady go down the way she did. Buck said the look on my face was priceless. He LOVED to tell that story of one of our misadventures. And, of course, it was always MUCH funnier when HE would tell it...from his perspective.
Of course, we shared some bad times, too. I remember when Buck had just returned from a "Listener's Cruise" for K-EARTH, and I called him the night before he was to return to work. You see, while he was away sailing the ocean blue, nefarious activities were taking place back at the radio station. I had heard the rumors, and I got Buck on the phone that night and said..."Buck...we're going to be fired tomorrow morning." He said "NO WAY!" And yes, it seemed almost unthinkable. He thought I was kidding. But unfortunately, I wasn't. The next morning, Buck and I were among 33 employees "let go" when KHJ-AM was sold and became a Spanish station. But, we both rebounded, and he, of course, went on to several good years with Earthlink, proving that he didn't need radio, and that it was radio's loss.
Buck was, of course, multi-talented. Among those many talents, he was an excellent writer, and when he put together his book on "oldies" and "rock-and-roll groups", I was proud and honored that he asked me to edit it for him. He was surely proud too, to be a rock-and-roller himself, performing with the Safaris.
He was always a very generous man. One time, he gave me an extra pair of golf shoes that he had. He gave me a putter right out of his golf bag that I still use. He was generous with his time, too. A few years ago, Buck visited me in Las Vegas where I was living at the time, and he spent quite a bit of time setting up my new computer for me, and trying, patiently, to teach me the basics of how to use it. He also bought me a new keyboard for the computer, when the one that came with mine failed to work.
There was never anyone more proud of their daughters than was Buck. He constantly talked about, and bragged about Sheila, Ronnie and Amanda. They were (ARE) all lovely and talented, and he, rightly, wanted to make sure that everyone knew that. He loved his girls dearly. And, though their union came to an end, I know that Buck loved their mother, Dolly, very, very much also.
Just before he so suddenly and unexpectedly left us, Buck and I had been making great plans! We spent a lot of time on the phone discussing our upcoming move to Florida. We had planned to, in just a few short weeks, move to Clearwater in early September, and join my friend Jay Johnson, in starting up a bi-monthly newspaper. Buck had already talked with moving companies, and we were all set to pack up our things, caravan to Florida, get an apartment together, and be co-editors of this start-up newspaper. Things were a bit tough for Buck in those preceeding months; money was tight and fun times...scarce. I too, was unhappy with my job in Palm Springs, and we were both SO EXCITED to be making this move together...to get a fresh start on life. We expected to work hard...have some fun...and make some money so we could retire in a few short years. I know Buck was thrilled, as was I, to be about to head out on this new venture.
I spoke with Buck on Saturday, July 30th. We excitedly confirmed our plans, but didn't stay on the phone long, as he said he was feeling really lousy, with what he thought was the flu, or perhaps food poisoning. That, sadly, was the last time we spoke. When I got the call that following week that he was in hospital, I was shocked. I was so, so disappointed that it was already too late...that I never got to speak with him again and tell him what a great friend he was...my "best bud"...and how much I loved him.
I suppose most people connected with broadcasting will remember August 7th, 2005, as the day Peter Jennings died. Not me. Buck Buchanan was the supurb broadcaster I'LL remember that left us that day.
I loved Buck. More than I realized. I think of him...frequently.
Donna Morris
April 28, 2006
I never met Buck.We were on the Totally Hip site and shared stories about our hip replacements.Wish I would have been fortunate to have met him.The last I heard from him he was going I think to see his Daughter and Grandchildren close to Hawaii.May you rest in peace Buckaroo ^j^ dtexaslady2(Donna)
Juanita Bainter
April 27, 2006
I just found out about Buck. We met online at a Hip Replacement support group. He helped me though that ordeal and called me at home several times, all the way from California, just to make sure I was doing ok. He was a constant source of support through that and when my companion dog Abby died.
I had been trying through mutual friends to locate him after a long lapse of no emails. I just found out today.
