John Renwick Strachan

Dec 11, 1936 -

Oct 30, 2024

John Renwick Strachan passed away at his home in Morganton, N.C., on Oct. 30, 2024, with his wife Joyce and son Don at his side.

John was born on Dec. 11, 1936, to Donald Cheyne Strachan and Arline (Warnock) Strachan. He grew up in Westport, Conn., 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, seeking new opportunities at the cusp of growth of this new frontier. John was a partner in various law firms throughout his 45 year legal career in Anchorage, eventually settling on private practice. He watched buildings sway in downtown Anchorage from his Fourth Avenue office during the great Alaska earthquake in 1964. He was an active member of the Anchorage Lions Club, the Anchorage Bar Association and The Alaskan Scottish Club. 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. He was always amazed that the Alaskan Highlanders let him play with them. He renewed his childhood enjoyment of horses, owning several over the years, and enjoyed riding with his many friends in the horse community.

John married Joyce Epley Lanier in 2004, closed his law practice, and the two built a home in Morganton in 2007. They enjoyed retired life - exploring the countryside and historical sites, traveling, birding, researching family history and making new 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, N.C.

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 vintage cars, including his grandmother's 1923 Buick and his 1966 Austin Healy, both which he drove in 4th of July parades.

John is survived by his wife, Joyce; children Donald Cheyne Strachan of New York, Elizabeth Strachan and husband Bruce Richter and Margaret Strachan Tyler and husband Ethan; grandchildren, Faith Strachan, Johanna, Christine, Kate and Jack Richter and Rebecca Tyler; stepson, Jonathan Lanier with wife Ashley and children Vinny and Lillian; and sister, Sharon Surhoff and husband Paul of Arizona.

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

Graveside services were held at Burke Memorial Park, N.C., with Rev. Logan Miller officiating.