Yeatman-Biggs brethren say farewell to an outstanding mason and dear friend.

W Bro John Buchan 21st Sept 1928 – 25th February 2024
Born in London, Holborn John grew up with his Mum (Elizabeth) and two elder brothers (Jim & Charlie) and Elder Sisters (Win and Lily). His father sadly passed away when he was only 10 months old, a consequence of being gassed in the first World War.
John was awarded a 3 year scholarship at Westminster College studying engineering and excelled in his studies. He was also an exceptional footballer playing for Leather Lane and was famously scouted by Jimmy Seed, the then manager of Charlton Athletic.
In 1946, John was called up for national service and stationed in Hong Kong before returning to his job at Enfield cables where he then completed his qualifications at Northampton Polytechnic before he joined the Central Electricity Board, meeting and marrying Elizabeth in 1953. They have three sons David, Philip and Peter.
Sadly Elizabeth was killed in a car accident in 1964.
John remarried in 1966 to Margaret and they have two sons, Simon and Paul. Later in his careers he returned to Hong Kong to work before retiring. Margaret passed away in 2009.
John was a very keen and active freemason for many years and belonged to both the Yeatman-Biggs Lodge and the Royal Edward Lodge in Guildford. John was the Worshipful Master of Yeatman-Biggs Lodge in 1995 having worked his way up the officers ladder and then served for many years as the Lodge Chaplain. He was always willing to take part in the workings of the Lodge and an excellent ritualist who rarely needed prompting.
Always entertaining at the Festive Boards, John would often be heard reminding the Stewards not to worry about the WM’s glass but to ensure his was filled first! A good lesson in masonic etiquette.
In late life, David and John visited Peter who was living in the Caribbean as well as travelling to Maastricht and the battlefields and First World War graves in tribute to John’s Dad. Whilst strolling proudly along the Omaha Beach amongst ex-servicemen and their medals, an American approached John and pointing to the emblem on John’s jumper, ‘Excuse me sir, what regiment was that?’. At which point, John replied ‘Marks and Spencer!’ much to his amusement.
John will be greatly missed.

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