Lynn Ames Buchanan passed away at home on December 2, 2016 at age 75. Lynn is survived by his wife of 55 years, Anita Else Buchanan.
Lynn was preceded in death by his father and mother, Donald and Hazel Buchanan; brother, Donald; and sisters: Elaine, Joan, and Donna.
Lynn is also survived by his sister, Jean Hill (Ray), brother Duane; Sons, Danny (Lisa) and Neil (Cory Hartman); his beloved granddaughter, Sheri Lopez (Barry), and 3 wonderful Buchanan grandsons in Iowa, Caan, Nicholas, and Patrick; a great grandson, Maxwell; special nephew, Scott Mensing; and many extended family members and dear friends.
Lynn was born in Austin, Minnesota on May 5, 1941 where his Dad was in the newspaper printing business, which eventually brought the family to settle in Montana. Lynn attended school in Great Falls, and served in the Montana Air National Guard as a security guard at Lackland Air Force Base. Lynn then achieved his dream of serving as a Montana Highway Patrolman from 1968 to 1991. Lynn completed certifications in several technical training areas in his career, received many awards and trophies for expert marksmanship, and in 1990 was awarded patrolman of the year for his 22 years of outstanding service. After retiring from the patrol, Lynn worked as a security guard at the Federal Reserve Bank for several years.
Lynn and Anita met when they were just 13 and 14 years old at a summer bible class and became lifelong soulmates. These high school sweethearts married in 1961 and were blessed with two precious sons. Lynn loved boating and fishing with his family at Canyon Ferry and the Missouri, and had many wonderful adventures in his life. Lynn and Anita enjoyed motorcycle riding with their friends through Canada, Yellowstone, and Banff. The couple had many adventures traveling to Cancun and Branson, Missouri, and in retirement, Lynn and Anita enjoyed their snowbird winters traveling south to Nevada and Arizona for the past 13 years.
Lynn was a loving husband, doting on his sweetheart Anita, in a way that was inspiring to romantics everywhere and was simply amazing. Lynn loved to play jokes, make people laugh, and was a terrific story teller. Lynn empowered his sons with the strength to make their way in this world, instilling honesty and integrity, and always being there to provide advice. Grampa is remembered for his great sense of humor, for letting Sheri help drive the boat, and for always making others feel loved and accepted. Lynn was a true brother to his fellow patrolmen, and he faithfully served Montanans in ensuring public safety for many years. Lynn would ask those left behind to be strong and to support one another with kindness.
A celebration of Lynn’s life, followed by a reception, will be held Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 11:00 am at Anderson, Stevenson, and Wilke funeral home at 3750 N. Montana Avenue in Helena. Condolences can be sent to: www.aswfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Montana Hope Project, which grants wishes for Montana children living with critical illnesses, and is sponsored by the Association of Montana Troopers, PO Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604. The family would like to thank the staff of the cardiac-pulmonary rehabilitation unit at St. Pete’s hospital for their encouragement and dedication; the Helena Valley first responders for their prompt and courteous service, and finally, the staff of Anderson, Stevenson, and Wilke for their amazing professionalism and kind support.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday December 8, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Thursday December 8, 2016
social Hall of anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday December 8, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Thursday December 8, 2016
social Hall of anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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John & Betty Brewer says
I am so sorry to hear about Lynns passing. He was a great guy and very well liked. Sending condolences to family and friends.
Norm and Mary Hunter says
Such wonderful memories of times together. Norm and Lynn had such a special friendship that lasted through the years. We remember Lynn’s warmth and humor and your great love story, too. Our best wishes and prayers for you and the family.
Carol and Steve Athearn says
So sorry for your loss. Lynn was a partner of Steve’s on the Highway Patrol as well as a friend. We will always remember the “motorcycle gang” coming to our wedding in 1980. Loved our rides together with Lynn and Anita and the rest of the gang. Our prayers to the family.
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Dear Anita and Family, We were so sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers to you and family. We miss seeing you at lunch time.
Marsha and Leon Belville
Val Flansaas says
Anita we are so sorry for your loss of Lynn. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Earl Fred and Val Flansaas
Tom and Kathy Miller says
So sorry to read of Lynn’s passing and we will always remember how his smile and contagious laugh made one feel better. It was very to enjoyable to see you and Lynn at the Montana Nugget for lunch, etc. Anita, our prayers are with you and family at this tough time.
Rick & Barb Olson says
Dear Anita – Many years have passed since we worshipped together at New Life but we do remember Lynn’s kind smile and caring spirit. We pray for you the peace that time will bring and only God can give.
Rick & Barb Olson