Gerald K. Buchanan, age 67, passed away December 25th, 2014 in Ogden, Utah. He was born May 19th, 1947 in Salt Lake City to Woodrow Wilson and Mary Louis Young Buchanan.
Gerald was a proud U.S. Marine veteran of Vietnam where he served as a mechanic on F4 Phantom and F105 Thunderchief fighter aircraft. He was an avid aviation hobbyist and flew as a private pilot for many years and even flew as a volunteer with the Utah Civil Air Patrol.
As an outdoorsman, hunter, and gun enthusiast he enjoyed frequenting local firing ranges where he passed these skills on to his children and collected a wide range of modern and antique firearms.
During his years living at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Center he became widely known and loved for his outgoing, generous spirit and was quick to draw a smile from visitors and staff on a daily basis. He enjoyed passing out candy to visiting children and to visitors during holiday events, earning him the beloved nick name of "Candy Man" among the local staff.
Gerald is survived by two older brothers, Wallace and Wesley, and by his two children, Michael Robert and David Bruce Buchanan, from his first marriage to Beverly Jean Conger and three grand-children: Stephen Gardner, Samantha Fisher, and Kaitlyn Buchanan as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved in-laws. Preceded in death by his father Woodrow Wilson Buchanan, his mother Mary Louis Young, his brother Warren, and his sister Nancy.
Services will be held Tuesday, December 30th, 2014 with a viewing at 1:00PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, followed by a burial service to be held at 2:00PM. Online Condolences welcomed at www.larkincares.com.
