Eric J. Buchanan, 59, of East Earl, died Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at home after a lengthy illness.
Eric “Chappy” was happy-go-lucky and caring person with a contagious smile. He loved to joke around and to torment others. He was an avid outdoorsman, loving his days hunting and riding motorcycles, to mention a few. His fishing companion, “Skinny,” and he, could spend hours drowning worms.
He had a nickname for everyone and everyone caught on so the nicknames became the norm.
Eric lived out his dream of going out west within the past year. He was blessed with a lifetime of experiences and the magnificent sights.
He had a knack for making friends by just sitting in a public place and talking to folks.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 14 years Audrey (Beyer) and his baby Boo Boo (whom he called “MY Son”) who was also his service dog.
He was preceded in death by his Mother Grace Boley Buchanan (deceased 1988)

He is also survived by his father, Charles “Buzzy” Buchanan and his Step Mother Bessie (Kauffman) Buchanan; a step daughter, Julie Payne; 4 Grandchildren, Morgan, Owen, Maddy and Wyatt; 1 great granddaughter, Charleigh; 2 sisters, Teressa K. Diem (Clifford), and Cosette F. Sweigart (Brian); a brother Charles J. Buchanan Jr. (Shirley); 1 Neice and 5 nephews; and many great-nieces and nephews. He was also a mentor/father figure to “his boys”, Nick Arment, Jeremy Dale, and Jonathan Martin.

Eric “Fred Flintstone” worked for Rod Usner for ~ 10 years. Eric “Salty Dog” also worked ~23 years at Martin Limestone (New Enterprise Industries). He was exceptional at operating heaving equipment and had a great talent at landscaping /rescaping the earth.
The family requested dress code for the funeral: Harley, Camo and or casual wear.

The family would like to thank the members of: The Hershey ALS team and the Loaning Closet for all their assistance, guidance, caring and loans of equipment; The Green Hospice team for being present and offering all types of assistance for support and excellent care in the past month; and especially to Amiee Strunk, who lovingly cared for both Eric and Audrey the past few months.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 10 am at the Groff-High Funeral Home, 145 W. Main St., New Holland with the Reverend Dave Fulmer officiating. Interment will be in the Bridgeville Cemetery. Viewing will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday from 6-8 pm and on Saturday from 9-10 am.
The family requests no flowers, however contributions in honor of Eric would be greatly appreciated to the ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter, www.alsphiladelphia.org, or to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com.

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