Don Buchanan

Don was born in Milestone, Saskatchewan and moved with his parents to the farm north of Francis when he was 9 years old. In 1939, he joined the RCAF and served at Suffield Air Force Base in Alberta until the end of the Second World War. In 1949, he and Marion Walker were married in Francis and they began farming and proceeded to start a family. Don was very mechanically minded and interested in the technology of the times so that combination of talents served him well in keeping the machinery repaired and well-tuned. He was a great reader and maintained an avid interest in books well into his late nineties. He also enjoyed travel and together, he and Marion explored a great deal of North America. They often entertained the family with stories of their travels and he particularly enjoyed the spectacular scenery of the mountains and deserts of the southwestern U.S.

In 1977, Don and Marion moved to Chilliwack, BC to oversee the care for both of their mothers and to allow the next generation to assume stewardship of the family farm. In 1989, after several winters exploring Arizona and California, he and Marion bought property in the Happy Wanderer RV Park in Indio, California. They spent many winters there enjoying the sun, swimming, and participating in the many activities in the park. Don particularly enjoyed shuffleboard and we all got lessons any time that we visited them in the park. They also enjoyed several cruises to different parts of North America, but a highlight of their travels was a trip to New Zealand in the mid 1990’s.

Marion passed away in 2006 and Don remained in the condo in Chilliwack until he moved to Lakeside Gardens in Nanaimo in 2017. He continued to spend every winter in Indio until his late nineties, always a familiar figure out on his morning walks and known for his 45 minute swims every day at the pool. Don enjoyed music and visits from his family and never turned down an opportunity to share in a “Happy Hour” with one or several of us!

Don was predeceased by his wife Marion. He is survived by his five children: Lynne and (Clayton), Lesley, Neil and (Pat), Maureen and (Bob), and Alana and (Len); grandchildren Tara (Lance) and Erin (Steve), Carie (Darren), Rachelle (Tyler), Darrell (Jennifer), Shanda (Kiriako), Lauren (Craig) and Jana (Ryan) and nineteen great-grandchildren.

With respect to his wishes, the family will have their own private memorial service at a later date.