BUCHAN, William Alexander “Bud”
May 12, 1925 – May 13, 2025
Bud exemplified a long life well lived. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 36 years, Carol; son Robert Buchan (Lorraine) and grandchildren Laura and Allison; son Ralph Buchan and grandchildren Alex, Stephanie and Nicky; daughter Elizabeth McLean and grandchildren Taylor and Nathan; stepson Jeff Owens (Twyla Jensen) and grandchildren Cory and Landyn; stepdaughter Cathy Thoms (Tim Phillips) and grandchildren Wyatt and Ben; 10 great-grandchildren; and many fond nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sister Edna-Mae Horwood and first wife Betty.
After a childhood in Saskatchewan, Bud served in the Second World War, training soldiers in gunmanship. He then attended the University of Saskatchewan and received his law degree in 1950. He moved to Victoria to join the firm of Straith and Company, where he remained as a senior partner until retirement in 1993.
Music was a lifelong passion, and Bud was well known for his talents as a singer and on the trumpet. At university, he played trumpet in dance bands. In Victoria, he was a member of the First United Church choir, sang with the Betts and Her Buddies quartet at hundreds of events, and later joined the Arion Male Choir. A highlight of his retirement years was attending Dixieland and other jazz festivals with Carol.
In addition to singing in the choir, Bud was a dedicated member of First United Church, supporting its work in many ways. He also loved to travel, crossing the country and camping with his family, and later going on a round-the-world trip with Carol. A long-time member of the Rotary Club, he and Carol often stayed with Rotary hosts when travelling, and hosted visiting Rotarians and exchange students.
Their home was always a welcoming place for family and friends. Enjoying summer dinners on the deck, playing on the meticulously raked beach, swimming and canoeing are treasured memories.
A funeral service is not planned, but a donation in Bud’s name to your favourite charity would be appreciated, as he generously supported many organizations.