Ian Buchanan
April 25, 2012
BUCHANAN, Ian – February 12, 1929 – April 25, 2012. Peacefully went to his heavenly home on April 25, 2012 to join his wife of 57 years, Jean (née Ferris), who predeceased him only 6 months ago. Ian was in his 84th year. Dearly loved by his children Margaret (James Yarrington), John, and Paul (Martha). Adored by his grandchildren, Christopher Hannay and Stewart and Meredith Buchanan. Sadly missed by his step-grandchildren Charles, Graham, and Julia Yarrington. Ian, son of Donald Buchanan and Christena (née Kirkconnell), was raised on a farm near Tiverton, Ontario. For many years, he was an elementary school principal in London. Ian began teaching at 18 years of age in a one-room schoolhouse. Along the way, he earned a BA in 1959 from The University of Western Ontario. Then, with family in tow from 1968 – 69, Ian studied at the University of London’s Institute of Education in England where he was made an Associate of the Institute. Eventually, Ian became a faculty advisor for student teachers at Western’s Faculty of Education. Music was an important part of Ian and Jean’s life together. Ian conducted the Strathroy Chorale from 1962 – 98 and led a number of church and community choirs as choral director and sometime organist. Ian was also an active and leading member of First Baptist Church. The family would like to express its heartfelt thanks to the medical staff at Victoria and Parkwood hospitals in London for their dedication, support, and care of both Ian and Jean. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 29, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, in London. The funeral and a celebration of Ian’s life will be held on Monday, April 30, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church at 568 Richmond Street in London with Pastor David Annunziello and Father Bill White. Private family interment will be held in Tiverton Cemetery at a later date. If desired, a donation in Ian and Jean’s memory may be sent to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at www.braintumour.ca.
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Dear Martha, Paul & family, Very sorry to hear of Ian's passing. We so enjoyed meeting Ian that perfect morning we spent at your home this December. We appreciated the chance to hear Ian tell many wonderful vignettes about his life. What a loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher, friend, and person. In the midst of the heartache of this time, may you find comfort in knowing that Ian has been reunited with Jean, the wife he spoke of so fondly, so reverently that day, his eyes sparkling all the while with a lifetime of happy memories. "As it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Corinthians 2:9 Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kathy & Chuck Reid & family
Good-bye Ian… I shall miss our conversations over a glass of wine, SKYPE calls and concerts, and my occasional visits or dinners out. I returned from Sarnia and went to the hospital Thursday morning and missed saying good-bye to you by 24 hours, and I am, unfortunately, unable to attend your farewell service. Much love, peace, hope and comfort to the family. You have lost a treasure
Dear Paul and family, We were very sorry to hear of your loss. We enjoyed meeting your father at gatherings over the years and admired his dedication to family, education and music. We also greatly admired, Paul, the loving care and devotion you showed your parents during their illness. May you find comfort in good memories and the affection of your many friends. Much love to you, Martha, Stewart, and Meredith. Melanie and Roger
Dear Paul and family, We were very sorry to hear of your loss. We enjoyed meeting your father at gatherings over the years and admired his dedication to family, education and music. We also greatly admired, Paul, the loving care and devotion you showed your parents during their illness. May you find comfort in good memories and the affection of your many friends. Much love to you, Martha, Stewart, and Meredith. Melanie and Roger
Goodbye Ian. You cannot possibly know how many people's lives you touched, as a caring administrator, as a fine musician, as a treasured colleague in the Faculty of Education, and as a wonderful and charming person. I consider myself privileged to have known you, albeit fleetingly, in all of those capacities.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your parents so close together. I met Ian many years ago in the Strathroy Chorale and spent a great number of years singing in the Chorale. What a wonderful man he was, strict, but yet with a wonderful sense of humour. He made sure that singing was fun and educational all at the same time. He will be sorely missed and kept in my heart forever.
My twin brother Leslie who lives in London told me of Mr. Buchanan's passing . I won't call him Ian as I was a very young school boy at Princess Elizabeth School when Mr. Buchanan taught me. He was instrumental in firing up my love for singing and acting and he put my brother and I t0gether with Jim Hoover to form the first of many groups I was in called "The Chelsea Green Tones". Thanks to him, I spent many years loving and participating in music and theatre. Mr. Buchanan was upstanding and outstanding. A good man who will be missed. Sincerely Lindsay Smith Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
To all of Ian's Families: I wish to express my sincere sympathy to you in your great loss. I have known Ian all my life growing upin the Tiverton area. He excelled greatly in all he became involved in. The music and education fields have been enriched by his talents. thinking of you all. Eleanor Thompson[Surridge]
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Carol Rothwell (Kirkconnell)
(Donated to Brain Tumour Foundation)
(Donated to Brain Tumour Foundation)
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So sorry to hear you have now lost BOTH parents in such quick succession! My thoughts are with you. Although I cannot come to the funeral or visitation, I would like to make contact with you once things have calmed down for you. Glad I got to know Ian (particularly over Skype!) in the last few years! Love, Heather Kirkconnell
~ Heather Kirkconnell