Buck had a magical way of understanding other peoples pain, emotional and physical. When my sister was brutally attacked in November 2004, he was a huge support for me. Always, that man was praying for me in some way or another. He was generous with his prayers, his time, his friendship.
Buck was one of the greatest human beings I have ever known, that I never actually met. Many at the support group remember him with such fondness. He had a zeal and zest for life and carried us all along with him. He was a charmer and even though I'm happily married there was nothing like when Buck called me "Darlin" during those phone conversations.
He told me about his time in the war and what he went through in Viet Nam. He talked constantly about his wonderful, beautiful daughters, with such pride. God he loved those girls. He was also totally smitten with his Grandbabies. He'd often email me pictures of all of them, his daughters and grandkids.
If there is any way to connect with his family I just want to say how very sorry and saddened I am to now learn of Buck's passing. The earth's loss is most definately Heaven's gain.
Buck, my special friend, you will forever, with the greatest of affection, be remembered and missed by me.
Vickie Burch
February 11, 2006
I am in such shock to learn about Buck. I met Buck when he started working at EarthLink and we kept in touch for a long time after I left. The last time I saw him I found him sleeping in Sacramento Airport. It was always great to talk to Buck, he was always so happy no matter what was going on. He's with God now. I miss Buck.
Dave Angell
December 5, 2005
Shocked to hear about Buck. Actually just kinda sorta got to know the guy last spring. Saw his profile in All Access. Actually thought he was someone else, the other Buck that used to work radio out of Eureka back in the 70's. Turned out not, but shared some fun stories and kept each other positive while we were trolling for that Magic gig, in, on, or around the airwaves. Wished I'd of had the pleasure to work with him...Not many real radio guys left these days, but he was one of them. Hey you know he's playin' the hits on the otherside of those pearly gates. Keep um rockin' Buck....
Capt Dave...planet earth
Frank Ellsworth
November 21, 2005
I met Buck in 1976 as he was doing a short stint programming a Palm Springs radio station that I was trying to get work. We just met and must have spent 2 hours talking. He impressed me as a bigger then life kind of person who you just had to like. We only met twice. Then, and again at an NAB convention years later. He was a wonderful man who really liked people and people liked him. He made a positive impression on me and I know he was a positive influence to many. It made me sad to read of his passing and I had to say something here to his honor. Buck touched my life so briefly, but so profoundly. I will miss you Buck.
Michael Collinson
November 19, 2005
It came as a shock to me to learn of Buck's death.
I met him around 10 years ago while visiting LA from the UK with a group of forum friends on a visit to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Buck being one of those.
He was a terrific host showing us around LA and taking us to his home in the Hollywood Hills.
Buck was a great charactor and I have great memories of him.
He will be missed.
My condolences to all of his family.
Mike
Terry Love
November 19, 2005
I've only just heard of Buck's passing, it's some years since I exchanged messages with him on-line. He used to be a regular on the CompuServe UKForum where I used to help out. He was always an interesting participant and while we never met face to face he was always a pleasure to "chat" with.
My thought go out to his family and friends, he seemed to me to be the kind of person who leaves a big void with their passing, but he also seemed to be the kind who leaves a wealth of warm memories.
TerryL
Steve Manners
November 18, 2005
I just heard the sad news.
I last saw Buck in January 2004 when he met a few of us over from the UK for a meal.
I am 6,000 miles away, and in tears. Buck was a great character I'd met up with many times over decades, and I am so sad to think we won't be meeting up again.
I have put a few words on our UK based Web site where Buck was a member.
My condolences to the family.
Jet Trego
October 3, 2005
What can you say when one of your best friends is suddenly gone?
Buck was nothing but encouragement and support towards anything I ever cared to share or talk with him about.
He always made me, and anyone else in the room feel like they were the most important person around. If I could learn to have even half of that ability, right there would be the main thing that I would want to try to carry forward from having known him.
I now listen to Brian May with new ears, and any mention of the Islands will bring back memories of Buck saying, ALOHA !
