Obituary for Timothy "Tim" Buchanan
Timothy Geran Buchanan “Tim” passed away April 22nd, 2019 at Regency of Gresham, Oregon. Tim was born October 7, 1949 and was 69 years of age at the time of his death.
Services are planned for 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 29th, 2019 at Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Born October 7, 1949 in Cullman, AL to Marie Bates Buchanan and Jack Buchanan. Shortly thereafter in 1953 the family moved to Oregon. Timothy has two brothers Paul and Patrick Buchanan three sisters Donna Jean Steinman, Mary McCarver, Robin Buchanan and a half-sister Lola Crabtree.
Most of Tim’s childhood was spent in Central Oregon.
On May 14th 1969 Tim’s life experienced a major change when he answered the call to serve our country. He completed his training in Ft. Lewis WA. He was sent to Vietnam as an infantry rifleman. During his tour he was proven to be a hero in the purest sense. Through his heroic actions he earned eight medals including The Bronze Star with Valor Jan 1970, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster May 1970, Commendation Medal for Heroism, Purple Heart, Air Medal.
He lost his leg in Cambodia May 25, 1970 and was released on disability retirement March 10, 1971.
Now he found himself starting yet another chapter of his life. He poured himself into learning by attending Portland State University.
Where in 1980 he earned a BS in Psychology.
Tim worked as a counselor with Dammasch State Hospital. He also worked with Goodwill Industries. Still pursuing knowledge, he received his Cosmology license in 1983. He used this to own and operate a beauty shop. He also found time to work for the Postal Service as a supervisor.
His life was changed again when he married Sarah Dexter even though the marriage did not last their close friendship did!
As a result of his life experiences Tim proved to be a very generous and kind man. He supported many causes and gave his time and resources to them. Just to list a few, he volunteered at homeless shelters. He supported agencies like Operation Smile, ST Jude Hospital, the American Red Cross. He made it a point to give of himself by volunteering to feed the homeless and gave freely to the church. If you were in need he was there without hesitation. Through all of his tests he was able to maintain a great sense of humor. He loved to see others happy and laughing.
Tim did have a weakness, a love for speed and real horsepower. When he was discharged, he bought a Shelby Mustang that he used to scare anyone that rode with him. Tim was an artist with oil and water color. He could not be found without his sketch book. He loved music so much that he tried to sing and play the guitar. He found pleasure but not so much for his audience.
As we look over his life we see a common thread. His faith and relationship with Christ was genuine. He lived what he believed and embodied what it means to be a Christian. To sum all of this up he was a very kind sweet hero!
Services are planned for 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 29th, 2019 at Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Born October 7, 1949 in Cullman, AL to Marie Bates Buchanan and Jack Buchanan. Shortly thereafter in 1953 the family moved to Oregon. Timothy has two brothers Paul and Patrick Buchanan three sisters Donna Jean Steinman, Mary McCarver, Robin Buchanan and a half-sister Lola Crabtree.
Most of Tim’s childhood was spent in Central Oregon.
On May 14th 1969 Tim’s life experienced a major change when he answered the call to serve our country. He completed his training in Ft. Lewis WA. He was sent to Vietnam as an infantry rifleman. During his tour he was proven to be a hero in the purest sense. Through his heroic actions he earned eight medals including The Bronze Star with Valor Jan 1970, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster May 1970, Commendation Medal for Heroism, Purple Heart, Air Medal.
He lost his leg in Cambodia May 25, 1970 and was released on disability retirement March 10, 1971.
Now he found himself starting yet another chapter of his life. He poured himself into learning by attending Portland State University.
Where in 1980 he earned a BS in Psychology.
Tim worked as a counselor with Dammasch State Hospital. He also worked with Goodwill Industries. Still pursuing knowledge, he received his Cosmology license in 1983. He used this to own and operate a beauty shop. He also found time to work for the Postal Service as a supervisor.
His life was changed again when he married Sarah Dexter even though the marriage did not last their close friendship did!
As a result of his life experiences Tim proved to be a very generous and kind man. He supported many causes and gave his time and resources to them. Just to list a few, he volunteered at homeless shelters. He supported agencies like Operation Smile, ST Jude Hospital, the American Red Cross. He made it a point to give of himself by volunteering to feed the homeless and gave freely to the church. If you were in need he was there without hesitation. Through all of his tests he was able to maintain a great sense of humor. He loved to see others happy and laughing.
Tim did have a weakness, a love for speed and real horsepower. When he was discharged, he bought a Shelby Mustang that he used to scare anyone that rode with him. Tim was an artist with oil and water color. He could not be found without his sketch book. He loved music so much that he tried to sing and play the guitar. He found pleasure but not so much for his audience.
As we look over his life we see a common thread. His faith and relationship with Christ was genuine. He lived what he believed and embodied what it means to be a Christian. To sum all of this up he was a very kind sweet hero!