Obituary of William Lloyd Buchanan

July 9, 1954 – December 27, 2021

William “Lloyd” Buchanan of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 27, 2021, at the age of 67 years after his journey with cancer.

Lloyd was born on July 9, 1954, to Mary Alberta Buchanan (nee Ames) and William Charles Buchanan in Trenton, ON. Lloyd studied applied mathematics at the University of Waterloo and completed a Master’s in Applied Science at the University of Toronto. He met his wife Michele Nowak through a hiking club in Calgary. He later proposed to her at the top of a mountain after a grueling hike. They married on April 22, 1989, and had two children, Amelia and Victor. Lloyd was a selfless family man, devoted to the health and happiness of his wife and children. Whether it was reading bedtime stories, suggesting family movies, baking birthday cakes, or planning the next weekend outing, Lloyd’s love shone through his actions. He was happiest when he could teach you something, from home maintenance tips to insights from the latest book he was reading.

Lloyd worked as a senior software engineer at Computer Modelling Group Ltd, a job he absolutely loved. In this small corner of the world, he was a giant. In addition to managing the development of an advanced processes simulator, he was instrumental in establishing the common code architecture used by all the company’s simulators. Lloyd was known for his expertise, dedication, patience, and foresight. He moved to part-time work in 2015 and continued to work as a consultant “for fun.” He continued coding from his hospital bed up until and during the last weeks of his life. Lloyd was eternally curious and never stopped learning. He had a particular interest in geology and space, as well as military and scientific history. As a young man, he enjoyed backpacking in the Rocky Mountains but transitioned to day hikes to accommodate his family. He was a voracious reader of history and science fiction, often checking out ten books from the library at a time. Lloyd loved classic and progressive rock, and every car he owned had an excellent stereo. He would commute by bike even in the winter, then pull out his road bike on weekends to explore the city. He enjoyed travelling and discovering new places, spending weeks planning the perfect itinerary for family vacations.

Lloyd is survived by his wife Michele Nowak, daughter Amelia, son Victor, two sisters, Mary Lou, and Ruth; brother Dan, and stepmother Shirley. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Charles.

A Celebration of Lloyd’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Llyod's service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Calgary Health Foundation – Intensive Palliative Care Unit-47, Suite 800, 11012 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary, AB T2J 6A5, Telephone: (403) 943-0615, https://www.calgaryhealthfoundation.ca/foothills-medical-centre/. Please specify your donation to the ‘Intensive Palliative Care Unit-Unit 47’ in the comment box.

In living memory of Lloyd Buchanan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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