Thursday, April 23, 2009

Bye, Dad



John Mack Buchanan
John Mack Buchanan "Buck" Johnny Mack passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 14, 2009. He was born June 9, 1936 in Hobart Mills, CA to Harold and Katie. Dad was a dedicated and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, teacher and friend. He served in the Armed Forces in Germany. He worked 47 years as a plumber - 27 with J&S Mechanical. He helped establish the apprenticeship program at SLCC and worked with over 2200 apprentice plumbers. Remember? His stories - huntin', fishin', golfin', "goin'west," fish fries, the talking stick, the wooden bowl, the whooperwills and horned toads, spot x, etc. "We love you, Dad! Thanks for all the great life lessons." Survived by his wife of 48 years, the love of his life, "blue eyes", Kathy; three daughters, Patti Barlow, Stacy (Jason) Thackeray and Piper (Greg) Wise; seven grandchildren, Candice (Bryan) Ivie, Ryan John (Amanda) Olson, Lacie Reed, Michal "I.A." and John Thackeray, Cannon and Harper Wise; one great-granddaughter, Austyn Lynn and one on the way. Also survived by sister Linda (David) Hammer; and many other family and friends - you know who you are. Preceded in death by his infant son, his parents, and his sister Sharon. A celebration of his life is planned for Tuesday, April 28th from 7-9 p.m. at the LDS Chapel located at 10375 S. Leilani Drive, Sandy, UT. Online condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.jenkins-soffe.com/



I went on vacation. While I was gone, my dad passed away. No, I didn't rush home, there was nothing I could do by that time. I had already said my goodbyes. I asked him before I left if he wanted me to bring him home a seashell from the beach, and he said, "No, not really." So I knew.

I thoght losing my friend Lori at age 25 was hard. I thought going to my infant nephew's funeral was hard. NOPE. The hardest thing I've ever had to do was tell my son that his grandpa was gone. He got angry. "Why didn't Grandpa do his excersizes?" he asked. "Well, son, his body just didn't work for him any more and he was really tired." I'm glad we had the extra time away to buffer him a bit. I've noticed it takes him a bit to process feelings. 2 days later he expressed worry to Pink WaWa that "she might get died" How awful. It's so hard as a parent, you want to shelter your kids from all that's bad, but you just can't. They have to live life too.

I'm a jumble of feelings. Kind of sad, kind of glad, kind of pissed. Glad to be home though, can't wait to hug my mom and family.

10 comments:

Erica said...

Piper, my heart goes out to you and your family. I love you guys so much! Our prayers are with you :o)

Kim said...

What a great post about your dad! I know you are feeling so many emotions right now, but I hope you feel some peace as well. That breaks my heart thinking about Cannon's response and reaction. It's so hard to explain it all to the little ones. We love you!

tren said...

I'm sorry, Piper. I have fond memories of Uncle John. Love you.

Crazymamaof6 said...

OH! i'm so sorry for your loss!
that is so hard.
hugs!

Jenifer said...

Piper!!! I had no idea and am so sorry to hear this announcement. So hard and I can't imagine what you are going through. My love and prayers are with you and your family. Love love love!

Nicole said...

What a great tribute to your dad. I feel so bad for what you are going through. I feel so bad for Cannon (his response just kills me) - they just don't quite understand everything. Hope you are all feeling a little peace. You are a great mom. We love you all so much!

Al said...

We are so sorry to hear about your loss! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Nikki said...

Ahh... I love you. I can't imagine how hard that must have been to tell Cannon. I love you and your family. Your dad always made us all smile. He was so spunky.

Lexi said...

I am so sorry Piper! I feel so bad for Cannon! I haven't lost a grandpa, only my neighbor who pretty much seems like my grandpa! I am so sorry to hear this.

Amber Feller said...

Piper! I love you so much! Your family and even your dad has always been there for us Kidds! and I have nothing but good fun memories of him. We'll see you tomorrow. :)