In Loving Memory of Alan Buchan
Alan G. Buchan passed away December 12, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 30, 1932 in Seattle, WA, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950. He then attended the University of Washington and the American Institute of Baking. On January 16, 1954, Alan married his high school sweetheart, Gwen Jackman, and they raised their four children together in Tacoma, WA.
Alan was a part of the family business, The Buchan Baking Company, where he eventually became president until the business was sold to Oroweat in 1966. He then had a successful career in industrial real estate with the firm Lambuth, Sill and Sprague, both as a broker and developer. His projects included developing Mariners Square marine complex in Seattle and becoming majority owner of Skyline Marina in Anacortes.
Embracing his Scottish heritage, Alan played the bagpipes in the Keith Pipe Band. He had a lifelong passion for sailing, both racing and cruising. In 1975 Alan and partner Lynn Sommers purchased the America’s Cup winning 12 meter sloop Weathery and competed in local events including the Swiftsure Race. Then in 1984 Alan and Gwen began an 8 year adventure aboard their new ocean going yacht St Combs, which ended with a complete circumnavigation of the world.
He later returned to Scotland and purchased the Scottish fishing vessel, Radiant Star, which he converted for pleasure and sailed around Cape Horn home to Anacortes. He and Gwen enjoyed many memorable trips cruising aboard Radiant Star in the Pacific Northwest with their friends, children and grandchildren.
Alan was an active member of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, Seattle Rotary, Tacoma Yacht Club, and the Cruising Club of America.
Known to be gentle yet strong, firm yet fair, adventurous yet steadfast, quiet yet full of stories; Alan was enormously loved and respected by his family and many friends. Alan is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gwen; brother Robin; son, Gordon (Debra); daughters Jean Johnson (Tom Pardee), Joan Larkin (Kelly), and Janet Elway; and thirteen grandchildren..
