Erik J. Buchanan

Erik J. Buchanan1972-2015CHICOPEE- Erik J. Buchanan, 43, passed away suddenly in his home on February 21, 2015 in Chicopee. Erik was born on January 24, 1972 to James Buchanan and Nancy (Olson) Gomes in Holyoke. He attended Holyoke High School, obtaining his GED in 1990, and then attended some classes at HCC. Erik served in the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged in 1991. Over the years Erik worked for organizations such as NAMI and Springfield Rescue Mission. He was an avid New England Sports fan and enjoyed watching the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics. Erik also enjoyed watching NASCAR races. He had a passion for all varieties of music and loved playing the guitar and writing his own songs. In his spare time, Erik would be playing board games with family and friends or watching movies, especially Jim Carey comedies. During the warmer months, he was often outdoors, hiking, mountain biking, or playing sports. Erik was a free spirit, compassionate and always helping others. His laughter and spontaneous energy will be missed by many. Erik is predeceased by his father James C Buchanan. He is survived by his mother, Nancy Gomes; one sister and best friend Joyce Buchanan; one brother Jamison Buchanan; one niece Anna Buchanan; three nephews Owen Buchanan, Patrick Tyning and Nathan Dandeneau, whom Erik had a special bond with and was actively involved with Autism Awareness; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Services for Erik will be Friday, February 27, 2015 beginning with calling hours from 9-10AM in Brunelle Funeral Home, 811 Chicopee St, Chicopee, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11AM in St. Rose de Lima Church, 600 Grattan St, Chicopee. Burial will be at a later date in Forestdale Cemetery in Holyoke. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Erik�s memory to the National Organization on Mental Illness (NAMI) PO Box 62596, Baltimore, MD 21264-2596 or Autism Awareness.