Monique Hepburn, Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
DR. NORMAN Buchanan, who was chosen to represent the Eastern Westmoreland constituency after Prime Minister P.J Patterson steps down from representational politics, died yesterday in the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay after battling a brief illness.
His brother, Luther Buchanan, Westmoreland parish councillor for the Leamington division told The Gleaner yesterday that his brother fell gravely ill two weeks ago and died as a result of complications from pneumonia and a blood clot in one of his lungs.
A FULL LIFE
"My brother lived a full life. He was a disciplined man who did not tolerate foolishness and he loved to serve his community," said Councillor Buchanan.
Dr. Buchanan was elected on August 9 to succeed Mr. Patterson as Member of Parliament for Eastern Westmoreland following his expected retirement before the next general elections.
The 42-year-old optometrist was born in Lennox, Westmoreland, and is the nephew of Senator Noel Monteith, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, and Donald Buchanan, Minister of Water and Housing.
Minister Buchanan told The Gleaner that his nephew was a gifted and brilliant academic, was highly accomplished in his professional calling as well as in his political career.
"He was a brilliant strategist and was very committed to the people of eastern Westmoreland. He was looking forward to Parliament as a Member of Parliament and any other duties that came from that appointment," Minister Buchanan stated.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Dr. Buchanan attended Munro College, Manning's School and Wolmer's Boys High school. He is a graduate of the University of Miami, Yale University and the University of California at Berkley. He held a Masters of Science degree in Public Health and operated the Seemore Eye Care in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland.
"Everybody in our family looked to him. We all respected and loved him, so you can understand what we are going through now," Minister Buchanan noted.
Norman Buchanan emerged as a political figure more than 25 years ago as a member of the People's National Party Youth Organisation (PNPYO). He is survived by his wife Judy and three children.
