Buchanan, Robert James
Robert passed away peacefully at his residence in Clarksburg, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 in his 82nd year.
Robert was the beloved husband of Elaine (Freethy) Buchanan for 56 years. Father of Cindy (Jeffrey) Gillmor and Scott (Tammy) Buchanan. He was proud of his grandchildren, Jeffrey Gillmor Jr. & his fiancé, Jessica Crane, Victoria (Daniel) Partington and Daniel Gillmor, Ryan and Callum Buchanan. Survived by sister-in-law Gail and her husband John Plater, nieces, nephews and cousins. Robert was predeceased by his brother Wilfred.
Born in Collingwood on October 29, 1940, Robert was the son of the late Walter and Bertha (née Hall) Buchanan. He grew up on the family farm on the former Eighth Line of Collingwood Township and attended Sandhill Elementary School, Thornbury High School, Lorne Park College, Asbury Theological Seminary and Princeton Seminary in preparation for his passion and calling for Christian Ministry. After retiring (semi) and returning to the Beaver Valley area in 2000, Robert enjoyed drives into the country, renewing long time acquaintances and meeting new friends, serving in churches, and spending time with family members. Antique farm machinery was also of interest to Robert.
A private family service will be held. A special thank you to the physicians and nurses, and Ferguson Funeral Home Staff for the extraordinary care and compassion shown to Robert. Thank you to the Reverend James Knott for his pastoral care.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Campbell House Hospice Georgian Triangle or to the Chapman House Hospice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Thursday, June 2, 2022
My sincere condolences to Elaine, Cindy, Scott and families. Robert was well known resident of the Beaver Valley and surrounding communities. Robert was a great friend to my father Vernon, my mother Betty and to myself. He will be in Heaven having a chat with my parents about farming and good food.
Robert will be missed by many.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this time of great loss.
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Our family sends our love and prayers to Mrs. Buchanan and family. Pastor Buchanan was our minister for many years when he served at Wesley Chapel Free Methodist Church in Toronto. He cared for our family in a significant way during a difficult time, and we will always be thankful for his friendship and ministry to us.
George, Cecilia & Sabrina
Thursday, June 2, 2022
What sad news to learn that we have lost a truly wonderful person loved in the church and farm community of the Thornbury/Meaford area. I so appreciated his time with us at Knox Presbyterian Church in Meaford. He was always a strong supporter of our antique tractor show for the Bighead River Foodgrains Project. I fondly remember driving with him in his big Lincoln to Burgoyne and Port Elgin to look at some old farm machinery and to enjoy a meal of fish and chips at the Lord Elgin Restaurant. Robert was a true servant of the Lord, a very kind, gentle, caring man. He will be deeply missed. My condolences to Elaine, Scott, Cindy and their families. May God hold you gently in His loving arms.
Thursday, June 2, 2022
I was saddened to hear of Roberts passing. I only knew him and Elaine from their time at Knox Presbyterian Church in Meaford. He had a strong presence at the pulpit, always enjoyed his sermons and his sense of humour and compassion. Both he and Elaine were a great asset to our church whilst they were there.
Condolences to Elaine, Scott, Cindy and their families.
Thursday, June 2, 2022
So sorry to see that Robert died. Our heartfelt condolences to Elaine and the family.. During his ministry in Meaford we became good friends and I fondly remember our times together doing the work of the Lord. During our mutual stay in the hospital in Meaford last December we had some good albeit short visits. May the Lord give all of you strength to cope during these difficult days of change.
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Dear Elaine and family
I am so sad to hear of Roberts passing, he was a very kind and loving man and will be missed by many
Thursday, June 2, 2022
It has been an honour to associate with Robert,It is our faith that sustains us in these most difficult times Our thoughts and prayers are with you Elaine and family.
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Our sincere condolences to the Buchanan family. Robert would always stop for a chat and always had a smile.
He will be missed by many.
Prayers to you all.
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Thinking of all Robert’s loved ones and sending my deepest sympathy.
Cherish all your memories and all the ones that will be shared by others in the days ahead. He will be remembered in the Valley with much respect .
Thursday, June 2, 2022
You and your family have my deepest sympathy Elaine in the loss of your beloved Robert. He was a true servant of God. My Gordon and Robert had some great theological discussions over the years. I know they will be continued in their new home and many lingering questions will finally be answered for them. Also their love of antique farm machinery was another link and the great Big Head River Foodgrains Project drew them even closer. Robert will be missed in so many areas. May the love of God surround you Elaine and your family Love and Prayers.
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Sending love and prayers during this difficult time. Robert was such a nice kind soul the community will miss him .
