Alan Buchanan

Alan ”Buck” Buchanan, 77, of Camp Verde, AZ, formerly of Moline, IL, passed from this realm just before midnight of the Winter Solstice, 2024. His family and friends both mourn his loss and celebrate our time spent with this amazing son, brother, husband, father, uncle, friend, partner, colleague, and neighbor.

Born March 2, 1947, to Tom Hendricks and Mae Klingborg Buchanan, in Moline, Illinois, Buck’s Scandinavian roots and values anchored a life lived well. He is survived by his big sister, Diane Stanley, and nephew Jeff (Michele) Stanley who always welcomed Buck home and loved to visit him “way out west.” Buck’s first marriage brought forth his pride and joy, son Kai (Tina), and daughter, Kristy (Daniel), who in turn, doubled his joy as “Papa” to grandchildren D’Angelo Williams, Kaden Buchanan, LeLani Phillips, and Gunnar Buchanan. Excelling in multiple sports at Moline High School (Class of 1965), Buck set several athletic records that held for decades. He also played college with the Southern Illinois University football team, building camaraderie and accumulating credits, without undue devotion to a ‘degree.’ Buck gallantly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1972, during the Vietnam War, earning the National Defense Service Medal. He was first a member of American Legion Post #246 in Moline, IL, and later a member of Post #93 in Camp Verde, AZ. From the John Deere heartland to his chosen Colorado Rockies and eventually Arizona’s open range, Buck never shied away from exploring options and taking risks. A lifetime of work devoted to construction was spiced with his culinary ventures, including ownership of the Rib Crib and Calypso’s restaurants in Evergreen, CO. Buck settled in northern Arizona in 1996 to supervise projects at the Apache Maid Ranch. A blind date and bold faith led to his initial connection and ultimate commitment to wifey, Linda Wolfe Buchanan, who was by his side for their day-to-day responsibilities, and many adventures, including his final journey. Buck served the Town of Camp Verde as a member of the Board of Adjustments and Appeals, a Planning and Zoning Commissioner, and a two-term Town Councilman, as the community transitioned from one of Arizona’s oldest settlements to its newest municipality. Both principled and purposeful, Buck represented the Town as a liaison to the Yavapai-Apache Nation and Yavapai College. He also served the Industrial Development Authority of Yavapai County. A true-blue Pisces, Buck believed every fishing hole, creek, stream, lake, river, or ocean was worth dropping a line. He loved Blue Ridge, Lee’s Ferry, Lake Powell, the Virgin Islands, Mexico, Belize, and the Inside Passage from Puget Sound, Washington to Prince of Wales, Alaska.

Buck faced his final illness with the verve that marked his life. His living memorial, “The Last Roundup” was co-hosted by friends and family from near and far at his Hacienda home. Extraordinary appreciation is extended to all who softened the landing in Buck’s last stormy waters. Buck treasured relationships with his bonus son, Zach Wolfe, his Ross/Richardson/Cardoso Family in-laws and outlaws, and his beloved great niece and nephew Rachel (Jake Adams) and Jake Stanley. Buck’s extended family acknowledges all the caregivers who helped light the path during his transition to the Wild Blue Yonder, where we know the woodshop is always open, the power tools are always charged, and there are cribbage boards and Uno, Blackjack, or Texas Hold ‘Em games with an empty seat just waiting to be filled. There’s another playground to be built, a youth soccer or football team to be coached, neighborhoods to nurture, and community to be bolstered. Bon Voyage, Buck. Your work on Earth is done. You lived and loved bigly. Your family is proud and your community is grateful.

A graveside service will be held in the Spring, so please check back for details once they are finalized.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on his Memory Wall at wendtfuneralhome.com.