Howard Thomas Buchanan's Obituary
BUCHANAN, HOWARD devoted husband, loving father and grandfather passed away on Sunday, September 02, 2007 at the age of 76. Howard was born in Oxford, North Carolina, on April 7, 1931, graduated from Oxford High School in 1949 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. After 4 years of service he earned a B.A. from the University of Miami and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. Howard was Co-Chairman of SPI Holding, Inc. from October, 1987 until April, 1989, when he retired. Prior to that he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Richardson, Texas-based Spectradyne, Inc., the nation’s largest owner and operator of “pay-per-view” and “free-to-the-guest” movie systems in hotels across the United States, Canada and Europe. Prior to joining Spectradyne as President and C.E.O. in early 1975, Howard served in management positions with Collins Radio, Baifield Industries, Inc., and Scottex Corporation. Howard served eight years on the Richardson City Council and also as Director of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, Banc Texas Richardson, and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. He was on the Administrative Board of the First United Methodist Church of Richardson as well as Trustee. He is listed in Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, a member of the American Management Association, the President’s Council, National Cable TV Association, the American Hotel and Motel Association, and the National Association of Corporate Directors. Howard is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara; a daughter, Dr. Kimberly Cress, her husband Dr. Samuel Cress and son Carter of Sugar Land, TX; daughter Camilla Brownrigg, her husband Stacy and their children Scott and Megan of Coppell, TX and a brother Robert of New York City.
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