JULIAN "BUCK" MCELHINNEY BUCHANAN JR.

Saturday, March 17, 1956 - Wednesday, October 27, 2021

A Life Well Remembered

Canton- Julian McElhinney Buchanan, Jr., age 65, passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 and entered into his eternal place of peace and rest.

 
Julian’s birthplace was in Swain County, North Carolina on March 17, 1956 and he was the son of Mary Ellen Connor Buchanan and the late Julian McElhinney, Sr. He had resided among the mountains of  Haywood County most of his life and was proud to call this his home.  Mr. Buchanan was a United States Army Veteran, faithfully serving his country for more than 4 years. He was employed as a skilled industrial electrician and was an active member of the Union with IBEW Local 238 where he was well known as "Buck" or "Mack" by his many friends.  He was honored to be a trainer of electrician apprentices, passing on his vast knowledge of his vocation to the new trainees, helping them to learn their chosen trade and become successful. Buck's great love for the mountains was truly evident throughout his life. Hunting deer and bear and also fishing in his favorite mountain streams were special times that he held close to his heart. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing a bounty of vegetables each summer season. Everyone who knew Buck loved him and with his friendly personality he made friends wherever he went. Often "Buck" would decide to take it easy and “loaf around” visiting and talking with his buddies. Julian McElhinney Buchanan, Jr. was a man of great courage and an inspiration to everyone. He loved his family and proudly served his country. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones and all who knew him.  

Surviving are his loving wife, Birgitt Westerwick Buchanan of Canton; his daughter, Jessica Saskia Gallimore and her husband, Yanu Gallimore of Eugene, Oregon; his son, Oscar Benjamin “Ben” Buchanan and his wife, Bethany Buchanan of Canton; his grandson, Tanner Emory Gallimore; and many friends.

 A celebration of life service to honor Buck's life will be held at 3:00 pm Thursday, November 4, 2021 in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Canton. This will be a special time for his wife, children and close friends that cared about him each and every day to remember and reflect on his amazing life.