Robert William Bayne

The Bayne family sadly announces the passing of “Red” Robert William Bayne of Whitehorse, formerly of Carcross Yukon who passed away peacefully on Thursday August 22, 2024, surrounded by his family. Red was a wonderful man, good father, a very kind, honest and a hard working man who will be dearly missed. The family would like to acknowledge and give thanks to the Thompson Centre and the Whitehorse General Hospital staff for their care and support of Red during his short stay, we are grateful. A service and burial will be held at Carcross Yukon, Sunday September 8th, Háa Shagóon Hídi at 2 pm. Please join us for soup, sandwiches and stories afterwards, everyone is welcome.

Robert was born February 2nd, 1941, to Dorcas and Guy Bayne. He was also raised and influenced by Ed Freed, his stepfather. Raised in Vancouver, his parents instilled in him the important things in life and he always spoke in a very loving manner of them. Robert helped his father with the family tree clearing business, clearing land for developers. Robert went to school in the Vancouver area until he was finished. He then began to wander and wonder, where to go, what to do? Robert ended up in the Yukon looking for work in 1957 and stayed for a while. He left and returned later and lied to White Pass about his age to work and the rest is railroad history. Robert liked this place and the people and stayed forever keeping life long friendships.

Red fell in love with Bessie Jim/James of a large Carcross family and together they raised five children Colleen, Karen, Susan, Bobby and Kevin. He worked hard and raised the family at Cowley, Whitehorse, Tagish and the Carcross areas. He taught the important things, show up, be kind, go fishing, work hard, have humour, good manners, appreciate sports, love hockey and NASCAR and have courtesy. The family holds him up, thank you Dad!

Red was given two First Nation names, ‘Shágón-‘Hair on fire’ by Grandma Susie and Gón yux yaa tee-‘Its like fire’ by Patsy Henderson. Grandma Susie asked, “Who’s that Lead Beans?” when she learned of him. Red was considered a Crow by our standards and always contributed to our community as a Crow. He was always accepted and fit into the Carcross people. This was probably when he acquired the nickname ‘Red’ in English also.

Red chose the area of transportation for his work. Red worked for White Pass and Yukon Route for 44 years starting April 1958! Stationed at Log Cabin and covered in deep snow. He was a crew foreman right up until 2016 when he was forced to retire due to medical reasons. He worked for Highways stationed at Swift River during WP&YR shutdown. He was considered a hard working, very trustworthy, fair and honest man. Men working alongside him, reported him to have strong ethics and railroad knowledge. He was outgoing, humorous and an all around good fellow to play cribbage with. He knew the railroad from end to end and maintained it for safety. How many switches did he switch, spikes did he pound, how many rails did he install and how many changes had he seen over the years regarding the modernization of the railroad maintenance tools, machines that now do manual labor men did at one time. White Pass was in good hands when Red was at work, including track patrol on weekends.

Red drove taxi a lot and Sunday drives in the taxi was a hit for the kids because they always found money in the taxi and around parking meters. Red would take the kids to stock car racing at Kara Speedway every couple of weeks on Sundays. The kids loved the excitement, pop & hotdogs, crashes, dust and noise of it all. Later they called it NASCAR and Red always watched it on TV and understood every bit of the race and pit crew activities.

Hockey was his absolute favourite sport and pastime. Of course, this was something that rubbed off on the kids and Hockey night in Canada was the family tradition and everyone rushed home to a fuzzy picture with better audio, to try follow the game while adjusting the aerial for better reception lol. He always rooted for the underdogs and often for American teams and his kids rooted always for Canadian teams lol. Red loved the game of curling and playing many a bonspiel in Carcross over the years while following Brad Gushue and Jennifer Jones nationally.

Later Red moved into Whitehorse and adjusted to city life. He could be seen zipping around town on his scooter going shopping or getting to the Thursday market. Sometimes people would help push him out of the snow when stuck. Red came to know more people at Alexander Street and they kept each other company. Red would go as much as possible to the Local Bar for afternoon coffee and a chat which he enjoyed right up until it closed this last spring. Lately he was always winning on scratch tickets, puzzling over a puzzle, facebooking, playing radio bingo and watching sports. Red was active up until the end and telling Log Cabin stories. Our father, grandfather, Uncle, friend and Teamster, Red will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

Robert is survived by daughter Colleen James (Harold), sons Robert Bayne, Kevin Bayne (Josie), numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and daughters Karen & Susan Bayne and four grandchildren.

Rest In Peace Dad, until we meet again.