Donald Buchan

Donald Greig Buchan was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was a hard-working, well-educated gentleman who devoted himself to his work, his family, and his country. He used his talents in the fields of education and music, leaving his mark on both. Born March 6, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Thomas and Hazel (Robinson) Buchan, Donald was an only child. His father worked in Mays in Grand Rapids as a salesman in mens clothing. His mother stayed home to care for Donald. Donald grew up on Rose Street and attended Grand Rapids schools. Donalds strong work ethic was evident early on with his attainment of the prestigious title of Eagle Scout. When he was not camping or earning merit badges with the scouts, he could be found playing his coronet in local area bands, where people enjoyed dancing to their swing music. Donalds music was so successful that he was able to pay some of his college expenses, after he graduated from Grand Rapids South High School. While Donald was attending Grand Rapids Junior College, he met Josephine Smith in one of his college courses. They started dating and it wasnt long before they both knew this was something special. Their love for each other was put on hold as the country found itself entering World War II after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Donald, who had been part of the ROTC during college, was ready to do his part to defend his country. Before Donalds deployment, he and Josephine wanted to make their love official. Taking the train to see him in San Diego, California, Josephine met Donald and they were married on January 17, 1944. Their time together ended all too soon and Donald was sent to serve in the U.S. Navy. Donald served as a gunnery officer on a destroyer escort and spent the rest of the war in the Pacific amid horrific fighting. The war was coming to an end and the Japanese forces were not going to give up easily. Thankfully, Donald was able to return home to his young bride. Donald and Josephine started their married life in Kalamazoo, Michigan where Donald continued his education at Western Michigan University. Their union was blessed with five children over the years: David in 1946, Bradley in 1948, Scott in 1952, Deborah in 1955 and Barbara in 1959. While Donald was busy earning a degree and looking for work, Josephine stayed home to care for their children. After earning a degree in music, Donald obtained a job as band director in Quincy. Continuing in the field of education, he went to Davison and then on to Spring Lake teaching classes and serving as an elementary school principal for two years. Moving on to administrative work, Donald became the superintendent when he went to Maple Grove School in Muskegon. He became the assistant superintendent in charge of Business and Finance for the Mona Shores School District when several districts merged. He remained in that position until retirement in 1979. Donald kept his hand in the educational field by consulting for other school districts even after retiring. Always looking for ways to advance his learning, Donald went on to earn his masters degree from the University of Michigan and eventually received his Education Specialist degree from Michigan State. Even though Donald regularly worked sixty hour weeks, he still found time to spend with his family. In the early years of their marriage Donald enjoyed playing coronet in local bands. Donald and Josephine loved to dance, especially to big band music, their favorite song being Melody of Love. Kicking back and socializing with their friends, the Terrible Twelve, was another great way to spend an evening. These times usually involved dinner at one of the homes of the six married couples. And then there were the annual trips to McGuires in Cadillac for a golf outing. Don and Josephine were also members of the Town Club and the Muskegon Elks and enjoyed the activities there. One summer Donald was able to combine work and play by taking the family memorable stay in the Upper Peninsula while he attended graduate classes at Michigan Tech for several weeks. Donald remained active in his childrens lives, taking the time to instill the high ideals he believed in. They also had an exchange student from the Phillippines, Lydia La`O, who remained very close for years following her stay with them. Sailing was an activity Donald enjoyed after the children were older. He joined the Muskegon Yacht Club, taking his friends on weekend sails, including the family dog, Schotze ! In the early 1980's Donald was working as the executive director of the Association of School Business Officials in Chicago when he received some disturbing news. After two years on the job, he was diagnosed with lymphoma. Quitting work, he moved back to Muskegon to undergo chemotherapy and have surgery. Becoming an advocate for other cancer patients was a new role for Donald after he was able to beat his own cancer. Donald and Josephine spent their later years together in Phoenix, Arizona, splitting the time evenly between Muskegon and their new Walnut Grove condo. Enjoying the weather in the Sun Belt, they made many new friends and led active social lives. When grandchildren came into their lives, Donald and Josephine attended as many of their activities as they could. Unfortunately, the happy times together were coming to an end. Donalds beloved wife died in 2004, leaving behind a grieving husband. Donald began to have health problems of his own, moving into Seminole Shores Assisted Living when he could no longer take care of himself. There he met Gertrude Robarge, with whom he developed a special friendship. He remained as active as he could and liked spending time with other residents too. Donalds body started to wear down and on April 13th he passed away. Donald Buchan will be remembered for his strong work ethic, musical talent, and his high standards of excellence in the field of education. He was devoted not only to his family and friends, but also to his country which he served with valor and bravery. Mr. Donald G. Buchan, age 86, died Sunday, April 13, 2008. He is survived by three sons, David (Theresa) Buchan, Bradley (Lynn Peterson) Buchan, Scott (Carmen) Buchan; 2 daughters, Deborah (Jeff) Mack, Barbara (Hal Hermanson) McPhail; 13 grandchildren, Thomas Buchan, Jordan Buchan, Debi Brooks, Nathan Peterson, Amy Peterson, Megan Buchan, Brendan Buchan, Kaylan Mack, Sean Mack, Evan Bridwell, Cameron McPhail, Thomas McPhail, Taylor McPhail, 6 great grandchildren, Brett Buchan, Brook Buchan, Ricky Brooks, Justin Brooks, Kylee Buchan, River Buchan, Sister-in-law Marjory Boissoneau, Nephew Ross Boissoneau; special friend Gertrude Robarge. Mr.Buchan was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine in 2004; grandsons, Andrew & Butch Buchan. Visitation will be Wednesday, 2-4 PM, 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. A service will be held Thursday, April 17, 2008, 11 AM at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Donald Mathews officiating. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.