Bruce "Bud" "Boompa" Mills Buchanan's Obituary
In Memory of
Bruce “Bud” “Pa” “Boompa” Buchanan
December 23, 1916 –April 19, 2014
On the afternoon of April 19, 2014, Bruce “Bud” “Pa” “Boompa” Buchanan, at the age of 97, traded in his wheelchair for his Angel’s Wings and was reunited with all the family and friends in Heaven who have gone before him.
Boompa was born on December 23, 1916 in Ava Missouri. He grew up on a farm with his Father, John Buchanan, Mother, Lucy LeFever Buchanan and Sister, Olive Buchanan Wages Mason. Learning the trade of farming, Boompa started driving his tractor at age 12. He was extremely proud of the fact that he was “legally” licensed to drive on the streets at age 12 so he could drive the car for his Mother who delivered eggs from their farm on Sundays. He enjoyed that because it gave him a break from his daily chores on the farm. He stopped driving at age 94! That is sure a long driving record!
Although Boompa was born in Missouri, he spent 20 years of his life traveling the world as an honored member of the United States Coast Guard. He was very proud of his time spent on the ships. The stories he would share with us of those days were timeless. Boompa would tell us about his early years in the guard of being stationed on remote islands in Alaska tending to the generators and batteries for the light house so ships wouldn’t run aground. There would be just 2 of them on the island and the supply ship would only come by once every 2 weeks, or so, to bring fuel for the generators and food and cigarettes for them. He also shared stories of days working in the loud engine room of the ships and becoming an Officer, and finally retiring at the Rank of CWO4 (Chief Warrant Officer). He served his country proud and was recognized for his military dedication through the many service medals he was awarded!
While still living on the Mainland, Bud married his first wife Getty. Together they had two daughters, Sharron Anne Dunn (Penny) and Lynda Louise Vogel (Mickey). Each daughter would have two daughters of their own. Boompa became a Grandfather of 4. His sister Olive had two daughters as well; Elizabeth Wages Kurtz and Lucy Wages Morgan of whom he was very close with.
It was on one of Boompa’s stops here in Hawaii where he caught the eye of Clara DeMello. He knew then and there that he couldn’t be without her. Boompa decided to start a new chapter of his life here in Honolulu. It was at this time that he and Clara would begin their new journey together. They were made for each other and tied the knot on August 7, 1953. He admired, loved and cherished her. They had a very special and close relationship. They were a good fit! Along with his new bride he gained a Step-Daughter, Caroline Miguel Moniz. He adored and loved Caroline who in return gave him the nickname “Pa”. He became a big part of our family… only he had no idea how many more of us were soon to come! At the time of his death, he gained just over “50” MORE new family members! Yup… more than 50! Are you ready?
1 Daughter:
Caroline Moniz – 1st Husband Alvin Moniz (1930 – 1976) and 2nd Husband Paul Gruwell 1934 – 2012.
6 Grandchildren:
Jeffery Moniz with wife Sue Ann, George Moniz with wife Anita, Kari-Lynn Moniz Monte,
Claire Moniz Menges with husband Bruce, Jonalee Moniz Ayres and Christie Jo Moniz
Arquette with husband Peter.
16 Great Grandchildren:
Albert Moniz with fiancée Jennifer, Michael Moniz with wife Laura, Matthew Moniz with wife Gerla, Marlo Moniz, Alika Monte, Kalele Monte McEachin with husband Snapper, Ikaika Monte, Antoinette Aina McMillan with husband Bryan, Tony Aina with wife Sarah, Jonathan Menges, Lauren Menges, Joseph “Gonzo” Ayres, Tabitha Freitas-Arquette with husband EJ, Andrew Arquette, Edward Arquette and Tayler-Lee Arquette.
16 Great Great Grandchildren:
Marlee Moniz, Maile Moniz, Makena Moniz, Terah Myles Moniz, Aria Moniz, Kalani Moniz, Kalina Monte, Keoki Monte, Kalynn McEachin, Makoa McEachin, Abby Aina, Ellie Aina, Adeline Aina, Cypriss Freitas-Arquette, Stryker Freitas-Arquette and Stryder Freitas-Arquette.
Boompa was surrounded with a big and loving family here in Hawaii. Many of us have relocated to the mainland, but he knew where we all were and often asked of the younger ones names so he could keep up!
After his Coast Guard retirement, Boompa worked at many different occupations. He was a strong and proud man who was not the type of person to just sit back and relax. Boompa would go on to work as a Groundskeeper for the Doris Duke Estate, JC Penney’s, Correa and Sons, apartment building manager and many more jobs. Always wanting to work, he kept himself very busy. He was a great provider and handyman. He would not allow anything to remain broken. Even if it didn’t have replacement part’s, he would do his magic and get the job done. There really wasn’t much he couldn’t figure out! He also did wood crafting and just loved to build things in general. He would just “eyeball” it and put it together… that is how Boompa rolled!
Boompa was also a great admirer of horses. His collection is large and very beautiful. From pictures, to statues, to figurines, to belt buckles, he had them all… such a collection! He loved the “free spirit” and “beauty” of horses in the pastures.
Boompa also collected momento’s from all his travels throughout the world. He was always intrigued by old mechanical things. He has a calendar, I believe made of brass, that when you turn it over, it keeps the date correct. In all his years, he could never figure out how this gadget worked but he never wanted to take it apart for fear that he would not be able to put it back together. This is one gadget that he never fully understood but admired. Maybe now in heaven he will learn the function of it! Boompa didn’t really like anything new. He held in his possession many things of the past: even his very old vacuum cleaner. Would you believe it was the color of TURQUOISE?! He also was a great admirer of old coins. He most loved the Indian Head Pennies and Nickels, along with the Silver Dollars.
Boompa had a love for his Johnnie Walker Red Scotch, old John Wayne movies, Cowboy and Indian movies, any old time family show like “Leave it to Beaver” and old time music such as Frank Sinatra and classic country and western tunes. He loved reminiscing about the past. He would tell us that the new shows and music were not near as good as in “his” days!
Boompa had a big and generous heart. He lived a simple life. He was a hard worker and was always with the family for all occasions. He would have a good time with everyone and would never miss an opportunity to participate in all events. We remember Christmas games where he would take on the role of making the game more exciting by being the instigator of “stealing” the most popular prize from others just to get a laugh… even if it was just a toy. Boompa was still a trooper, even at the age of 97 years young! He sure had his wits about himself; we will remember that always!
We will miss Bruce, Bud, Pa, Boompa, Uncle Bud, and Dad. Whatever name you called him, he gave us great joy in our lives and we will remember him always. He is the only Pa and Grandfather we knew and will cherish all our times with him. We will cherish his memories and share them with all of his Grandchildren. Boompa is not alone in Heaven. He has joined many of our Angels who have gone before him. He has been reunited with his Clara, or as he called her “Claire”, who got her Angel Wings on October 14, 1984, along with many others that has shared in his life. One day we will all be together again, but until that day comes, we will speak of him always, for he is our BOOMPA!
A memorial service will be held on May 6, 2014. Visitation will begin at 9:00am at the Diamond Head Memorial Park Chapel located at 529 18th Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816. Service will begin at 10:30am. We will leave Diamond Head at 11:00am and travel to the Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific where he will receive his full military honors with burial to follow.
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