Buchanan called ‘larger than life’
A week before he died, attorney James "Bucky" Buchanan dressed up for Halloween as an 18th century colonial lord of the manor.
Buchanan, a character in and out of court, "just loved life," said his wife, Gianna.
A prominent criminal defense attorney, restaurateur and a popular figure in local social circles, Buchanan, 74, died Saturday when he suffered a medical episode, police said, while backing his Ferrari into his driveway.
His wife said he died on the 11th anniversary of their first date. They were married in May 2001.
He loved practicing law, big game hunting in Africa, T-bone steaks, and helping people, she said.
"He cared a lot about his clients," she said. "Not all of them had lots of money, but he gave each client the stellar representation he would have given a million-dollar client. Nobody got shortchanged."
The same held true for those who attended the Buchanans' legendary charity events.
"When he walked into a room, the whole center of the room changed. He was larger than life," she said.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Andre Agassi is scheduled for a live appearance today on "State of Nevada" on KNPR-FM, 88.9, with host Dave Berns. Agassi is to be on the second hour of the 9-11 a.m. program. He was at KNPR on Thursday for an interview with Terry Gross for National Public Radio's "Fresh Air." ...
Julianna Erdesz of Reno won the Miss Nevada USA pageant on Saturday at the Horn Theatre at Community College of Southern Nevada. She reigned as Nevada's Miss America winner last year. The Miss Nevada Teen title went to Audrey Denison, a senior at Palo Verde High School.
SIGHTINGS
Wayne and Janet Gretzky, among the crowd at the Pro Bull Riders event Sunday at the Thomas & Mack Center. ... Former "Dancing With The Stars" heartthrob Mario Lopez, surprising Terri Kelley, wife of Station Casinos chief operating officer Kevin Kelley, by inviting her onstage Saturday to dance in front of 250 of Station Casinos' best players and their guests at Red Rock Resort. ... Competitive eating champion Joey Chestnut, scarfing down 50 meatballs -- 6.25 pounds -- to win the first-ever Martorano's Masters Meatball Eating Championship on Sunday at the Rio. He did it in 10 minutes, setting a world record for the Major League Eating (MLE) sanctioned competition. ... At Blush (Wynn) on Saturday: Tony Hawk, celebrating the wrap of his Stand Up for Skateparks event with BMX pros Matt Hoffman and Simon Tabron, pro skateboarder Kevin Staab and former UFC champ Chuck Liddell, and others. Also at Blush on Saturday night: St. Louis Rams running back and Las Vegas native Steven Jackson and Twitter co-founder Biz Stone. ... Johnny Damon of the New York Yankees, with family members at Tao (The Venetian) on Saturday. ... In separate parties at N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) on Saturday: Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker and Raiders offensive tackle Langston Walker, and Jackson. ... HardNox band members Jimbo and Danny Boy, singing their hit "Let The Bass Go" during a surprise appearance at the 16th birthday party of Savannah Stallworth at the Orleans Arena on Saturday. ... At Sinatra (Encore) on Saturday: Pulitzer Prize-winning writer J.R. Moehringer, who collaborated with Agassi on "Open," his girlfriend, Phoenix television reporter Marissa Wingate, and Denver Post columnist Bill Husted. They are in town for Agassi's media and booking signing event tonight at Wynn Las Vegas.
THE PUNCH LINE
"The Yankees spent $66 million more on payroll this year than the second closest team -- and they won. The team with the highest payroll won -- who says capitalism is broken?" -- Jimmy Kimmel
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
