Robert Earl Buchanan

January 24, 1922 – May 24, 2019

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Earl Buchanan on May 24, 2019 at the age of 97 years. Bob was predeceased in 2013 by Geneva, his soulmate and loving wife of 67 years.

Bob was born in Edmonton, Alberta on January 24, 1922 to William and Barbara Buchanan. Bob spent his early years in Edmonton and Smokey Lake Alberta where his father served as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He moved to Calgary in the early 1930’s and attended King George Junior High and Crescent Heights High School. At the start of WWII he enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces and served until the end of the war as a member of the Royal Canadian Navy. As a telegraph operator, he served on several Corvettes including the St. Boniface and St. Lambert working the “Triangle Run” form Halifax to Newfoundland to New York. He also made several voyages in convoy duty across the North Atlantic to Ireland and Scotland.

Shortly after being discharged from the Navy Bob met Geneva in the fall of 1945 at a dance in Moncton, NB. They married on May 1, 1946 in Moncton and moved west to Calgary to start their new life together. Bob and Geneva have many fond memories of their early days together where Bob's work in the oil patch took them to live in numerous towns across western Canada including; Virden MB, Stettler, Hanna, Sylvan Lake, Estevan SK. They moved back to Calgary in 1956 and bought their first home in the community of Highwood where they lived for 48 years. In 2016, Bob moved to the Carewest Colonel Belcher where he resided until his passing.

Bob was a gentle, caring and compassionate person who was always ready to help wherever needed. He and Geneva loved hosting dinners for family and friends. He had many fond memories of gatherings with family and friends for Christmas, Gin Rummy Club, the Oilmen’s Golf Tournament and Friday dinners at the golf club. Bob was a proud honorary lifetime member of the Earl Grey Golf Club and proudly served as the club historian for many years.

Bob will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sons Alan (Ricarda), Tom (Kim), Brian, daughter-in-law Helen Yuen (Kai) and grandchildren Aurora (Josh), Kailey (Bryan), Connor (Samantha), Franklin, Brayden and Christian and great grandchild Isla. Bob is also survived by brother and sister-in-law Bill and Jean Buchanan of Calgary. Bob was predeceased by his parents William and Barbara Buchanan, sister Dorothy Wheeler, brother Harold Buchanan and sister-in-law Margaret Buchanan.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Carewest Colonel Belcher for their wonderful care and support.

A Memorial Service will be held for family and friends sometime this summer.