John "Bucky" Robert Buchanan

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits John Robert Buchanan who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Bucky was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Bucky knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

       His parents were Robert John Buchanan Sr. and Esther Sentnor. Bucky was raised in New Brunswick. Even as a youngster, Bucky learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Bucky was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Bucky was raised with four siblings. He had three sisters, Judy, Iva and Heather, and one brother, Bruce. Bucky had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Bucky, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Bucky's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Bucky enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Bucky took part in baseball.

      Bucky was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Bucky was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Bucky came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, his best friend was Bob Thorn.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Bucky reveled in the security of his family. On October 17, 1964 Bucky exchanged wedding vows with Elizabeth Diane (Susie) McGill at the St. John's United Church of Toronto, Ontario. One of Bucky’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Bucky was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Bucky would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Bucky was blessed with four children, one son, Kevin and three daughters Brenda, Diana and Iva. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren, Ashley, Dustin, Coty, Hailey, Megan, Hanna, Chloe and Aly.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Bucky was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Bucky was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Bucky upheld his standards. His primary occupation was truck driver. He was self-employed for over 30 years. Bucky was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Bucky approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were stock car driving, baseball, hockey and horse shoes. Bucky was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Bucky to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included stock car driving, baseball, hockey and horseshoes. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were UFC, WWF, NASCAR and hockey.

      Being generous with his time and energy, Bucky liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Bucky was a member of the Lion's Club and the Oshawa Senior Centre.

      As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Bucky could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Bucky; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included racing championships.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Bucky used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Bucky had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Caribbean cruises and P. E. I.

      Bucky was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Two of Bucky’s favorites were Bonnie and Clyde, German Shepherd dogs. They were best friends for 10 years.

      When Bucky’s retirement finally arrived in 2005, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to P. E. I. In retirement, he found new pleasure in joining friends at the Oshawa Senior Centre. In many ways, Bucky loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Bucky passed away on February 27, 2013 at Scarborough Centenary Hospital. He fought a brave battle against Parkinson's. He is survived by his wife, four children, 8 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his brother and sisters. Services were held at the Courtice Funeral Chapel. Bucky will be laid to rest in Mount Royal, P. E. I. - Buchanan Road.

      All who knew him would agree that Bucky was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. John Robert Buchanan did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

* * * * * * * * * *

BUCHANAN, John Robert “Bucky”- Passed Peacefully on February 27, 2013 at Scarborough Centenary Hospital. John Buchanan was in his 73rd year. Beloved Husband of Diane “Susie” Buchanan. Loved father to Brenda (David), Diana (Dan), Iva (Jeff) and Kevin. Cherished grandfather to Ashley (Rob), Dustin, Coty, Hailey, Megan, Hanna, Chloe, Alyson and his great granddaughter Macie. Fondly remembered by his brother Bruce and sisters Heather and Judy. Bucky Buchanan will be missed by fellow Stock Car Racing Drivers and their Teams.

Resting at the Courtice Funeral Chapel, 1587 Highway 2, Courtice, Ontario (905-432-8484), with Service of Remembrance Monday March 4, 2013 at 11 a.m. The Buchanan Family will receive friends on Sunday March 3, 2013 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Memorial Donations to the Oshawa Seniors Centre, Conant Branch, Adult Day Program would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.courticefuneralchapel.com