Anne Robinson (Moncton, NB) 

It is interesting to hear of Dr. Buchanan's award.  The 2 people who were my greatest mentors in Blood Banking (Pearl Colpitts and Elgey Loring) worked for Dr. Buchanan for 5 years at the Edmonton Red Cross ('56-'61, I believe).

They often spoke about him and continued to correspond with Sheila for many years. They left there to "come home" (as we Maritimers do!) and they established the Blood Bank as a separate department here at the Moncton Hospital. All of the knowledge and wisdom they had gained working for him, they passed on to us so he has had an influence in our lab as well. 

They used to tell me about the -D- cases as well as the others but I think perhaps they had worked on that one more. Elgey passed away in June but I am going to forward the info on to Pearl. She will be so pleased. He was definitely one of their heroes!

Anne

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Pat Letendre (Edmonton, AB)
 

I met Dr. Buchanan when I moved from Winnipeg to Edmonton in 1977. The thing that struck me most were his eyes, which radiated kindness and wisdom, yet twinkled, suggesting a mischievous grin might break out at any minute. If you have ever met someone who radiates peace and serenity, you will know what I mean.

All of my new transfusion colleagues in Edmonton considered the man to be a saint. If you look at this selection of his publications, please note that many of his co-authors were technologists. In a field all too often marked by elitism and pecking orders, Dr. Buchanan always treated technologists with respect and honored their expertise.

He's definitely a "oner" and it was a real privilege to know him, albeit for too short a time.