Phyllis Natalia Bach

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Phyllis Natalia Bach (nee Sawchenko) age 89, of Whitehorse, Yukon on Friday January 19th, 2024, after a long and difficult decline with her heart.

Phyllis leaves many cherished friends and family: her sister Gerry, brother-in-law Gary, nephew Bruce (Julie) nieces Lisa and Sandy (Reg), great nieces Sarah and Molly and her adopted family Wendi, John, Rachel and Sydney Dawson.

Phyllis was born on October 18th, 1934, to parents Lena and Nick Sawchenko in Pine River, Manitoba.  They later moved to Brandon, Manitoba to open a dry-cleaning business and it was there that she met and married Stan Bach in 1954.

After Stan’s passing in 1970, Phyllis went on to live an adventurous life on her own. These adventures took her to many places throughout British Columbia, Alberta, North West Territories and the Yukon.

Phyllis was the most incredible cook and kitchen manager. Early on she operated and owned restaurants in Harrison Hot Springs, White Rock, Okanagan Falls then Beaver Lodge. She then took on the challenge of camp cook and “chef-in-charge” for some of the largest road construction and Placer mine operations in northern BC, Alberta, NWT and Yukon feeding as many as 100 plus at a time. She was even sent to Siberia to get a camp kitchen back in order.

Talk about adventurous, she learned how to fly a Cessna plane!  And, when she wasn’t cooking she drove pilot car.

Phyllis moved to Tagish, Yukon in 1994, and lived in her beautiful cabin on the lake. This is where she brought her talent for baking into her home and created the most delicious Christmas cakes and baking that she sold at the local markets.

Phyllis moved to Whitehorse in 2016.

Phyllis spent her last days with Gerry by her side: laughing and sharing the most beautiful sister moments.

Phyllis was a beautiful person inside and out. She cared deeply for the people around her and made an impact on many lives.  She will be remembered for her sense of humour, unconditional love and generosity. She will be forever missed.

We love you all around the world and back into our hearts.

A heartfelt and sincere thank you to all the staff at Whitehorse General Hospital for your exceptional care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Phyllis Bach’s name to Whitehorse Hospital Foundation either online at www.yhf.ca or by mail at Yukon Hospital Foundation, 5 Hospital Road, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 3H7.