Melvin Buchan, fondly known as Mel, Dad and Pops was born on June 12, 1929 to Mila Ribic Buchan and Nickolas Buchan in East Taylor Township, Pennsylvania the youngest of 10 children. He grew up in Pennsylvania attending school in Conemaugh where he graduated from high school in 1947. In 1949 he joined the Army and served in the 24th Infantry Division, K Company in the Korean War. Upon his return, he met the love of his life, Charlotte Tomey. They married on June 13, 1953. They began married life in Johnstown, Pennsylvania where they welcomed their first daughter Debra Louise on September 27, 1954. At his sister Cora’s urging, he moved his young family to Utah in 1955 and eventually settled in Ogden Utah. Holidays were eventful as they welcomed son Mel on Easter in 1956 and daughter Barbara Jean on Thanksgiving in 1961.
Even as his family was growing Mel attended The University of Utah and graduated from Weber State College with a degree in accounting. After working in construction for several years and making many lifelong friends, he began a second career with the IRS. He relocated to Fresno in September 1971 to work as a Supervisor in the Code and Edit Department. He was admired and respected by his employees for his depth of knowledge and unwavering kindness.
Mel was admired by family, friends, and neighbors. He set high standards for himself yet was full of compassion for others. As a father and grandfather he always had time for telling stories and playing. In his retirement he enjoyed wood working and gardening. He celebrated 65 happy years of marriage to Charlotte. They were able to travel around the United States and to several foreign countries including South Korea where they were honored guests of the Korean Government. Mel was pleased to attend the dedication of the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Charlotte; daughter Debra Wright (Dennis) grandchildren Matthew (Laurie) and Michelle, and Matthew’s children Stacy and Tessa; son Mel Buchan, grandchildren Nicole and Daniel (Linsy), and Daniel’s children Cayden and Colin; daughter Barbara Reinsvold (Tom), grandchildren Laura (Leon), Nicholas (Stephanie) Elaina (Ted) and Michael. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces across the US.
He was preceded in death by his parents, nine siblings and their spouses.
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