Donald Lee Buchanan

Donald Lee Buchanan went home to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Don was born on June 23, 1935, to William Henry Buchanan and Rosalie Serene Orcutt Buchanan in Tomahawk, Wisconsin. He attended High School and one year of college in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, and Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in Owatonna, Minnesota. Don Served in the United States Army from 1954–1956 and the U.S. Airforce reserves from 1962–1963. After various occupations in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Don eventually moved to Bellingham, WA in 1977. It was there he met and married, in his words, “the true love of [his] life, Mary”. They were wed in 1980 and as he would say, “experienced 31 years of a wonderful marriage” until her passing in 2011. He was also preceded in death by his parents, William and Rosalie; his brothers, George and Roger; his sisters, Carol and Marie; his first-born son, Paul; and his stepdaughter, Peggy. He is survived by his sons, David (Kimra) and Jim (Michele); daughter, Becky; his five stepchildren, Dan, Pat, Debbie, Joe and Julie; 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. Don worked at Georgia Pacific Corporation in Bellingham for 20 years, retiring in 1997. His faith was a huge part of his life. He loved his Spring Creek Bible Church and attending church activities. He also enjoyed camping, long walks down at the waterfront parks, and any activity with family. The best way to describe Don was that he was honest, loyal, faithful, extremely organized, very persistent, and never late. Throughout his 90 years, Don was a loving husband, son, brother, father, and grandfather. We love him very much and will miss him deeply until we see him again. The family would like to acknowledge the loving, compassionate, and excellent care Don received from Summit Place assisted living and Whatcom Hospice. John 3:3 – “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”

Donald Lee Buchanan

June 23, 1935 - January 3, 2026