This Story Was Written For William
Arthur
Buchanan's Memory
Medallion.
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MY BROTHER, WILLIAM
BUCHANAN
Tribute written by
John Buchanan, 2005.
| Big brother (8
years my senior), friend, advisor, team mate, opponent, coach: all
terms that describe my relationship with William Arthur Buchanan better
known as Bull Moose. Why better known as Bull Moose? Because as he described
himself, “I act like a bull and look like a moose." I always called him
“Bull.”
He will always be my
big brother, but highlights of a few special events for those years from
age five to age twenty-six in my life are still vivid in my mind. I may
be a little bit off on my age, but each event and my brother’s response
to me should be pretty close.
• Age five – The death
of my parakeet was a tragedy to me. Bull described this as burial at sea
as he flushed him down the commode. He provided a little humor to
my turmoil.
• Age six – How about
my brother babysitting me at the local basketball court. To ensure my safety,
he tied me to a pole while he and his friends played competitive basketball.
I was going nowhere and I had a great view of the exciting basketball action.
A six-year old’s dream. |
 
Bill and John
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Loralyn, Bill, Marilee
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• Age seven – I still
remember Bull and Marilee handling my inappropriate behavior with quick
action and a remedy that worked. A call to Santa Claus was necessary, and
I still remember the dialogue they used with Santa on the phone, “Santa,
John is being bad, and maybe you shouldn’t bring him any toys this year.
I’ll let you know if he acts better.” I remember a quick change in my behavior.
• Age eight – A circus
act by my big brother, Bull. Big sisters Marilee and Loralyn chasing Bull
through the house. He finds a sure escape. Out the bedroom window
and on to the roof he goes to make a twelve foot jump to the soft grass
in the front yard. He is safe, but Mother Sara is beside herself with worry
that she clearly expresses to Marilee and Loralyn.
• Age nine – This is
when Bull gave me my famous nickname, Johann. Loralyn was giving
me piano lessons and Bull jokingly associated my playing with Bach and
Brahms. He started calling me, “Johann.” From that came “Yo”, “Yogi Bear”,
“Yo-yo” and other derivatives that have been my label through life. |
| • Age ten – Bull and
his buddy took me to Joe’s Dairy Bar. This was my first opportunity to
see and play a pinball machine. What a memorable event! Pinball machines
became one of my passions through high school.
• Age eleven – Bull
set me up with one of his girlfriend’s younger sisters. We went on a hayride
together. I believe this was my first real date.
• Age twelve – Bull
had a tough experience at Pitt University and decided to try the military.
I remember him advising me at this time, “I hope you will learn from my
mistakes.”
• Age thirteen – Bull
was off to Vietnam. I can still remember Mom’s worry and concern. Although
Dad didn’t say much, I know he was worried, too.
• Age fourteen – A
telegram is received by Mom and Dad. By Mom’s reaction, I fear my brother
has lost his life in Vietnam. Fortunately, I learned that he had
only a head injury and that he would be receiving a Purple Heart. |
Buchanan Family [Left-Right]:
Sara (Livingood), Loralyn,
Marilee, Bill, Roy. (John was
not yet born.)
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• Age fifteen – I hear
some strange noises down in the basement from Bull and one of his friends.
I go down and Bull gives me my first opportunity to taste beer. Fortunately,
I hated it.
• Age sixteen – Bull
and I begin playing chess with each other. It becomes a real battle with
a game occurring almost every evening. The match score is very close in
the neighborhood of 31-28. I remember Bull’s celebration with some of the
victories in the shower with a chorus of “When the Moon Comes Over the
Mountain”.
• Age seventeen – I
remember Bull providing support for me on one of my first dates. I brought
the girl home and was showing her around the back yard where we had a rabbit.
My date slips down the back porch steps slightly injuring her leg.
Bull shakes his head and suggests I take her to a safer environment.
• Age eighteen – Bull
has made the big step and got married. It was a special event, because
it was a dual wedding with one of Bull’s friends. I was there with Mom
and Dad.
| • Age nineteen – Bull
is now one of my coaches on the college football team. Having him around
for support makes a big difference.
• Age twenty – Bull
has become the proud father of a little girl named Andrea. He is very proud
and there is a sparkle in his eye. He also has taken up the art of
being an electrician with his father-in-law, Harry. This is a very special
relationship.
• Age twenty-one –
Bull has created a softball team for the Greene County Softball League.
I am excited because he has asked me to be on the team. I am an outfielder
and Bull is a first baseman.
• Age-twenty-two –
Bull and I are playing basketball together in the Church basketball league.
This time I have started the team and I have invited Bull to be on the
team. This is great fun!
• Age twenty-three
– Bull makes me a special electrical chord to use with my gospel groups.
I am still using the chord in 2005. I think of Bull every time I
use the chord.
• Age twenty-four –
Bull is the best man at my wedding on July 16, 1977. He is very supportive
and those wedding pictures remain very special to the family. |
John and his Best Man, brother
Bill, 16 July 1977
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• Age twenty-five –
I have a fainting episode at a dartball match resulting from a little splinter.
Bull is there to catch me as I stumble. I can see the concern in
his eyes. I truly appreciate him now more than ever as a big brother.
• Age twenty-six –
I am in Bobtown visiting a Child Care Center when I receive a phone call
from our neighbor. He announces to me that my brother has had a heart
attack and died. Would I please come home? That drive home was tough, but
the rest of my life would be even tougher. There was now a great void in
my life. I had lost by big brother.
The Buchanan Family gathered
for the 40th Wedding Anniversary of Roy & Sara on 27 June 1978, just
two weeks
before Bill passed away, pictured
[Left-Right]: Bill, Marilee, Roy, Sara (Livingood), Loralyn, John.
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