My best reference is now missing from my resume. When I met Buck in 1995 at the computer store in Pasadena where I got a job selling Macintoshes, there barely even was an internet and Windows 95 had just come out.
Soon thereafter we both got jobs at Earthink, an experience that will always be remembered.
So many things Buck helped me with, always with an ear to lend.
I miss you, Buck.
As we all do.
Jet Trego
Scott Widdoes
October 1, 2005
Everyday goes by and all I can think of is the wonderful times Buck and I have spent together. We were planning to travel down to Ensanada Mexico to have a great time again and eat excellent foods, and dine at the steak house called the White Horse and drink ice blended caramel cafe that would put Starbucks out of business. The pain I'm enduring isn't shared alone, and all I can do is pray to God, light my candles on behalf of Buck, that God will pass my pain to Buck who I miss so much. I know that not only am I enduring this pain alone, and my heart pours out to his family and friends. Buck, a great man who served his country well, and had convservative values among the political arena. May God give us all the strength we need to continue our lives the way he would want us to.
I miss you Buck!
Love you always my friend and pal.
Scott
Gracie
September 8, 2005
Words cannot express how lost I feel without my best friend. We were close, and talked on an almost psychic level. We spent this last New Years together, and it was a picture perfect evening. Up in the Hollywood Hills, at his friends house, the whole evening was about him. His friends made a box set of all his radio shows, and gave praise, as though they knew this was going to be Bucks last evening with us in the place he loved so much, Hollywood. That night he confessed to me how much he really missed Los Angeles, and was planning his return. I encouraged it, for my own selfish reasons, I missed seeing him face to face, drinking bloody mary's, listening to Cat Stevens, listening and critiquing my airchecks. "Gracie, you sound too nausal!" I miss my old man. I really do. We got into a lot of trouble together, those memories will be in my heart forever. Love you buddy, always have, always will.
-Gracie
Jennifer Koetters
September 4, 2005
I heard the sad, sad news today: a great man is gone. Buck was my neighbor here in Monrovia before he moved up north last year and became friends with my boyfriend and I as he was so apt to do with everyone he met. We loved having him around and were sorry to see him move, but he came back and stayed with us a few times. We were waiting for him to return, possibly permanently because of job offers, when we received the utterly shocking news.
Buck, always the optimist, never wanted anyone to worry about him. I always admired Buck for his outstanding character, quick wit and love of life. I loved listening to his stories, some of which are on his website (http://buck52usa91016.tripod.com).
Buck's rich radio voice and his kind smile will forever be etched in my heart.
Goodbye, Buck. I'll miss you.
Scott Widdoes
September 3, 2005
What a shock! Oh Buck my friend and pal. I met Buck at EarthLink amd we became good friends since 2000. He told me so many times during the years we've known each other, that I was the most unique person he has ever known in his life, and that alone made me feel so good inside. Even well after the seperation of EarthLink, we continued our friendship even though he moved up to Blue Lake and I stayed here in Los Angeles. We shared many good dinners together as he loved to cook, and I could never refuse a good meal. Buck also deserves the honor to be remembered when he served in the "Special Forces" and received many metals including the "purple heart" during the Vietnam war. His skills were far and beyond what I may ever achieve in my own life, but I thank God there was a person who loved everyone, including his family and the special attention he always gave me. Now that you're in the hands of God, you'll always be in my heart forever and the present of your spirit I will follow daily.
I'll miss you my beloved brother and friend, and when my own time arrives, we shall meet again.
I love you with all my heart.
Scott Widdoes
Rick Whitney
August 30, 2005
I was very saddened to hear of Buck's passing. I worked with him at several radio stations in Hawaii, and considered him a good friend. He was always there to help anyone that asked, and he will be missed greatly. He even attended my Sister's wedding in Hawaii, that is just the kind of guy he was.
Goodbye dear friend.
Donald Buchanan
August 21, 2005
I knew "Buck" but he always denied he was kin to Edger Buchanan the actor, Kate Buchanan from HSU, etc.. Sorry to hear of his passing. I enjoyed knowing him. We were not any kind that I know of. I wish the family well.
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