Frank Gordon Buchanan

Buchanan School, Calgary, Alberta, named after Frank G. Buchanan. Frank Gordon Buchanan (died aged 95, Vancouver General Hospital, April 16 1981) was chief superintendent of public schools in Calgary, Alberta from 1935 to 1951.

Early life and education Buchanan was born in or around 1886 in Rossburn, Manitoba. The family soon moved to Alberta, where Thomas Buchanan became minister of McDougall Church in 1899. He then moved on to the University of Toronto, graduating B.A. in 1913.

Career On graduation from Toronto in 1913, Buchanan joined the staff of Central High School, Calgary. In an editorial for the Regina-based The Leader Post, C. W. Mowers opined that "Dr. Buchanan is doubtless one of the most capable, forthright and genuinely progressive candidates ever to be presented to Alberta voters, but his age is somewhat against him". He lost to the Conservative Party candidate Carl O. Nickle.

Voluntarism Buchanan served on the University of Alberta's senate from 1942 to 1948, and also on the board of governors of Mount Royal University According to The Calgary Herald, "on his retirement, Buchanan said in a speech that experience and 'real education' are more valuable to children than mastery of facts. Buchanan said the school system should prepare students for community life through group activities".

Personal life Buchanan married Florence Marie and had four children: Gordon, Thomas Hugh, Douglas, and Muriel Armstrong. "in recognition of his services to education".