Brian William LaBar
Brian was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on February 3, 1949. In the summer of 1958, Brian and his family packed up and moved to Whitehorse, where Leroy had a job. Jean and her children, Carol, Brian, Bob and Marlene were driven up the highway by Grandpa Enos LaBar in his Studebaker. In those days it was a long and dusty road trip!!
As a child growing up in downtown Whitehorse there were many adventures playing along the clay cliffs. Many lifelong friendships were formed during these early years. In his teen years the family moved to Porter Creek, which in those days was considered a great distance from town. Visits downtown generally meant riding a 10-speed bike on a narrow dusty road. High school was not Brian’s favorite past-time, so when not at school (which was frequent) he could be found hanging out with his best friend and mentor, Chuck Gibbons. This was a safe place where many young men hung out to play pool and just be themselves – without any expectations or judgement.
Brian eventually dropped out of high school, so his dad (Leroy) put him to work at Leroy Industries, learning carpentry and cabinet making. And so began a lifelong love of all things wood. During these early years Brian watched, learned and helped his dad build campers, gem tops and cabinets. If you could describe it, then they could build it!! It was during this time that Marlene (Brian’s younger sister) also became a part of the team and so began the 2nd generation of LaBar carpenters.
While honing his craft at woodwork, it was about that time (1977) that he also met and set up house with his lifelong mate Yvonne Caudron and her little guy Adam. They moved to Cook St. and for the next 5 years, Brian continued working with his dad, while Yvonne gave up her bar maid job at the Yukon Inn and took a secretarial course at the Vocational School. In 1981 a daughter (Ashley) was born. It was decided that marriage might be in order and so on September 17, 1981 Brian and Yvonne tied the knot. In 1982 the family packed up and moved to Porter Creek, to rent a home from Harry Versluce on Birch Road. About this time Leroy bought the shop out at McCrae, and so in partnership with Brian and Marlene, McCrae Woodwork was formed. McCrae Woodwork was known territory wide for its quality craftmanship and exceptional cabinetry. Brian was also busy building a summer cabin for his family at Judas Creek. There were many summers spent there with friends and family, and so many happy memories made.
On February 18, 1986, Brian and Yvonne welcomed Hillary, their third child, into the world. Brian built his family home on the property of his old friend Chuck Gibbons in 1990. In the early 2000’s Brian became sole proprietor of McCrae Woodwork when Leroy finally retired. McCrae Woodwork continued to be a thriving business for the next decade, but in 2013 the decision was made to sell the shop. Brian then built his own shop at home, where he continued to build cabinets for the next several years. His shop was his “happy place” where he welcomed friends, colleagues, customers and family.
As Brian’s health declined, life slowed down, he gave up cabinetry but took up gardening and wood lathing (a skill he taught himself at 70). He was happiest in his yard sitting by his firepit and growing his “legendary” carrots, onions and haskaps. When the weather cooled then the Shop was the place to be, and it became a Friday retreat to drop in, visit and play pool. He never missed a chance to teach a trick shot or two. Brian was a man of deep integrity and loyalty, and he loved his family with his whole heart. His greatest pleasures were his home, his friends and family. His grandchildren were the icing on the cake of life!!!
On April 5, 2025 he left this world, but not before leaving an indelible impression on this small part of the world, and on all our hearts. A celebration of life will be held at our home on July 10, 2025 starting at 4 pm. Please contact the family for more details.
