Obituary of Ian Buchanan

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.