PETER D. BUCHAN

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PETER D. BUCHAN November 9, 1936 - May 24, 2002 Suddenly, on Friday, May 24, 2002, after a lengthy illness, Peter Buchan died in his 66th year. Beloved husband of Norma, dear father of Laura (Peter Ward) and P.J., and proud Pukka of Nolan and Elise. Predeceased by his mother Sadie; his father Pete; and his brother Walter, he is also survived by his brother Sandy (Vanesa) and sister-in-law Lee. Peter also leaves to mourn his extended family, Shirley and Larry Infanti, Elinor Ableson, Bill Ableson and Sharon Bartlet and many nieces and nephews. Peter was born in Sault Ste. Marie, ON and studied in England before completing his B.Sc and B.Ed degrees at the University of Manitoba. He and Norma cherished the friendships they made during this time early in their marriage - friendships that continue to this day. A one-year contract to teach in Winnipeg became a 26 year teaching career with Seven Oaks School Division - primarily in Music, but with a few years teaching Math and Science. Peters love of music was reflected not only in his class work, but also in his extra-curricular involvements: school musicals, band trips, school choirs. Peter was an outstanding teacher who had a unique way of communicating with young people. He built strong relationships with his students and counted many among his friends long after they left his classroom. Peters musical career was long and varied. He sang with the Henry Engbrecht Singers and the Neil Harris Singers, performed at Rainbow Stage and the Hollow Mug for many years. He was tenor soloist at Knox United Church for 20 years. Peter also left his mark as a choral director - some of the groups that enjoyed and benefited from his humour, encouragement and talent include the Caledonian Singers, Voices WEST, the Sweet Adelines, the Golden Chordsmen, the For Petes Sake Singers, the chorus at Rainbow Stage and the St. James Presbyterian Church choir. Peters solo work will be remembered by many - his church work, his profound Scottish repertoire and his more humourous material ("Have some Madeira, mdear") and patter songs. Peter was very proud of his Scottish heritage. He was a founding board member of the Scottish Association of Winnipeg and worked tirelessly for the Pavilion of Scotland for many years - developing and directing the shows, building stages and sets, setting up, tearing down - no job too small (or too dirty). He also travelled to Scotland many times - first with Norma, later as a family and, finally, a much-enjoyed trip last summer with his son, P.J. As Peters health problems limited his ability to walk and cycle, he turned more to driving trips with Norma around Manitoba and beyond. He applied his energy to more sedentary activities - acrostic puzzles, reading, creating beautiful needlepoint pieces that will remain as family treasures, going for coffee with the many friends who helped him through this difficult period of his life and, importantly, working hard at fixing stuff for his grandson (especially the ever-popular black train). While we are relieved that he no longer has to endure the pain and limitations that were increasingly with him over the last few years, his death leaves a large hole in many lives and he will be sincerely missed. A celebration of Peters life and music will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28 at Knox United Church, 400 Edmonton St., the Reverend M. Beth McCutcheon officiating. The family invites any singers wishing to participate in the choir to be at the church at 2:45 p.m. for a rehearsal. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Kildonan Cemetery Fund (in care of The Treasurer, The Presbytery of Winnipeg, 294 Olive St., Winnipeg, MB, R3J 2X4) or a charity of your choice. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 27, 2002