Uncle Jake is not blood related, but a dear uncle who married my Aunty Jo, Georgena Smith.
Uncle Jake was a larger-than-life personality. He was kind, funny, sweet, loving, generous in spirit (not money because Aunty Jo only allotted him 25 cents per week).
He loved to play the bag pipes and the fiddle and was so proud of his Scottish heritage, although he was born in Westmeath, Ontario. He was a member of the Sons of Scotland, both his sons play the bag pipes and know how to dance the “Highland Fling”. Aunty Jo was also a member of the Daughters of Scotland.
Even the switch plate going into their home bore the Buchanan plaid.
He was in the North Bay parades and at events playing the bagpipes, something we always had to go and see.
Uncle Jake played the pipes everywhere he could.
Uncle Jake’s sister, Norma Durrell lived in a beautiful house on the east side of the Buchanan cottage, while on the west side was Uncle Jake’s brother, Peter Buchanan and his wife Queenie. Norma Durrell’s colour television was the first one I ever saw. Both the Durrell’s and Peter’s house were beautiful “modern” homes compared to our farmhouse.
Sometimes, Uncle Jake would play his bagpipes around the cottage. He’d walk and play along the dock right to the end, and stand there, playing. The sound of the pipes was beautifully haunting echoing across the lake. I loved it. This is a beautiful memory.
A great story that my Mom told me, was the day my parents were married.
Uncle Jake proposed a plan that when my parents came back to Rutherglen from North Bay after taking vows, he would pipe them up the long driveway to the house where the wedding party was to take place. The plan was set and when my parents arrived at the gate, Uncle Jake was waiting to precede them. However, my Dad, being a quiet shy man not prone to ostentatious behavior, saw Uncle Jake waiting, he said to Mom, “Ta’hell with that!” and drove straight up the driveway, not waiting for Uncle Jake.
Uncle Jake was a showman. He and Aunty Jo took ballroom dancing lessons and they would always take to the floor to whirl about around the room at weddings. My first childhood waltzing experience was standing on Uncle Jake’s shoes. They also taught square dancing and Uncle Jake would call the dance. He was a music lover and in particular, he loved Connie Frances.
Uncle Jake’s Obituary
Jake was born on July 25, 1915 in the little pioneer town of Westmeath, 45 miles east of Pembroke, on the Ottawa River. A year and a half later, he moved to North Bay with his parents.
During his early school days, Jake contracted everything going: Scarlet Fever, St. Vitus Dance, Mumps, Measles, you name it. In spite of these difficulties, he still managed to enjoy his childhood. He attended King George and Worthington Street schools, and later Algonquin Collegiate.
In the 1930’s Depression era, when there were few luxuries, Jake roade a bicycle everywhere – to Kirkland Lake, Sudbury, Toronto, looking for work. He eventually returned to North Bay where he began at Canadian Longyear as “Cost Accountant”. He was there for 43 years, ending his career as Canadian Purchasing Agent.
He attended St. Andrew’s United Church where he and Jo have been wonderful and faithful “spiritual elders” to so many. Jake served the church in various capacities, from running off the worship bulletin every Saturday to tallying the offering. In recent years, with Jo, he would play the violin for background music at The Company of Good Cheer and at our hymn sings and Casselholm worship services.
In 1927, Jake started playing the bagpipes for entertainment. He was with the North Bay Pipe Band for 25 years. He also learned the violin in high school, just for fun.
Did we mention Jake loved to dance? He was always interested in both Round and Square dancing. In 1950, he started Square dancing with the Recreational Council. After several years as instructor, he danced with R.C.A.F. Squares at the local air base. The “Squarenaders”, “Gateway Swingers” on Thursday P.M. (Round, Square and Scottish Folk Dancing) and later The Gateway Gliders. He also was an avid Bridge player, an enthusiastic member of the Golden Age Club and of the Sons of Scotland.
On Christmas Eve 1937, in the old St. Andrew’s manse on Worthington Street, Jake married Georgina “Jo” Smith. They have been blessed with two devoted sons, wonderful daughters-in-law and five attentive and exciting grandchildren.
With thanks to an earlier article by Flo Skerrett.
“A Service In Loving Memory Of Jake Buchanan” St. Andrew’s United Church, North Bay, Ontario
Uncle Jake died September 26, 1995.