Archie Edward Buchanan

rchie Edward Buchanan Jr, 93, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2023, in Inglewood CA, surrounded by his loving daughters. Archie was born on July 3, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, to parents Archie Sr a police officer and Luina Buchanan a piano teacher.

Since his father was taken at an early age, Archie became the man of the house taking care of his mother and his younger siblings Sydney, Dorothy and Eugene.

As a young man he was very adventurous flying light air craft from Riverside to Los Angeles and racing around in his Chevy cars

He served in the military during the Korean Conflict and was a proud veteran. After the war, Archie returned to San Bernardino and met and started a family with his wife, Barbara. Married for over 50 years, they raised four children: Brian (D 1960), Mary, Shelly and Bruce (D 2017). He is survived by Mary, Shelly, his grand children Kristin and Laurence and his sister Sydney and nieces Susan, Celeste, Tracy, Carla, Denine and Genea and nephew Robert, and grand nephews and nieces.

After the birth of his two girls Archie took his family to Sacramento CA where their second son Bruce was born!

Archie worked for the US Air Force as a Logistics Engineer, then transfered to Los Angeles in the 1970's until retiring in early 1980’s. He then went to work for Aerospace Corp and Northrop Gruman Corporations as an Engineer. During his lengthy career he worked on projects like the B-52 Stealth Bomber and the Original Space Shuttle Columbia. He was a member of the Council of Black Professional Engineers founded in 1968. He was a member of the American Legion

He lost Barbara to cancer in 2001, but was lucky enough to find a second great love in his lifetime, Roberta Stojanovski, whom he loved for over 17 years. She predeceased him in 2019

Archie was a dedicated community volunteer and spent many years working with local charities and organizations. He was passionate about helping others and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. He was on the board of Hollypark Library.

He was Captain of the Neighborhood Watch for many years and never let go of that mindset. Always looking out for his friends and neighbors. He was an active member of the Kiwanis club and supported all of their programs, working at the Xmas Tree lots and fireworks stands every year. He held offices in the Kiwanis club including President. He also volunteered at the Hawthorne Police Dept.

Archie was a very fit man, exercising up to 3 times per week. He was a member of PEP (Pulminary Exercise Program) and supported them wholeheartedly

Archie was a jazz music afficianado, enjoying the music that is constantly evolving and changing, always fresh and new.

He was an avid Ham Radio Operator and was a member of many radio clubs including the Los Angeles Amature Radio Club. They volunteered at the yearly events such the Pasadena Rose Parade and Rose Bowl, also the Los Angeles Marathon and Martin Luther King's Kingdom Day Parade. He was also a member of OMIK and Areospace Radio club

Archie will be remembered for his kind heart, his unwavering dedication to his family, and his commitment to serving his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held on January 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Gates, Kingsley & Gates Smith Salsbury Memorial Chapel.

Internment January 13, 2024 at Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Archie's memory.

“Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.”

Ernest Hemingway, author and journalist