Percy F. Buchanan, age 83, passed away suddenly at his home in Coupeville on June 16, 2010. He was born July 9, 1926, in Hoquiam to Thomas and Marguerite Buchanan. After spending the first 16 years of his life being raised in Anacortes, Percy left school to join the U.S. Merchant Marine. He served in the transport of goods across the globe during World War II.

Percy left the Merchant Marine and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a rifleman during the Korean War. He was married to Lora Gaye Knoppi in Seattle on Feb. 20, 1953. Following the war, Percy returned to school, completing his high school education. He went on to attend the University of Washington, where he received his bachelor’s degree in education and his teacher’s certificate. He began his career in education, teaching at Edmond S. Meany and Meadowdale junior high schools.

Percy and Gaye purchased a summer home on the beach at Whidbey Island. After his retirement in 1986, they made the beach house their permanent home. During the summers, Percy worked as a commercial gill-netter, fishing the waters of Alaska until the late 1990s.

One of his biggest passions in life was traveling. He and his wife traveled the world together extensively. He was very interested in politics and liked a good debate. He loved his beach home and also loved flying. A few years ago, he flew with a friend from Seattle to Omaha, Neb., in an open cockpit biplane. He was a volunteer driver for folks needing transportation and enjoyed driving the ladies in his Corvette.

Percy is survived by his sister, Dorothy Carrabba; and three children: Tom Reed and wife Penee of Snohomish; Susan Wood and husband Steven of Federal Way; and Janet Buchanan of Coupeville. Eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his wife Gaye and his parents.

Funeral services for Percy Buchanan will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel on Saturday, June 26, at 10 a.m. with son-in-law Steven Wood officiating. Graveside committal services will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville. Friends may sign the online guest book at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.