Our condolences to Cindy , Jeff , Scott and Tammy and their families
Keeping you in our thoughts
Katherine Turmaine , Wayne Sanders
Peter Poirier
Friday, June 3, 2022
Elaine, Cindy, Scott & families!
I was so sorry to hear about Robert. I have known him since our High School years at TDHS! I so enjoyed our chats when he was the Pulpit Supply at Grace United. We always had good memories to share about our high school years! I know that you will all have wonderful memories of Robert – take them out & enjoy them! They will help you through this difficult time! God Bless! Bonnie Hammond
Friday, June 3, 2022
Words cannot express my gratitude for having known Robert as a colleague, a mentor and a friend. Nor can they express my deep sadness. But in faith that sadness is mingled with joy, knowing that Robert, you have gone to be in the fullness of the presence of the One who you served so faithfully and so capably, in the place that has been prepared for you. Rest well.
My prayers also go out to Elaine, and to Scott, Cindy and families. May you know the care of the Spirit in this tender time.
Friday, June 3, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of Rev. Buchanan passing he was a great person all round, Minnie Sheridan told me she could hear him practicing his calling at a very young age, he was very good at what he did, he always had time to talk. Our community will miss him.
Shelly and Dan Harrison and family
Friday, June 3, 2022
Dear Elaine, Cindy, Scott and families
Our deepest condolences on the the passing of Robert. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Gerald and Joanne Cornfield
Friday, June 3, 2022
Our sincere condolences to Elaine, Cindy, Scott and families – Robert was a wonderful man. Our thoughts are with you all in this difficult time.
Friday, June 3, 2022
My deepest condolence to Elaine and family.
Robert will be missed in the community. He always had time to talk to you and made you feel very special to be his friend.
Friday, June 3, 2022
Dear Elaine:
We are sorry for your lose. Linda and I have been married now for 53 years and can imagine the vacancy that will leave in your life. We are thankful for having known Robert in those early years of our connection with the FMCIC. He helped engender a healthy lightheartedness and humour within the Canada East Conference that helped us enjoy and love one another. I (Ken) am also thankful that he saw something in me that motivated him to give me opportunities to give leadership in various ways in the denomination and helped guide us to serve at Cole Lake/ Parham and Polson Park. May the Lord give you His peace in the days ahead.
Friday, June 3, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Robert’s passing. I have known Robert, his Mom and Dad and his brother Wilford all of my life, growing up in Thornbury and attending the Free Methodist Church. My condolences to Elaine, Cindy, Scott and families. Robert spoke with great love for his family.
Rosemary (Rolling) Taylor
Friday, June 3, 2022
Allan and Pat Eastley and Family
We are both so sorry in the passing of Robert, he was a great friend to the both of us and alway asked about Shauna and Martyn Cook from Winnipeg MB. We will miss him calling or coming to the house to visit. Our prayers go out to Elaine, Cindy, Scott and al there families.
Friday, June 3, 2022
Dear Elaine and Family,
I’m saddened to hear of Robert’s passing. He was a kind, wonderful man and he changed the lives of many for the better. I was so thankful he could be present to help my parents with their journey to the next life. He certainly accomplished what he was meant to. Hugs to you.
Friday, June 3, 2022
My sincerest sympathy to the Buchanan family. Robert was a very thoughtful and caring man who always gave you a smile and stopped to chat
Friday, June 3, 2022
Martha and I are saddened at the news of Robert’s passing. Our sincerest condolences to Elaine, Cindy, Scott and their families. Robert was a mentor, respected colleague, fellow scholar, and cherished friend. His focus on service to Christ and fulfilling his calling and vocation was inspiring. His ability to bring the values of Christian history into the present and apply them to this period in time was amazing. Anyone who was familiar with Robert knew of his love for God and his commitment to serving Christ and His church. Robert did this with distinction. His keen intellect coupled with his warm personality will be sorely missed. Adieu, Robert.
Friday, June 3, 2022
To Elaine and family my deepest condolences in the passing of Robert. Enjoyed your time at
Knox. He will be missed.
Friday, June 3, 2022
Scott, Tammy and extended family,
We are sorry for your loss and are thinking of your suffering. Be happy that he is at peace and with his Lord.
I’m glad I had the chance to know him.
Friday, June 3, 2022
Dear Elaine and Family,
We send our sincere condolences to each of you, as we grieve the loss of Robert. We really enjoyed his supply work at Grace United, his sense of humour and his genuine love for all people he met. He will be dearly missed.
You will treasure all the memories you have for many days, weeks and years to come.
May God Bless Him and keep the whole family cradled in His arms.
Sincerely,
George & Lynn Cornfield.
