Richard "Dick" Gwynne Buchanan

January 30, 2015

BUCHANAN, Richard (Dick) Gwynne
October 5, 1936 to January 30, 2015

Dick Buchanan was born in Vancouver but lived in Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Airdrie and finally Cochrane. He is remembered by his daughter, Maureen (Wayne); his son, Richard (Dylana); grandchildren, Braden (Sonja), Danielle and Michael; his fiancé, Pauline Murray; his sister, Geri Buchanan; and his brother, Tom Buchanan. Dick was predeceased by his wife, June Emma Buchanan (Book).

Dick was introduced to business at a very young age at his father’s insurance agency in Vancouver. As a young man he moved across the Prairies with his family working as a salesman for Imperial Tobacco before returning to the insurance industry, once again. He purchased Air-Alta Insurance in the late 70’s and operated the agency, in Airdrie, until his retirement a few years ago. Dick will be forever remembered for his volunteer work and community involvement. As a result of his commitment to the community he was recognized with the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his service. Dick always had time to lend a hand to who ever needed him.

Donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 9Z9.

Messages of Condolence

Dick was a friend, a mentor, a man which we looked up to. He has one of the first businessman I met which I arrived in Airdrie many years ago. His support and encouragement helped me through many tough times. Working with him on several volunteer committes was alweays a reward in itself. We will miss him!

- Ernest and Joan Smith

We would like to extend our sincere condolences to all of Dick's immediate family and to his Air-Alta family. He was so proud of you all. A great individual - a great friend - who will be missed by so many. Carolyn and Jean (formerly Airdrie Office Supplies)

- Jean Simpaon & Carolyn Kaun

Pauline I am so heartbroken for you. I hope you will find a way through your sadness by remembering all the wonderful times you had together. God Bless Jane

- Jane Thomsen

To Dick's family - We know you will miss your dad so much. He was a great man who did so much to enhance the community of Airdrie. He will be missed. Our sincere condolences. Rob and Elaine

- Rob and Elaine Doel

We had the pleasure of knowing Dick the 20 years we lived in Airdrie. We worked together with him on the Chamber of Commerce. We shared many a laugh and good story. He was a wonderful man and will be remembered as one of the great ones. Our condolences go out to his family.

- Pat Jones and Tom Kelly

Thirteen years ago, Mr. B was the officiant at my wedding. Having known him and Mrs. B all my life, it was an obvious choice. We knew his booming voice would carry for our family and friends, while his quiet dignity would set just the right tone. This was so reflective of the presence he had been in my life - with numerous bursts of laughter and craziness that would cause June to reprimand :-) thrown in between the moments of caring, guiding and helping. We have so many moments with Dick that we will treasure. Our world was richer for having had him and his family in it. Our hearts go out the family at this difficult time. We wish you peace, love and happy memories when you are able. Love, Kim, Ryan, Darwyn, Lexi and Nancy

- Kimberley McNabb

Our deepest condolences to all of Dick's family. We met Dick and June 35 years ago when we moved to Airdrie. He was not just a business associate but also a friend. Both Dick and June always treated you as a person first and a client second. Dick was a great man with a heart of gold. He will be sadly missed. The City of Airdrie will not be the same without him.

- Terry and Sally McCann

i cannot believe that this man - a giant of the community is no longer here. especially to give me a hard time when he came into the bank. he was also "mr home and garden show". i still can"t believe he will not be here but he will always be watching us and always be a presence. i will always miss him he gave me so much encouragement.

- julie tkachuk

I met Dick and June almost 40 yrs ago when my husband and I moved to Canada from England. They invited us into their home for Christmas 1976 and since then have been treasured friends. I worked with June and later dealt with both Dick and June through the insurance industry. In 1998 I moved to Melbourne, Australia but still kept in touch through Christmas cards etc. In 2013 I returned to Calgary to visit my daughter and family, and was so fortunate to be able to rekindle our friendship, sadly without June who had passed away. Both Dick and June have a special place in my heart. David (my Aussie husband) and I send our sincere condolences to the family.

- Laraine Oliver

I am so sorry to not have heard this news sooner. My deepest condolences go out to Dick's family. Our family moved to Airdrie in 1978, and for as long as I can remember, Dick and June were a part of our family. They were always offering a helping hand. After my father passed away in 1992, Dick continually reminded us to ask him for anything my mother and me might have needed. Every chance he got, he would get a laugh out of my mother by bringing up an imaginary boyfriend. My mother would smack him on the shoulder and Dick, June and Mom would all laugh together. At the time, it seemed so trivial, but now I look back with great fondness. At my mother's funeral, Dick was our officiant. I know my Mom was smiling from Heaven when he brought up her imaginary boyfriend for the last time. It was a little easier getting through that rough patch with Dick helping. I will miss you Dad; but I know the laughs with June and Mom will continue up above.

- Gabe Foong

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