John Strachan

John Strachan passed away at this home in Morganton NC on October 30, 2024 with his wife Joyce and son Don at his side.

John was born December 11, 1936 to Donald Cheyne Strachan and Arline (Warnock) Strachan. He grew up in Westport CT and Burlington VT. John graduated from Bowdoin College and the University of Virginia School Of Law. He was married to Susan Smith 1959 - 1976 and they had three children.

Following law school, he and his family moved to Anchorage, Alaska in the early 1960’s, seeking new opportunities at the cusp of growth of this new frontier. He experienced firsthand the drama of the 1964 earthquake of Alaska. John was a partner in various law firms throughout his 45-year career in Anchorage, eventually settling on private practice. John married Joyce Epley Lanier in 2004, closed his law practice, and the two built a home in Morganton NC in 2007. They enjoyed retired life - exploring the countryside and historical sites, traveling, birding, researching and documenting family history, and making new and valuable friends among their church community and neighbors. John was a member of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, The Sons of the American Revolution, and other historical organizations in Burke County.

John was a man of dry humor and wit. He enjoyed reading, particularly historical non-fiction. He was an avid reader of first edition material about Captain Cook’s voyages. He restored several vintage cars, including his grandmother’s 1923 Buick, which he drove in the 4th of July Parade in Anchorage and his 1966 Austin Healy which he drove in a Glen Alpine 4th of July parade. Keen to learn new skills and proud of his Scottish heritage, John learned to play bagpipes, a test of patience that was not inherent in his personality. In Anchorage, he renewed his childhood enjoyment of horses, owning several over the years, and enjoyed riding with his many friends in the horse community.

John is survived by his wife, Joyce, and sister, Sharon Surhoff (AZ). His children Donald Cheyne Strachan (NY); Elizabeth Strachan and husband Bruce Richter (AK), and Margaret Strachan Tyler and husband Ethan Tyler (AK), and grandchildren Faith Strachan; Johanna, Christine, Kate, and Jack Richter; Rebecca Tyler; Joyce’s son Jonathan Lanier, wife Ashley, and children Vinny and Lillian (AK)

Preceding him besides his parents were his sisters, Leonie Sanders, Gail Frazier, and Blair Hall; granddaughter Holly Charland.

Graveside services will be held at Burke Memorial Park at 1 p.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024 with Rev. Logan Miller officiating.

Memorials in lieu of flowers are appreciated. Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, Box 576, Glen Alpine, NC 28628; Historic Burke Foundation, PO Box 915, Morganton, NC 28680; or a Helene rescue organization of your choice.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.