Friday, June 3, 2022
Since returning to the Beaver Valley in 2000 to supposedly retire from ministry, in many respects Robert unofficially took on the job of becoming the “Beaver Valley (and area) chaplain”. He willingly filled in many times as pulpit supply or as a short-term appointment between regularly called ministers in various denominations. He led many funeral and wedding services, regardless of a person’s church affiliation, if any.
Robert’s great-grandmother Mary (nee McKinlay) Buchanan was one of the founders of the Rock Union Church in 1898. This small stone church stands at the corner of the Sixth Concession and Sideroad 12 & 13 in the Blue Mountains. Robert often attended the yearly anniversary service at Rock Union held on the second Sunday in July. On five occasions (1989, 1998, 2008, 2013 and 2014) he was the guest preacher. His engaging personality, audible voice, and interest in people, local history, and storytelling will be missed.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Elaine, and to Cindy and to Scott and their families.
Friday, June 3, 2022
Scott and family sorry to hear of your dads passing our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. David and Ruth Murray
Friday, June 3, 2022
Donna and I send our love and sympathies to you Elaine, Cindy and Scott and your families. We have been praying for the comfort of the Holy Spirit for all of you since we heard of Robert’s passing. Robert was a wonderful friend to us and we have many wonderful memories of times spent together, of his wise counsel as well as his infectious sense of humour. He was a Christian gentleman, a faithful minister within the Body of Christ and a gracious friend to everyone he met.
Friday, June 3, 2022
James & Diana McGowan
To Elaine,Cindy and Scott we wish to extend our deepest sympathy on the passing of Robert
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time .
James & Diana McGowan
Friday, June 3, 2022
Condolences to Robert’s family. My father worked for Robert’s father and he would hear Robert on the porch of the big family house when he was a young boy preaching for all he was worth. He had a box which he stood on and my dad said he was as good a minister as he had ever heard even at that age. Remember the good times you had.
Joan Weldrick
Friday, June 3, 2022
Joan and I extend our sympathies to Rev Robert’s family at his time of his passing. He was a great friend, great minister and he had a brilliant mind. My name came up in a conversation one day and he said ,”I must have a talk with this fellow, I may know some of his family.” I had never met him before but it turns out he had visited all my relatives back home and was treated to some fine dining, as well as a good visit. He had an incredible memory and knew an amazing number of people. Thankyou for loving us for Christ’s sake.
Saturday, June 4, 2022
Our sincere condolences to Elaine and family during this sad time. Robert was a good man who will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Saturday, June 4, 2022
Bob was a wonderful influence on us as we prepared to enter the ministry. He was at Kingsview FM Church when we were moving north from KY. Bob had asked Sterling to preach for him on a summer
Sunday morning shortly after we had arrived back in ON. What a privilege, honour, and confidence-building experience that was! Thank the Lord, things went well. That one experience helped us know we, with the Lord’s help, could serve in pastoral ministry. That was in 1976, and we didn’t retire until 2017. In the fall of 1981, and again in the fall of 1983, Bob honoured our family by dedicating each of our 2 children. Thanks be to the Lord for giving us the encouragers along the way, Bob and Elaine being among those who stood out.
May God comfort you each as you sorrow his loss to us all.
Rev. Sterling and Cheryl Cooper
Saturday, June 4, 2022
Our condolences Elaine and the family. Robert was a strong supporter and wonderful volunteer at the museum and library. He brought his joy of history and community to the organization. His humour and willingness to assist in any way was greatly appreciated. He was a true gentleman, a scholar and a storyteller, we will miss him, his voice and his gifts but all will be remembered.
From the staff and volunteers at the Craigleith Heritage Depot and the Blue Mountains Public Library
Saturday, June 4, 2022
Our sincere condolences and prayers Elaine and family. Rev. Dr. Robert Buchanan is a long time friend of our family. He knew Mom and Dad shortly after Mom arrived in Canada from Holland. After Mom and Dad were married they found work for a time as hired hands on Robert’s dad’s homestead. Mom remembers Robert as a 7 or 8 year old boy throwing feed to the chickens and preaching at his captive audience! Robert was called to preach and pastor and in his many roles in that capacity over the years, he excelled and was dearly loved by his congregations / churches. He also graciously filled pulpits when pastors went on holidays or when churches were between pastors. One of those was at the Kolapore Church of the Nazarene where Dennis and I attended. I recall having avid theological discussions with Rev. Robert in the lobby after the services. I was in a course of study at the time seeking ordination and Rev. Robert was testing and expanding my theological understanding!
Rev. Robert and Elaine remained in contact with our family over the years. They even ended up owning dad’s old binder which we had used on the farm for many years to harvest grain. It was very fitting and special that Robert owned that antique! I recall him proudly sharing pictures of it to me later.
