Remembering Jack Buchanan
Jackie Alexander Buchanan passed away peacefully on October 21st, 2026 at Royal Inland Hospital. His wife Gerry and daughters Stacy and Allison were by his side. Jack died from complications due to occupational pulmonary fibrosis. He was born February 5th, 1945 to Ruth and Alexander Buchanan and was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, eventually moving to Kamloops, BC.
He was husband to Gerry, father to Stacy and Allison, and cat dad to Coco. Jack spent the last few years caring for Gerry as she navigated Parkinson’s disease, before facing his own health challenges.
Anyone who knew Jack knew how much he loved hockey. He played hockey throughout his life, from minor and juniors to rec and, eventually, old-timers’. He coached minor hockey in Kamloops and was a lifelong Chicago Blackhawks fan. His contributions to hockey in Kamloops earned him induction into the International Hockey Hall of Fame as a COHA builder. He loved Mexico and travelled there many times with family and once for a hockey tournament in Guadalajara sponsored by Charles Schulz, creator of Peanuts. It was a trip he talked about for years. What could be better than combining his two favourite pastimes — playing hockey and floating in the pool.
Jack worked at Lafarge for most of his career, where he made lifelong friends, including Hal Richardson, Joe Laramee, Gordie Blundell, Paul Calibaba, Andy Davidowski and many others. Making friends was his superpower, and he knew someone everywhere he went.
Following his retirement, he became heavily involved with the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge no. 1552, helping relocate it from Fortune Drive to the Cottonwoods. He played a key role in setting up and overseeing its operations for many years before handing over the reins to Crissy. Some of Jack’s proudest moments came from his work with the Moose Lodge and knowing the difference they made through the many charities they supported. A meticulous record keeper and stickler for details, Jack was the kind of person who arrived at the airport at least five hours early… just in case.
Despite his outgoing personality, Jack was a private person who rarely shared his personal struggles or complained, even as pulmonary fibrosis took an increasing toll on his health. Earlier in life, he faced some difficult times. During those years, his friend and mentor Keith Wallace was an important source of support and someone Jack continued to speak of with great respect.
A larger-than-life personality, a dad, a husband and a friend to so many, Jack will be remembered for his love of hockey, his humour, his unmistakable laugh, his dedication to work and the Moose, and his contributions to the Kamloops community. He will be missed by so many.
Please join us for a Tribute to Jack’s life Friday, November 13th from 1pm to 3:30pm in the Dogwood Room at The Kamloops Seniors Community Centre, 730 Cottonwood Avenue, Kamloops, BC. There is parking at the back and on the side streets. We encourage everyone to wear a hockey jersey or their loudest shirt and to join us at the Moose Lodge for drinks afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations can be made to the BC SPCA in Jack’s memory.
Condolences may be emailed to the family at:
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com