WILLIAM BAYNE ROBERTSON

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WILLIAM BAYNE ROBERTSON 1938 - 2017 Peacefully with his family by his side, Bayne Robertson passed away on July 23, 2017 at the Macaulay Lodge in Whitehorse, Yukon. Bayne was 79 years old. Bayne is survived by his son Bayne Robertson (Mary), grandchildren, Tom-Bailey Robertson (Talia) and Amy Schell (Beau), and his great-grandchildren, Callie and Nicholas Bailey-Robertson. Also left to mourn his loss are his sisters, Donna Letkeman (Dennis) and Cheryl Stevenson (Robert), numerous nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Luella Robertson, his sister Joan Kurytnik, his brother-in-law Robert Stevenson, and his ex-wife Elizabeth Jean Cook (nee Bodnarchuk). Born in Winnipeg on April 10, 1938, Bayne grew up on the family mink ranch in Charleswood, Winnipeg. He attended Chapman Elementary and then on to Charleswood High School with his lifelong friend Richard Bloom (Merle). Bayne played bagpipes as a member of the Queens Own Highlander Cadet Pipe and Drum marching band. Bayne indulged in two of his favourite pastimes, golf and curling. He skipped his team to the men's championship at Charleswood Curling Club in the 1960s with Ken Timchuck and brothers, Denny and Brian Vandale. Bayne gained construction experience through his work with Motorcoach Industries as a metal fitter and PPG, installing the windows on the old Winnipeg airport terminal during an extremely cold winter. These experiences inspired him to move to Port Alice, British Columbia to work as a stationary engineer for the pulp mill. Here he found an opportunity to shine at fastball as a member of the Joker's men's team. In the 1970s, Bayne worked in home construction founding his own company, Silver Seal Homes. His company built many homes in British Columbia. With keen interest in trying something new, Bayne moved out to Penticton to try his hand at being a cattle rancher. He was never afraid of a hard days work and kept up with his construction interests at the same time. He eventually relocated to Calgary working for IKO Industries and as well as Penco during the early 1980s downtown building boom. In 1986, he was struck with Klondike fever and settled in Whitehorse, Yukon. Bayne worked for the Yukon government in maintenance and was instrumental in bringing the local trolley from Duluth back to Whitehorse, where it was restored to its original 1925 glory. At Christmas time, Bayne loved to create a winter wonderland scene complete with Christmas lights and animation figures outside his home on Maple Street. With his snow white beard and his twinkling eyes, he was a natural stand in for Santa Claus. He took great joy in handing out candy canes to all the visitors and tour buses that would stop by. Bayne loved a rodeo and was successful in his role as President of the Yukon Rodeo. He was also a proud founding member of the Miles Canyon Copperbelt Railway Park in Whitehorse. Retirement brought great travels visiting his dear family and many friends. Bayne had the biggest heart and affection for all people he met, always seeing the best in a person. We will remember his jovial spirit and keen sense of humour. Rest in peace Grandpa and know that you are dearly loved. Cremation has taken place and a private memorial and interment will take place in Winnipeg at a later date. Bayne's family extends heartfelt thanks to all of his caregivers at Macaulay Lodge.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 29, 2017