WILLIAM JOHN BUCHANAN

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WILLIAM JOHN BUCHANAN June 8, 1923 - April 7, 2008 After a brief illness our dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at the Dr. Evelyn Memorial Hospital in Stonewall, Manitoba. Bill was born June 8, 1923 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Alexander and Isabella Buchanan. He spent his entire life in Argyle. He will always be remembered as a farmer. He retired to Argyle in 1983 - where he was affectionately known as the mayor . In June 2007 Bill and Ethel moved to Lion's Manor, Stonewall. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942 and served four years. He married his childhood sweetheart, Ethel Last, on October 26, 1946. Together they enjoyed over 60 years of marriage. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Brenda (Brian) Morash of Pinawa, Janice (Clifford) Harrison of Domain, Bruce (Gwen) Buchanan of Argyle. Dad enjoyed watching his nine grandchildren grow up and become successful in their own chosen careers. Deanna (Bruce) Gower, Jodi Harrison, Darin Morash, Trevor (Christine) Buchanan, Gavin Harrison, Tyler (Martina) Buchanan, Kara (Jared) Bissonnette, Marni Harrison (Darren Nykoliation), and Jennifer Buchanan (Jeremy Hogg). Dad was very proud of his eight great-grandchildren, Alexis, Brooklyn and Riley Buchanan, Brice, Brick and Shayla Gower, Troy Bissonnette and Ava Nykoliation. He was predeceased by his loving wife Ethel; sister and brother-in-law Jean and Elbourne Last; sister-in-law Audrey Buchanan and son-in-law Dell Ellison. He will be deeply missed by his brothers, Harvey (Evelyn) Buchanan and Roy (Sheila) Buchanan; his brother-in-law Don Last (Lil) and many special nephews and nieces. Our family is very grateful to the Argyle friends and neighbours, the dedicated staff at Lion's Manor, and Dr. Pinniger and staff at the Stonewall Hospital who made a difficult time much easier for all of us. Bill was a life member of the Argyle Curling Club, the Argyle Legion and the Rockwood Agricultural Society. He served on the Argyle Cemetery Board and was a 4-H Beef Club leader. He enjoyed gardening, curling, shuffling and his daily crib games with Ethel. His whole life revolved around cattle and farming and through his life he watched farming evolve from horse-drawn equipment to computerized tractors with modern day technology. A favourite evening activity was driving around the countryside viewing crops and cattle. Dad could spot a tractor working miles away! Although Bill's life just ended, life was really over for him when Ethel became ill and passed away on September 23, 2007. Funeral service will be held on Monday, April 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, Stonewall with interment at the Argyle Cemetery. A time of remembrance and fellowship will follow at the Argyle Legion Hall. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill and Sadie Crockatt, Connie Henderson, Jock and Joan Henderson, Audrey Cassels, Alf and Ingaborg Fortin and Ken and Delores Ogden. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Trevor and Tyler Buchanan, Gavin Harrison, Darin Morash and nephews, Lloyd Buchanan, Doug Buchanan and Murray Last. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Bill's memory to the Argyle Legion - Argyle, Manitoba, R0C 0B0, Stonewall Hospital or a charity of one's choice. MEMORIES I look for you, I can't find you. Tears do not bring you back. I close my eyes and go to sleep, And we are together again forever. We love you Dad MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 12, 2008