VALE-Ronald James Buchanan

[mauswara]

It is with the Deepest Regret I have to announce the sad passing of "our" mate RON.Well known & loved by many in Canadian (Conair-CV580 fire bombing) Austalia/PNG (Talair) and most recently South Pacific (Air Van) Aviation circles.Ron passed away at his home in Vancouver BC just prior to Christmas.His Funeral service to be held in Vancouver on Jan.04 Details to be posted when avail.It is hoped many of his mates from our part of the world could attend.May He Rest In Peace.

[busdriver007]

The legend Ron Buchanan who was larger then life who made my first days in Talair memorable. I am shocked and devastated. Unable to attend but thoughts are with those who can. I remember asking the Air Canada crews out here in the 90's if they knew him and after a smile and a laugh they relate some adventure Ron was in. The industry is not the same without the Ron Buchanans of the world.:(

[Chimbu chuckles]

This is a great vid I found on youtube...it shows the BC based CV580s Ron was last firebombing in and, if memory serves, it is the same company (Connair) if I recognise the colour scheme correctly.

I'd like to think one of the pilots flying is Ron...and even if not it is a great tribute to a talented pilot who enriched ALL our lives.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjkUCBrWzhM

Some of my happy snaps from the Talair reunion.

Ronny about to pull some funny stunt.
http://www.fototime.com/{B6F6A260-6E1E-486B-ADD9-0E103E7347CA}/picture.JPG
Pictures that encapsulates how we all felt about Ron
http://www.fototime.com/{824FD0B9-6E54-4004-A8AD-2EA71E45EDD2}/picture.JPG
http://www.fototime.com/{857BCAB8-7DAD-449E-BBAF-FF808D4262C9}/picture.JPG
In Angeles City...with a small selection of his mates. I can't believe how young some of us look...it doesn't seem that long ago.
http://www.fototime.com/{A589BB68-FDB8-4A63-BFEF-8D4B762C6E23}/picture.JPG
If only he'd rung one of us:sad: