Dr. Walter Alexander “Sandy” Buchan
Walter Alexander Buchan, known through college as Sandy, 83, passed away peacefully at home on September 3, 2025, surrounded by his wife, Jackie, and his daughters, Jill and Kate. A respected dentist in Nashua, New Hampshire for more than five decades, he was known professionally as Dr. Buchan, but to family and friends, simply as Walt.
Born on September 2, 1942, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, Walt was the son of Marion Evelyn Buchan and Walter Faulds Buchan. He grew up in Aliquippa, PA, with his younger sister, Jaye, and graduated from Hopewell Memorial High School in 1960. A standout athlete, he played varsity football and track and field, setting records in shot put and earning the title of Most Valuable Player in football during his senior year.
In 1960, with a full athletic scholarship, Walt attended Penn State University, where he held a starting position on the football team throughout all four years, helping the team earn invitations to two consecutive Gator Bowls. He graduated in 1965 with a Pre-Med degree before pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a dentist–a dream he had carried since the age of seven. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland in 1970 and later completed his post-doctorate degree in Prosthodontics at Tufts University. While in private practice in Nashua, New Hampshire, he pursued and earned a fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), an honor achieved by only a small percentage of dentists and a testament to his dedication to lifelong learning and excellence in his field. Walt practiced dentistry for 51 years, earning the trust and admiration of generations of patients and colleagues.
In 1968, Walt married Sharon Hickey Buchan, with whom he shared the joy of raising their two daughters. He was also a devoted member of the Congregational Church in Amherst, NH, where he participated actively in the life of the congregation.
In midlife, Walt discovered a passion for fly fishing that became a defining joy for decades. He traveled the world casting his line, tied intricate flies admired by many, and even fished with Ted Williams. Some of his most cherished memories were shared with lifelong friends, both on and off the fishing line. He also treasured the solitude of his camp in Canada, where he fished the Miramichi River and embraced the quiet peace of nature.
In 2004, Walt married Jacqueline Johnston, his wife of 21 years. Together, they shared countless memories, including recent months at their Florida home. Walt embraced new activities there, from shuffleboard to social gatherings and making new friends in the community. Jackie inspired him to take up golf in his later years, and they also enjoyed quiet time together, home-cooked meals, and going to the gym.
Walt lived with integrity, honor, and humility–values instilled in him by his father and evident in every part of his life. He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: crisp fall days, hummingbirds at the feeder, mussels at Ronaldo’s Ristorante, a good book, and watching a ballgame at home. At
age 80, stepping far outside his comfort zone, he taught himself to type–proving to himself and others that it is never too late to learn something new. Above all, Walt’s greatest joy was the love he shared with his wife and his daughters.
Walt is survived by his loving wife, Jackie Buchan; his devoted daughters, Jill Buchan and Kate
Buchan; and his adoring sister, Jaye Buchan Pagotelis. He is also survived by his nephew, Alex (Rebecca) Pagotelis, and their daughters Ellie, Abby, and Sophie; his niece, Dr. Marjean (Andy) Eastmond; and their son, Andrew. He is further survived by his stepsons, Todd (Colleen) Ellis and Chad (Danielle) Ellis, and six step-grandchildren: Noah, Elijah, Abbie, Hannah, Addi, and Adrien Ellis. He also leaves behind one brother-in-law, eleven sisters-in-law, and many step-nieces and step-nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend a gathering and memorial service for Dr. Walter A. Buchan on Saturday, September 13, at Remick & Gendron Funeral Home, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH. Gathering hours will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m., followed by a service and tribute at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Buena Vista, PA, with immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Walt’s memory by choosing integrity, practicing kindness, and finding joy in life’s simplest moments. Every day is a good fishing day where he is now, and his family invites you to carry that same spirit of peace, gratitude, and quiet strength into your own life. Please visit RemickGendron.com to view Walt’s memorial website, sign his tribute wall or for directions.