When I wrote down Mom’s story and memoirs in the form of a book, who better to read the book and edit it than Robert (and Elaine) who had known Mom for so many years. Robert agreed to do that for us even though he was struggling with his eyesight at the time. We treasure now his comments which remain on the back cover of the book.
Rev. Dr. Robert Buchanan will be so missed not only by the family but also by the communities where he lived as well as by the churches who knew him and grew to love and appreciate him. He was generous, giving, empathetic…. He blessed the lives of so many people and left an inspiring example for us all!!
Saturday, June 4, 2022
Very sorry to hear ,our sincere condolences to all the family .
Gary and Beverlee Dillon
Saturday, June 4, 2022
I will miss our frequent visits at the Clarksburg Post Office. The conversations were always lively and fun. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Saturday, June 4, 2022
My condolences to Elaine and all the Buchanan family,
I was so sorry to hear the sad news of Roberts passing and the huge gap that is left in the community with our loss of Robert. I recall my mother saying she could hear Robert who lived next door practicing and commented that he was going to make an excellent minister. He also, was there for her in later years when needed.
May the great memories of Robert, a true gentleman kind ,caring and and always time to have a chat help to comfort you in the days ahead.
Irene
Saturday, June 4, 2022
Heartfelt condolences to the Buchanan Clan.
Robert will be remembered and missed.
Geoff Maile
MacNab Clan
Saturday, June 4, 2022
My deepest condolences to the Buchanan family clan. All of my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you at this time. Robert was a truly and deeply caring person and a rock for his family and community at large. He will be sorrily missed. There is one more Angel now to continue his work without limits. Blessings to the family, and all who knew his grace.
Saturday, June 4, 2022
I would like to send my condolences to Elaine and family on the loss of her husband. He was a great man and he will be sorely missed.
Saturday, June 4, 2022
Dear Scott and family,
Please know my prayers are with you and your entire family at this time. These inevitable transitions in our lives and families are never easy. I trust your faith will bring you comfort during this difficult period.
Sunday, June 5, 2022
One time when Rev. BUCHANAN came to visit the Bracebridge Free Methodist Church in his official capacity as the D.S., he told us the unforgettable anecdote about Robert Loblaw (presumably who was connected to the food company) asking us to say his name using the usual shortened version of Robert (Bob)…try it…Bob Loblaw. Although we had heard a rich and challenging sermon from the pulpit that morning, Rev. Buchanan became the featured entertainer in the fellowship lunch to follow!! I had deep respect for this faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Gary Denniss, still at the BBFMC!!
Sunday, June 5, 2022
Dear Elaine and family ,
We would like to express our sincere condolences and prayers to you, with hearing of Robert’s passing , to go to be with the Lord. He was a wonderful man of God who encouraged us in the ministry in our early years, and Linda’s family have many warm and special memories of him also.
He was a faithful servant of God who will receive his reward!
Sending love and prayers to you and family that God will be your comfort in the days ahead.
Angel & Linda Valentin
Sunday, June 5, 2022
My sincere condolences to your family. Cherish your memories.
Monday, June 6, 2022
our sincere sympathy to Elaine and all the family He will be truly missed as he has touched so many lives with his personality and ministry We enjoyed our time at knox with him and will truley miss him
Monday, June 6, 2022
Dear Elaine and family,
We were sorry to hear of Robert’s passing. He was greatly loved and will be missed by your family and your community. Robert was always sincerely interested in the lives of those he met and engaged each person in meaningful conversations.
We are praying for your family. We know he is rejoicing in heaven with his savior.
Blessings and love,
Don and Joyce Brown
Monday, June 6, 2022
Naida and I send our love, and pray the Lord will give you His comfort during this difficult time.
Although our lives haven’t intersected a lot since Asbury days, your grace expressed to us in those days has never faded from our memory. Of course Bob was very special to us, as to so many others, as a pastoral example and denominational leader. He always had that common touch and genuine love that inspired Naida and I over so many decades.
Much grace to you and your family.
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Elaine (and all of Robert’s family);
Ruth and I feel a range of things at this time — deep gratitude for Robert, a sense of real loss for Robert’s absence from us (both these padt few years, and now until the new heaven and new earth
I remember Robert’s gracious support to us when we were new to Canada East Conference, his great grasp of theology (though he communicated complex truth in ways one could understand, a wonderful playfulness and his ability to preach with power.
May the peace of Christ bring you comfort snd healing, and all you need in these days.
God bless the memory of Rev. Dr. Robert J. Buchanan!
Saturday, June 11, 2022
My condolences to Elaine and family. He had a great memory and true love of his brother. We had many chats when he visited the nursing home. Cherish memories. Carol Sheridan Kollen.
Sunday, June 12, 2022
My condolences to Elaine and family. Many fond memories as a man of God in his ministry and to his calling as a messenger of the Word.