Peter Hale Buchanan, 69, passed away April 25, 2007, in Escondido, CA. Born September 7, 1937, in Quebec, Canada, he was a 19-year resident of Temecula.

Peter grew up in Canada, where he enjoyed sports and outdoor activities, especially sailing, skiing and hockey. After a stint as a "ski burn" in Aspen, he received a skiing scholarship at Western State University in Colorado, graduating with a major in geology. He earned his MS at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden.

He was employed as a geologist for a time and later became a real estate developer in Summit County, CO. He moved to California in 1987 with his wife and young sons, where he began a career as a soils engineer.

Peter won awards in a variety of racquetball, skiing and running events. On his last day, he was playing handball with talented younger players when his passion for the game and the quality of competition became his fiercest opponent. He passed on while doing what he loved.

Peter was preceded in death by mother Dorothy Julia Buchanan in 2005. He is survived by Evelyn Buchanan, his wife of 25 years; daughter Holly Claire Martinac, Denver, CO; sons Colin and Jack Buchanan, Temecula; son and daughter-in-law Ian and Anna Buchanan, Denver; sister and brother-in-law Jane and Bruce Little, Ottawa, Canada; and two grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3:45 p.m., followed by Mass at 4, on Friday, May 4, at Berry-Bell & Hall Mortuary, 333 N. Vine, Fallbrook.