Jeffery Glen Buchanan

Jeffery Glen Buchanan was born in Portland on March 22, 1954, the son of Donovan and Velma Buchanan. Jeffery passed away on May 22, 2015, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland.

Jeff grew up in Portland and graduated from Franklin High School in 1972. After high school, he became a journeyman painter and continued working in Portland.

In 1982, he moved to Astoria and was hired by the state of Oregon as member of the workforce who painted the Astoria-Megler Bridge. He continued to work for ODOT as a member of the Bridge Maintenance Department. In early 1987, he became a member of the Sign Department, retiring in December 2013 as sign coordinator for ODOT District 1, with 30 years of service with the state of Oregon.

Jeff started his own painting business while working for ODOT. In his “spare” time, he painted several of the historic houses in Astoria and surrounding area, finally relinquishing his business to have more time to travel.

Jeff married Rosemary Kowitz in 1993, and together they took numerous trips across the United States, including several cruises to Alaska. He enjoyed traveling, as well as hunting in Eastern Oregon and fishing on the Columbia River with friends and family. He enjoyed gardening, and took great pride in his koi pond.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his father, Donovan and his wife, Pauline, of Portland; his mother, Velma, of Seaside; two brothers, Mike and Glen, both of Portland; a stepsister, Jan Baker of Portland; a stepbrother, Derek Culver of Portland; and aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary at 1165 Franklin Ave., Astoria, on Thursday, June 4, at 5 p.m.