William C. Buchanan

William C. Buchanan, 78, a longtime resident of Leominster, died after an illness on September 26, 2024, ten months after losing the love of his life, Maureen Knox Buchanan.

Bill was born in Fitchburg on February 4, 1946, the eldest of four children of William Buchanan and Irene Kane Buchanan. A member of the Fitchburg High School Class of 1964, he played trumpet in the marching band that performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day, 1962. After a short time in college, Bill joined the United States Coast Guard in 1965. He was stationed for three years in South Portland, Maine on the U.S.C.G Cowslip, a 180-foot seagoing buoy tender that maintained aids to navigation from Kittery to Bass Harbor. In 1968-69 he did a tour in Vietnam as a Quartermaster on the U.S.C.G. Cutter Bibb. He treasured his friendships with shipmates throughout his life and was an active participant and organizer of recent reunions.

Mutual friends introduced Bill to Maureen Knox after he returned from Vietnam. Their connection was immediate. Bill and Maureen were married in April 1970 and raised three daughters on Overlook Drive in Leominster.

Bill was a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local # 4. After earning his Master Plumber’s license, he founded Buchanan Plumbing and Heating. Years later he merged his business with Leominster Heating, which became known as Leominster Plumbing & Heating and he worked there until his retirement. Bill was a pioneer in the solar power industry, installing systems in the late 1970’s with a slogan on his van that read, “The sun will rise, but not in price.”

Bill loved being by the water. He took great pride in his lakeside home and spent many winters by the ocean in Fort Pierce, FL after retiring. Bill enjoyed many deep sea fishing trips with friends, including his brother-in-law Jim Plourde, and he and Maureen traveled on several cruises. Bill’s last big voyage occurred this past summer, when he sailed on the Queen Mary II to England, Germany and Norway.

Bill loved to spend time with his family and friends as a member of the Elks and Eagles Lodges in Leominster, where he and Maureen were fierce competitors in the cribbage league. He was a dedicated fan of all the Boston sports teams – Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins.

Bill was predeceased by his parents and Maureen, his wife of 53 years. He is survived by his three daughters, Erin McGurn and her husband Michael of Braintree, Bridget Elliott and her husband Chad of Leominster and Dr. Molly Buchanan and her husband Michael Moran of Leominster. He was enormously proud of his five grandsons, Sean McGurn, Benjamin Elliott, William McGurn, Jacob Elliott and Duke Moran, who Bill was delighted to welcome to the family just 5 weeks ago and affectionately termed “The Duke.” Bill also held a special place in his heart for grandson, Archie Moran, who passed on at birth in 2022.

He also is survived by his sisters, SuEllen Buchanan of Ashburnham, Brenda Buchanan and her wife Diane Kenty of Westbrook, Maine and Kate Bean and her husband Gary of Westminster. He also leaves his brother-in-law, Hugh Knox and his wife Joan of Shelburne Falls along with many adored nieces and nephews, dozens of cousins and many friends, including neighbors at the Brooks Pond neighborhood in Leominster, where he and Maureen resided at the end of their lives.

Bill’s funeral service will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 10 AM at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475. A Celebration of Life at the Il Forno Restaurant, 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg, will follow directly after the services.

Bill was a proud U.S. Veteran. His family would be appreciative of remembrances made in his honor to the Leominster Disabled American Veterans Association, Chapter 24, 100 West St., Leominster, MA 01453 or alternatively, to The United Way of East Tennessee, to help with disaster recovery from the recent storms which impacted the western NC and eastern TN mountain communities. Bill’s father was born in Erwin, TN and Bill spent many summer vacations there as a child and remained close with many cousins from that area until his passing.

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