January 21, 1938 – June 24, 2015.
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John ‘Bucky’ Buchanan, 77, who died suddenly at home in Comox on June 24, 2015. He is survived by Chris (nee Pasaluko), his loving wife of 52 years, children Colin (Kathy), Ian, Wylie, and Heather (Jay Everitt) and grandchildren Emma, Ryan, Mirren, Hayley, and Daniel.
Bucky was born and raised in Winnipeg MB and attended University of Manitoba, graduating with a B.Sc. Engineering, following which he received an MBA from the University of Western Ontario. Bucky spent almost his entire working career at Inland Steel and Forgings, Ltd. in Winnipeg MB, where he was lead engineer and designer, retiring in 1997. Following his retirement Bucky and Chris moved to Comox. Bucky was an avid outdoor enthusiast and pursued canoeing, skiing, hiking, and backcountry camping. Bucky paddled whitewater rivers and lakes in his native Manitoba, remote Arctic rivers, went backcountry ski touring in the Canadian Rockies, as well as cross-country skiing, hiking, camping, and generally enjoying the outdoors wherever he found himself. Bucky dedicated his time to many organizations, including the Manitoba Naturalists, the Grey Hares Ski Club, Purcell Lodge, and the Comox Valley Elder College. At Elder College, Bucky found a cadre of like-minded individuals and filled several roles there, serving on the executive, teaching computer courses, providing technical support, and coordinating speakers for lecture series. His Elder College group hiking and walking tours will be especially well remembered. Bucky’s natural curiosity drew him to discovery of new places and activities throughout his life. He was an avid and eclectic reader, reading widely in history, politics, economics, and science fiction. No one who knew him will be surprised that he even found computer manuals and tax law of interest. Later in life he took up Tai Chi (which provided some amusement for his grandchildren). In everything he did, Bucky’s approach was thorough and methodical, but also querying and curious, and his enthusiasm for new subjects was invariably infectious. While Bucky had a real passion for the outdoors and life-long learning, his great love was his family and he will be deeply missed.
The family held a private service on June 27. Friends and well-wishers are invited to join the family at their home at 353 Wireless Rd. on Friday, July 10 between 1:00pm and 4:00pm for a celebration of life memorial. In lieu of flowers, a bursary is being established in Bucky’s name at North Island College.