Loren Lee Buchanan

Loren Lee Buchanan passed away unexpectedly on September 11, 2015, at Portland Adventist Hospital, surrounded by family. He was born in Bend, Oregon, to Leon Dow Buchanan and Genevieve Odette (Erickson) Buchanan. Loren grew up in Central Oregon and moved to Portland, Oregon as a young man where he lived the rest of his life. He loved the outdoors and his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife Darlene June (Davis) Buchanan in 2002 after 52 years of marriage, and by his son Jack Leon Buchanan (Laurine) in 1986. Loren is survived by 21 other descendants: daughters – Laura Geil (John); Kathy Buchanan; Karen Logue (Dean); grandchildren – Tina Hackner (Stefan); Rachelle Buchanan (Joe Stephens); Justin Buchanan (Trina); Sharon Grimstad (Mike Meetze); Lacey Simonette (Lucas); Clark Geil; Victoria Geil; and Julie Haynes (Trevor); great grandchildren – Addie Buchanan; Kenny Cowan; Ava Buchanan; Jaclyn Buchanan; Caleb Buchanan; Lauren Hackner; Jackson Simonette; Vanessa Stephens; and Adrian Simonette; and by step great grandson Brennen Stephens.

Loren was a beloved patriarch, having raised three generations of his children. He was a master at his craft, as a highly skilled stainless steel journeyman for 43 years, having been trained in part by European old world craftsmen. During his career he worked with industry leaders, including Merle and Jim Hanset, among others. In 2013 he was honored by the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association, Local Union 16, with a special 70 year outstanding service award.

Loren was an exemplary member of “The Greatest Generation.” He served in the United States Navy during WWII, in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. As Franklin Roosevelt said of Loren’s generation: “To some generations much is given. Of other generations much is expected. This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny.” Loren Buchanan was truly one of the greatest of his generation. He will be sorely missed.