Alastair Thomson Buchan passed away on July 1, 2017 after a brief, final onslaught of cancer. Born to Scottish immigrants, Agnes T. (Nan) and James C. Buchan on May 4, 1934, Dad grew up in Victoria, younger brother to Jim. He played football through his high school years (and beyond for the Victoria Vampires), graduating from Victoria High in 1952. In early adulthood, he was employed by the BC Government, Air Survey Department, working in the province’s interior and northern regions, a job he loved. Al married his high school sweetheart, Pat, in 1955. He was active, along with Pat, in the Victoria Jaycees for many years. Serving as the chapter’s president in 1961-62, the club won “The Minneapolis Award: Outstanding Chapter of the World,” a prestigious international honour, presented in Hong Kong – the first time a Canadian chapter achieved this recognition for community activity, service and fundraising for children’s charities. As their family started, Al transitioned to employment with the T. Eaton Company and commenced a highly successful, lifelong career in appliance sales. A former company director said Dad was the best he ever knew since he could do it all – from on floor sales, to stock management, to advertising mock ups and promo campaigns.

Dad was manager of the local Little League team while his kids were young. He was kind, patient and laid back. Dad enjoyed star gazing, meteorology, family picnics up Mt Tolmie, beachcombing, jazz and big band music (loved Gene Krupa on the drums). He and Mom even took the dance floor jiving at a grand daughter’s wedding not so long ago! Dad was a cartoonist and humorist, commemorating family milestones with a full page comic interpretation of the event. He was especially proud of his grandkids; Dad’s most recent hobby was shopping for his great-grandchildren, carefully and joyfully selecting the best for each child.

Remembering Al are his children, Lori (Richard), Sharon (Keith) and Mike (Nadine); his grandchildren, Elise (Tyson), Jessica (Phil), Elianna (James) and Isabelle; D’Arcy (Katrina) and Adam; and Julia; great-grandchildren, Kate, Isla, Lily and Charlie; his sister-in-law, Val; nieces, Sandra (Dwight) and Brenda (Jim) and their families; nieces, Liz (Jim), Alison (Dave), nephew, Cameron (Carrie) and their families; cousins, Christine (Ian); Marilyn (Stan) and their families. Beat to the Pearly Gates by his wife, Pat; as well as his brother Jim and sister-in-law, Ann; brother-in-law, Bob.

No service by request. We will have a family remembrance at a later date.

We give our sincere thanks to the compassionate staff of oncology ward, Royal Jubilee Hospital.

As Dad was a 4 time cancer survivor, those desiring could make memoriam donations to the Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca/en/donate/?region=bc

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • William (Bill) Wallace

    To the Buchan Family – My sincere condolences on the passing of your Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather Al Buchan. He was always kind and thougtful with me and I am glad that he, in his own way, showed me what it means to be such a man.

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