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Ken was born in Prince Rupert, B.C.

Beloved son of Helen (nee Petrynko) and Glenn Kenneth Buchanan, who predeceased him in 2001. He is survived by his mother, his son Franklin, his sister Linda Trim (Dan) and his loving partner William Christiansen. Ken’s nephews Lee Trim (Tonnie), Grant Trim (Joanne) and Scott Trim (Debbie) also mourn his passing.

Ken also leaves behind great friends and many co-workers, who have been a wonderful support to him as his illness became more and more severe. His greatest friend, though, was William, who nursed him through the final months of his life and loved him like he had never been loved.

Ken’s personality was marked by an openness and a willingness to be friendly to all he met. He had a ready smile, a great laugh that he inherited from his dad and a heart that drew people to him. After schooling in Prince Rupert and training in financial services business at BCIT, he entered his career with the Royal Bank of Canada where he was tasked with opening remote branches in places like Cassiar and Tumbler Ridge. He loved the frontier and was a true community builder.

Ken would later settle in Hazelton, B.C. where he became a valued ally of the Gitksan band as they fought many battles to reclaim their territorial lands. For his work there, he was welcomed into the wolf clan and is considered one of their own. He was also a village alderman and a member of the Northern B.C. Municipalities Association.

Once Ken retired, he moved to Vancouver and became a advocate for people with AIDS and later was named chair of the Positive Living Society of B.C. Ken, who was diagnosed with HIV in 2004, he became a spokesperson for “positive” people and was often asked to speak at conferences and in the media on behalf of his community.

A great thank you goes out to the doctors and nurses at St. Paul’s Hospital, where Ken spent so many months of his life. You were so good to him.

A celebration of Ken’s life will take place in the Granville Room at the Chateau Granville in Vancouver on April 28 at 2:00 p.m. Address is 1100 Granville St. In lieu of flowers donations in his honour can be made to the Positive Living Society of B.C.

Rest in peace, loyal friend, dear son, doting father and loving partner. God bless you



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