Bradford Edwin Buchanan
Bradford Edwin Buchanan, born unto the
Clan on December 24, 1944 in Germantown, PA., left this world for the great Montana waters beyond on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010 peacefully asleep at home with family in Polson, Montana.
In his academics, Brad earned a BA in History from The University of Montana, a nursing degree from MSU, Bozeman and then an MBA from City University of Seattle, WA. A Decorated medic in Vietnam veteran with two bronze stars with valor and a purple heart, Brad had a filled youth with adventure ranging from breaking horses as a boy at a Montana ranch to ranking as an Olympic-hopeful giant slalom skier. As well, he was an avid tennis player, graceful water skier, Montana sportsman, and a very fine hand for cooking the salmon. His love for Opera was consuming, a voracious reader and a sharp wit for debate and, alas, so thoroughly enjoyed his own jokes. He treasured the basic wonders of life. His infectious character was evidenced by his close relations with his family and friends.
Brad was the son of Edwin Graham Buchanan, well known Missoula pathologist, and dear mother Dorothy M. (Ingalls) Buchanan. Brad married Elizabeth Ann Botch in 1976 until 1999. He was most genuinely proud of their three accomplished daughters, Marnie Ellen Buchanan, Rachel Ann Pelto and Brittany Elizabeth Buchanan. His energy lives on through his hunting companion and brother, Wayne Graham Buchanan, and by his dear sisters, Barbara Buchanan Nunu, Diane Buchanan Mutch, and Judy Buchanan Billings.
His two nephews (and partners in crime) are here to celebrate and carry forward the sacred traditions instilled in them by their uncle; enshrined in copious amounts of good scotch. His love is left with his Turkish woman, Sule and their dogs Lili and Cenk. His family and dearest friends will be holding a private memorial celebration for his spirit and life….and knowing Brad as you may have….you’ll know when and where. We’ll listen for his perpetual presence as snow falls softly in the foothills of the Missions…UTC
Messages of condolence may be sent to Brad’s family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, is caring for Mr. Bucanan’s family.
I am so sorry in hearing of Brad’s passing. I will forever remember sharing the Main Lobster on New Years at the family home, the strong drinks at the family place on Flathead and the skiing at Snow Bowl. Brad is a favorite of mine and many others. May he rest in peace, for he is in a far better place.
Will Deschamps and family
Hey Brad, go fly on the snow called clouds and carve your turns as you check on those you love below. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Our families go back over 50 years of fun and friendship and love.
Hi Brad. Good photo and they did you a beautiful obit. Thanks for the good times and great memories. You’re a well brought up gentleman from a fine family and always intelligent, thoughtful and kind to everyone. You never said anything inappropriate no matter how much we drank. I appreciate how your mom and dad always opened up their house to me. Your mother introduced me to my first taco and my first, and only, whole lobster. Have a good trip and I’ll buy the first beer next time I see you. Adios.
Tu amigo,
Lucky
Brad was always a pleasure to be around. His deceptively simple outgoing manner masked an extremely thoughtful and deeply intelligent person. He was taken from us too soon, and we will miss the opportunity to share his company. Our deepest sympathy to everyone in the “clan”.
I offer my sympthies and condolances to the Buchanan family. I new Brad during the 60′s and early 70′s attending the U of M when he was indeed a free spirit, always looking for a good time of which we found many. There were his famous new years eve parties which were the talk of the entire town back then.
Brad will be missed by all who new him.
So sorry for your loss
Goodbye dear friend –you will be missed
I knew Brad in my youger years skiing at Big Mtn. and Snow Bowl. He was a fun loving person and a good friend. I didn’t realize he was a Viet Nam Vet, but am proud he was. Bob Gordon, Sun Valley, Idaho
I was saddenen when I read of Brad’s passing. I fondly remember the many good times racing on the slopes with him (and a few times in the pub), way back when. Brad came from a fine family, and send my sincere condolances to all of them. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Mike McCullough & family
I will always have great memories of Brad. I’m shocked to hear of his passing and send my greatest condolences to the family.
I only knew Brad a short time, meeting him while I took care of his Mother, Dorothy. Even in her illness she brightened up at the news or even thought of Brad coming to visit. I understood why when I met him. It was a pleasure to know him, however brief, and my condolences to his family for the certain saddness that must be theirs during this time. Some people are just special, and so was Brad. Have a wonderful journey!
Betty Couture-LaFountain
My warmest condolences to the family for your loss.
I knew Brad from the M/S Gripsholm in 1964 en route from Gothenbourg to N.Y. Later, in 1970, I had the opportunety to stay a while with the Buchanan family in Missoula, and got to know Brads warm and hospitable family. Alas we lost touch, in the din of life, but during the years my thoughts often came back to the good times we shared and it pains me as I now found out that Brad has passed on.
Anna/Stockholm/Sweden
My sincere condolences to Brad’s family. I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn that he is no longer with us. I appreciated the very nice bio as it was heart warming to learn the “rest of the story” of the young man I once knew. I knew Brad in HS, was on the ski team with him and had many a memorable meal with the Buchanan family. He was a fearless skier and I remember once watching him ski jump at Snow bowl and wondering why he he would want to do that. I imagine he would have said because he could. He tackled life head on and it sounds like he continued to do just that. I last saw Brad at our 45 class reunion in Missoula and he talked little of himself but rather of his three beautiful daughters that he was so proud of and that had completed his life. He will be missed, greatly.