Obituaries

RET. CAPTAIN WALTER (DUKE) BUCHANAN
CITY OF WINNIPEG FIRE DEPARTMENT
1937 – 2016
    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Walter (Duke) Buchanan at Grace Hospital on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at the age of 79 years.    Left to mourn Walter’s passing are his wife Marion of 56 years; daughters Kelly de Groot and Toni Buchanan; son-in-law Fred de Groot; as well as grandchildren Sarah (Angie) Muldrew, Michael de Groot and Blaine Buchanan.   Walter was born in Winnipeg on January 23, 1937 to Rose and Robert Buchanan. Except for a brief time in Vancouver, he spent his entire life in Winnipeg. Walter was introduced to hockey at a young age and it became a lifelong passion. He played junior hockey and was invited to try out for the New York Rangers, he played for the Firefighters Smokies hockey team, and he played Oldtimers hockey for many years. Besides hockey, Walter loved all sports – especially golf and curling, which he played most of his life.    Walter and Marion married on September 3, 1960 and he was welcomed into Marion’s large family. Walter and Marion had two daughters, Kelly and Toni and lived most of their lives on Voyageur Avenue in Crestview. Walter joined the Fire Department on August 1, 1965. He was very proud to be a firefighter. He retired after 30 years of service at the rank of Captain.    Starting in 1981, Walter and Marion built a beautiful family cottage at Spruce Sands, Manitoba. Walter took much pride in his summer home where the family enjoyed many years of memories. Walter will always be remembered with great affection and missed by all who knew and loved him.    On Saturday, September 24, 2016, Walter’s Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Memories in Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel, 1020 Main Street @ Manitoba Avenue, with Winnipeg Fire Department, Chaplain Mark Young, presider.     The family would like to thank our friends and family for all their love and support. Thank you to the Grace Hospital ER, the staff of 3 North, and Dr. Hamedani for their care of Walter.   In lieu of flowers, if so desired, a donation in Walter’s memory may be made to Siloam Mission, 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1M3, or a charity of your choice.  Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 1020 Main Street, 204.586.8668 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com