Buchanan, John H.
1911 - 2003
In loving memory of my husband of 67 years, John H. Buchanan. Lived from 1911 - 2003 aged of 91 when he passed on to a higher service on January 6th. Born in Nanaimo and raised in Bevan with his parents, three sisters and three brothers where he spent his boyhood in the village of Bevan Canadian Collieries. Later moved to Cumberland to be near Doctors care as his father had become an invalid. John as a teenager and young adult helped support his family. John saved the life of a young man from a drowning by using resuscitation after pulling him out of the Oyster River. He was awarded a Medal of Bravery from the Humane Society which is still proudly displayed at home. While in Cumberland he spent many hours around the colliery trains engines until he took his exams and began to work as a 1st Class Brakeman. He enjoyed and admired the Chinese men working for the collieries especially Jumbo. He had the honour to have had many great New Year’s dinners and other special occasions with Jumbo and Mrs. Mah who had made the dinners. John also worked for Elk River Timber Camp and Logging as well as Crown Zellerbach, then retired at age 65. John had excelled at St. John’s First Aid winning many trophies and awards. Later John taught classes in St. John’s First Aid in Cumberland. John also was on the Cumberland Volunteer Fire Dept. from 1933 to 1993. At the Legion Hall John and his wife taught dance to the youngsters. He also loved to sing and enjoyed costume parties. Took part in scattered skits while a member of the Caledonian Society. Enjoyed playing crib. John was a leader of the Cubs. One time he took 30 Cubs on a one week camp trip teaching them how to earn their badges and care for themselves and others. Some of John’s hobbies were fishing, camping, making burl clocks, tables and carving one piece fans from a solid piece of wood, made wood logging trucks for his children and his grandchildren. John was a Councillor on the Cumberland Village Council. Assisted O.A.P. applying and receiving grants. In 1994 John and his wife received Outstanding Citizen Award in Cumberland. Became unable to walk but enjoyed carpet bowling at the O.A.P. Taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital but no bone surgeon available, so sent to Campbell River. Surgery was successful but he was tired spending so many years on his feet. He leaves behind his life long Sweetheart Winnie, sons Jack (April) and Jim (Nadine), two daughters Anne (Chuck) and Linda (Conrad), 12 grandchildren, sister Henrietta Francioli (Cumberland), brother Joe (Vernon), and many nieces and nephews.
By Winnie Buchanan