Grandfather, artist, builder

Paul Buchanan died peacefully January 16 at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. He was 73 years old and was surrounded by his loving family.

Paul was born in Viroqua, Wisconsin to Geraldine and Gordon Buchanan. The family moved to Westminster, California when he was a baby. His father was a longshoreman, and his mother was a grade school registrar. As a teen he enjoyed riding his bicycle to Huntington Beach to surf every day. As an adult his favorite summer plans were to camp at the beach with his children and grandchildren.

He was an oiler/heavy equipment mechanic for the Operating Engineers, Local 12 for 37 years. He was a man of many talents: he was an artist of found objects, including many that were seen and enjoyed when passing by 336 W. Harrison Ave. in Claremont. He was also a builder, and designed and constructed a beautiful and unique Santa Rosa Mountain house for his parents by cutting up and making a model from a Cheerios box, which was turned it into a blueprint. He built or could fix anything. He was musical and was a devoted fan of the weekly radio show “Nothin’ But The Blues” on KJZZ. He was also a fan of 1960s-era musicians, especially the Grateful Dead. He could sing, and often made up songs on the spur of the moment to fit the occasion.

“Paul was a wonderfully creative, funny, and loving family man to his wife Robin Rhodes, and his children Christina Buchanan, Andy Buchanan (Sophie Harris) of Portland, Oregon, and Peter Buchanan (Zoë Kolln) of Olympia, Washington. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jackson, Jameson, and Lacey Ruth.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.