In Memory
.jpg)
John Gordon Buchanan
- May 13, 1942 ~ Septe,ber 6, 2021
John G. Buchanan, age 79, passed away peacefully at his home in San Carlos, California on September 6, 2021.
John was born to Harold and Grace Buchanan on May 13,1942 in Ravenna, Ohio. He and his younger brother, David, grew up in South Bend, Indiana where John was a Boy Scout, played the trumpet, and swam at the community pool. He attended Riley High School and continued to swim competitively and play in the band. At age 14, he qualified for the Olympic Trials. He swam in five state championship events, became an All-American, and helped the Riley Wildcats to a state team championship in 1957.
John was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1960 and graduated as an officer with The Great Class of 1964. He served on the USS Coral Sea and USS Ranger as a Naval Aviator during the Vietnam War. He was a flight instructor in the training command until being discharged in 1972. John was very proud to have served his country.
John married Constance Nora Richards on September 3, 1965. They moved to their home of 49 years in San Carlos, California where they raised their three children, Katie, Sarah, and Mike. John’s career as an Engineering Consultant took him around the world. He served on the San Carlos City Council for nine years, including two terms as Mayor. He was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany and enjoyed singing in the choir. John also volunteered in the community as a tutor, election official, and with several local non-profit organizations including Rebuilding Together.
Above all, John was a loving and devoted family man. He was a constant and supportive presence in his children and grandchildren’s lives, frequently doing school drop-offs, attending sporting events and school musical performances, and walking the family “granddogs” around San Carlos. Among the family’s most precious memories is spending summers together on Lake Michigan.
John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Connie, brother David, daughter Katie, daughter Sarah (Charlie), son Mike (Sarah), and six beautiful grandchildren (Jacob, Will, Ellie, Caroline, Sadie and Conor)
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made to Mission Hospice (http://www.missionhospice.org/), Episcopal Church of the Epiphany (http://www.epiphanysancarlos.org), or US Naval Academy Foundation (https://www.usna.com/give?mode=Tribute).
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at the Church of the Epiphany in San Carlos, California on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
Please check https://www.paperlesspost.com/go/BkpXz48SZ9W8QDCJKVV9 for important information about John’s Celebration of Life. The service will be available as a livestream for those unable to attend.
09.14.2021 djb
Robert Foor (1961)
To the family of John G. Buchanan I want to covey my thanks for what John did for the athleic superiority for the Riley Swim Program. Thanks is not enough but for many of us appreciate his service to our country. I wish your Family the best as your life continues with John's memory and his Love for family and service. Bob Foor
William Lynn Collins (1960)
I spent several minutes with John. at our 50th high school reunion. I left him knowing how little I had accomplished in my life.. He was a world class athlete, scholar - service academy graduate, top gun pilot, war hero, community leader, successful businessman, husband, father & grandfather. His heart may have been physically week, but his emotional heart was bigger than life. Our country was beter because of John Buchanan; may he rest in peace & may his family know what a wonderful person he was. John was as close to "perfect" as possible.
Richard Douglas Voreis (1960)
Bill Collins described John Buchanan perfectly! Thank you Bill for such a great tribute to John! Those of us in life who were fortunate to meet John Buchanan were very fortunate indeed.