We sadly bid Phil Buchanan a final farewell
To the editor:
We sadly bid Phil Buchanan a final farewell. A man who devoted many years of his life to protecting this island and its inhabitants and who gave 100 percent of himself to as many causes as humanly possible.
With his own money, he filed lawsuits against Cape Coral about the Ceitus Barrier took salinity readings rescued animals at any time of day or night as an active volunteer for CROW fought to get the newest and most beautiful nature preserve open in St .James City. He treated turtles and birds in his garage . adopted cats from Helping Paws along with helping with their fundraising efforts and donating money.
He maintained his yard like a tropical paradise that dreams are made of full of fruit trees and plants that are beneficial to wildlife. He generously shared plants with friends. He was a member of the Pine Island Garden Club..
He authored several books about Pine Island which included amazing valuable and obscure information about the island and, of course, donated the proceeds of these books to local charity ..
He guest lectured at every venue and for every organization on this island. He could speak effortlessly on almost any subject related to Pine Island.
At a book signing that I sponsored for him once, he asked me first what he should speak about, to which I answered, “Anything.” He ended up telling amazing stories of the Cherokee people, and their history as it relates to peach trees! ( Of all things!) People were fascinated. His entire speech was inspired by the peach trees he noticed while walking in the front door of my house for the event.
Phil worked diligently, volunteering in the capacity of attorney, on preserving the Pine Island Plan which was written to prevent the over-development of this island. He co-authored the original and formed a grassroots group of volunteers to fight its subsequent re write. He kept abreast of all issues, permits and news that could adversely affect the island. He shared the information with his many followers who were on his email list and with frequent articles that he submitted to the Pine Island Eagle.
There is so much that I am leaving out about him. So many contributions so many projects so many accomplishments awards, and a fascinating former government career.
After the shock and sadness clears, I hope that we as islanders will fight individually in small ways, and in unity in big ways, to prevent the demise of Pine Island, its fragile ecosystems and the breakdown of this wonderful sense of community that brought us here. I also hope that we never forget the true meaning of being “island” which is really just about people, and giving all we can possibly give of ourselves.
Ndakhte Ndiaye