Harry Leon Buchanan, 101, of Helena formerly of Big Fork, Montana passed away June 11, 2013 in Helena. He was born January 14, 1912 in Stanley, North Dakota to Isaac and Nellie Buchanan. The family moved to Poplar, Montana when he was 5 years old.
Harry graduated from Poplar High School in 1932. In the fall of 1940 he moved to Great Falls and worked at the Home Oil Refinery. Soon after in 1942, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1945. Harry met and married the love of his life Opal A. Johnson at the First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point on November 18, 1945. They moved to Seattle Washington for a year while Harry went to Vocational Baking School. They then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and attended Dunwoody Baking School to continue his education. Together they had one daughter, Donna Kay Stone. Harry and his family have also lived in Wolf Point, Chinook, Frazer, Big Fork and Helena, Montana.
Surviving Harry is his wife of 68 years, Opal Buchanan of Helena; daughter, Donna Stone of Helena; grandson, Andrew Stone; sister, Mary Binkley of Helena and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers, Virgil Buchanan and David Buchanan.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday June 28th at Retz Funeral Home with a small reception to follow at the funeral home. A Graveside Service with military honors will follow the reception at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison, Montana. Memorial in Harry’s name may be sent to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation, P.O. Box 80807 Billings, MT 59108 or to Christikon Lutheran Bible Camp, 1108 24th Street West, Billings, MT 59102. To offer condolences or share a memory of Harry, please visit below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday June 28, 2013
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Friday June 28, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E.6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the Reception
Friday June 28, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday June 28, 2013
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Friday June 28, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E.6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the Reception
Friday June 28, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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VIrginia Redstone says
Uncle Harry was a kind and giving man, concerned about others. I remember as a child spending time in their bakery in Chinook, he was a Great baker.. will be missed and remembered fondly.
Sheila Fast says
Harry was blessed with many years to enjoy his life, family and friends. He and Opal were always a welcome addition to our family celebrations. We enjoyed our phone conversations with Harry, he will be missed~
Genna Granada says
We are going to miss you, Harry – you have been such a wonderful influence on so many lives for so long. We share fond memories of our wonderful friends, Harry and Opal– His yummy home-grown tomatoes and fresh rolls! Always so thoughtful as to invite us over when there was a Charlie Brown cartoon on TV so us kids could watch…for we had no TV on the ranch in those years.
Donna, Opal and Andrew: Harry was a shining example of decency, hard work, morals and faithfulness to family, God and country…be proud of your father, husband and grandfather, for it is lives like this which smooth the path of those who follow.
From your ‘other family’ on the Little Porcupine north of Frazer,
The Granadas – Pete, Carol, Gene & Genna
Laura Aschim (Long) says
Dear Opal and Donna. Sorry for your loss. Mom and I were reminiscing about all the good times in Frazer….with church and friends. We really did have a close community there. I remember Harry as a gentle man, who put up with all of us giggling girls! Take care and God bless. Laura and Ellen
Kay Winek says
Opal, Donna and Andrew–I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Harry with fondness. The few times I saw him, he was always so welcoming with hugs and smiles. I know he left you with many sweet memories.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kay
Jeannie Decker Hertsgaard says
To Opal, Donna, Andrew, the rest of Harry’s family and friends…I have fond memories of living in Frazer and playing at the Buchanan home. Harry was always so very kind and soft spoken. May you hold his love and your memories of Harry close to your hearts.