Fremont Jeffrey “Opy” Buchanan, 54, a lifelong resident of Skagit County passed away Thursday February 11, 2016 at Providence Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. To think of Jeff is to think of many things. The outdoors, family, trapshooting, fishing, golfing and hunting were just some of his favorite things.
Jeff “Opy” was born in Sedro-Woolley on February 16, 1961, a son to Fremont and Joan Buchanan. Jeff was raised and attended school in Sedro-Woolley, graduating from SWHS in the class of 1979 where he was active in golf and FFA. He went to work for the Department of Natural Resources right after graduating and worked there for the next 20 years.
On November 29, 1980, he was united in marriage to his first love Elaine Senn, having two sons Jason Eugene and Geoffrey Lee Buchanan.
Years later, he met his second and everlasting love, Julie Walker. They were united in marriage August 29, 1987 and just three months later, they welcomed their daughter Renee Lyn into the world. The trio has been inseparable ever since. The family enjoyed road trips to Disneyland, hunting, golfing and going to Canada for trapshoots. He loved taking his kids to Baker Lake to fish, even though they always outfished him. The family also enjoyed camping, shooting hoops and badminton.
In addition to all his outdoor skills, love of golf and being a great shot with a gun, Jeff was a great friend, father and husband.
After retiring from the DNR, he worked a few shutdowns and has been self employed for the past 12 years working out of the family home. He enjoyed spending his days visiting with friends, playing cribbage and taking care of all the wildlife in the backyard.
Jeff was a caring man with a big heart. His dry sense of humor and say it like it is attitude were enjoyed by those around him. He loved old westerns, AC/DC, bluegrass music and board games. A gentle soul, a loving father and husband, caring friend and lifelong resident to the community, Opy is one face we will all deeply miss.
Jeff was a registered organ donor and his wish was to be able to help and save others. His wish was honored as he was able to donate parts of his body for others and research.
Jeff is survived by his loving and caring wife of 28 years, Julie at the family home in Sedro-Woolley; his daughter Renee and future son-in-law John Garman; sons, Jason and Geoffrey Buchanan of Ferndale; sister and brother-in-law Julie & Tony Sosa and special friends Tommy Hooper, Jim Gorum and Denny Athearn.
He was preceded in death by his parents Fremont and Joan Buchanan, his brother Jon, mother-in-law Coral Walker and his loving little buddy Snip.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Lemley Chapel on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 2:00pm followed by a potluck fellowship at the Sedro-Woolley Eagles. Please come share memories and have a toast to Jeff’s life with some good friends and good music by Birdsview Bluegrass. Services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Jeff was one of the FFA kids that we chaperoned, along with is brother, Jon. I was heartbroken when I heard that Jon had passed and beyond that to hear of Jeff’s passing. They were both so very young but also loved.
I remember the good times we had when we would pack up the old trailer with food and girls, while the boys slept outside in their cars. I would feed them, congratulate them on their winnings and console them on their losses with their animals. Such wonderful memories!! I, mostly, remember Joan asking me what I did to make the boys love being with us so much. I told her that I fed them and gave them a lecture when they got rowdy. I don’t think she ever believed me but they got a real kick out of it and , with full bellies, they seemed to love us. I know that I loved them. These same FFA kids started the “Parents’ Award” for us. This gave us great pride in all of them. Jeff will be missed, as was Jon, and everyone will miss them both. Love you both
Julie and Renee, Rick And I are so sorry for your loss of Opy, He was a good hearted guy and such a good friend. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff will be missed by many, He was a good friend for over 45 years. It is a great loss to any that knew him. My condolences to all his family and friends
Our hearts are saddened hearing of the passing of a great friend. Opy we had such wonderful times playing darts and going to the tournaments down south. You will be missed by many and knowing we will meet again gives us strength in this difficult time.
Julie and Renee, you’ve lost a wonderful husband and father. Our prayers are with you both.
Cowboy and Miss Kitty
All though I haven’t seen Opy in about 25 years, he had an influence on my life.He taught me a little about life, and a lot about fun. My fondest memory Was about 1984 DNR Opy as Smokey the bear in the 4th of July parade ,great day,great friends.
We will miss you Jeff. Herb and Connie Wise
I will remember Opy as a man, co-worker, competitor who always made me smile. We spent several hours on the “fire lines” at DNR – as well as playing golf and a little bit of partying. I have many fond memories of Opy. He and Boaster playing the guitar around the fire circle – keeping the crew entertained, and his ability to throw darts – wow! I especially remember (me as a beginning golfer) Opy always winning the “putter & 1” annual competition at Gateway Golf Course with his “special” club. I’m truly blessed to have known and spent time with him and I’m very sorry for the tragic loss to his family and friends. My heart goes out to you all.
Julie, Renee and family I am so sorry for your loss ypur family meant a lot to me. My prayers are with all of you. Alice
We were so sorry to hear of Jeffs passing. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Our thoughts are with you Julie. We sure had some great times shooting trap over the years. Jeff was quite a guy!
Our thoughts are with you Julie and Renee. Jeff was quite a guy and I sure miss all the good times we had shooting trap.
Dearest Julie, Renee, Jason, Geoff,
We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of Jeff. What a crazy, funny, one-of-a-kind guy….don’t know anyone like him at all. We have known Jeff for so many years…many hours of horseshoe pitching and killing fish, deer, elk, just lots of good stories and fun. We will only remember Jeff with fondness, a chuckle and a laugh. Cannot imagine how much you will miss this big bear of a man!
Love to you all,
Gary and Val Bisbey
I started working with Opy in the summer of 1979 on a DNR fire crew. I’m proud to say I’m one of the two that gave him his nickname “Opy”. I will never forget our times working together on various crews, in the woods and on fires. His sense of humor kept us going during trying times. I hope to see you again my friend for that big “choir practice” in the sky!
So many great memories with Jeff. You always knew how to make people laugh.
You will be missed my friend. Love and hugs to your family.
I convey my sincerest condolences to you and the family.
I’m so sorry. He was a great guy. He will be so missed
Jeff was a man who loved competition , he was good at horse shoes & pool ang very good at darts. he gave me a set of pro darts he brought home from one of his world class events. Opy worked with my wife Jodi for many years at the DNR. he will be missed .
Good bye old friend until we meet again.RIP Jeff
I didn’t know Jeff, but I knew his wonderful parents. Sending prayers of support for his loved ones.
So sorry to hear Jeff leaving this old world. I had only meet him a couple of times. He was always such a funny guy. To his children always remember the good times you had with your dad. Always family no matter what. Love from cousin Jan Buchanan
Julie,Renee,and Boys,
Jeffrey and all the things he and Jon and I did when we were younger will always be part of my fondest memories .My heart breaks for you all and I know the deep sense of loss you are feeling.Know that I will he thinking of you in heart and mind and that even though we haven’t seen each other in far to long you are still family and I love you all
R.I.P. Cuz
Everyone has a story about Jeff and it usually always ends in laughter. You will be missed my friend. Much love.