Ernie Buchanan

July 10, 2026

We lost Ernie Buchanan this week as he passed quietly at home in his favorite chair and possibly was being tutored in that moment by the love of his life, Ann Wood Buchanan, who had died in 2012 with him by her side.

A quiet, humble man, Ernie lived his life honorably and principled in all things – at work, at home, in the deer woods or in the delta duck marshes, and, especially, in raising his son Jesse. Together, Ann and Ernie forged a partnership in marriage that culminated in two precious grandsons, James and Max, who are also being raised in a similar partnership by Jesse and Carlye, Jesse’s wife. Ernie found a kindred spirit in Carlye and knew that Ann would be pleased and happy for her son Jesse, whom she loved deeply.

Although Ernie wasted few words, he filled his life with the quiet joy of being home with Ann and whatever dogs, cats, or even raccoons might be sharing his space at that time. Whether he was feeding the squirrels, helping a neighbor, watching a PBS show with Ann, or training his Labs, Ernie lived his life exactly as he wanted, and that may be how he died. As an honorable, decent man who respected others in his life and work, he was loved and will be missed by his family and friends. That’s a life well-lived.

A full obituary will be posted at a later time; a memorial service will be held to honor Ernie at a later date.