Martha “Elaine” Wyatt nee Richie
Wyatt, Martha “Elaine” (nee Richie) aged 57, a resident of Carmacks, Yukon Territory (YT), passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Whitehorse General Hospital on Wednesday, November 26, 2014, after a courageous fight against cancer. Elaine was born February 22, 1957 to Ben and the late Margaret Richie (2012) in Chatham, Ontario. Beloved wife and best friend of Mark C. Wyatt and loving Mom to Mark’s children, Colleen Saur of Kelowna, BC, Jason and Juanita Wyatt and Shauna and Dave Jacobs all of Whitehorse, YT . She will forever be missed by her grandchildren Alexandra, Cassidy, Kiara, Alexander and Sara.
Lovingly remembered by her siblings; Michael (Elsa) Richie, Karen (Harry) Ellis and Jane (Randy) Kovar of Chatham; and from Victoria Marsha Richie and the late David Quinlan (2013). Also in Ontario are niece and nephews Jordan (Kate), Jesse, Megan (TJ), Robert (Corin), Tom (Stephanie) and their son Ben.
Plus many aunts, uncles, cousins and childhood friends from South Western Ontario.
An adventurous soul, Elaine left Chatham seeking her place in the world; living in Sudbury and the Toronto area, before venturing west to Vancouver where she graduated from Langara College majoring in Criminology. In 1991 Elaine’s wanderlust brought her to Haines Junction, Yukon Territory, where she fell in love with the vast, majestic and rugged landscape of mountains, alpine lakes, forests and most of all, her soul mate Mark. Elaine and Mark continued their life’s journey together, moving to Whitehorse (1992), Inuvik, Northwest Territories (1993) and then in 1995 they hung their hat permanently, relocating southward to Carmacks, where they enjoyed their love for the pristine outdoors; hunting, fishing and spending time at their log cabin on Little Salmon Lake with their loyal canine, Rocky.
Elaine had the respect of the Elders and was a fierce champion of all youth. Passionate, caring, determined and always a straight shooter, Elaine found her niche and purpose when she entered the political arena. With her ability to see the “big-picture” combined with her no nonsense direct approach, Elaine after being elected to Carmacks Municipal Council in October 2003 serving 3 years, and in April 2006 she became acting Mayor and was officially elected as Mayor in October 2006, until the time of her passing. Elaine’s love of the Yukon and her vision for its future, propelled her to run for the Yukon Territorial Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). Likewise, she was instrumental in bringing the “Voice of the North” to the Provincial/Territorial and Federal government tables, as President of the Association of Yukon Communities (AYC). Likewise, most recently Elaine had been recognized and awarded the prestigious Hanseatic award, nominated by her Peers, for her outstanding contributions to the advancement of Yukon municipal government. Elaine was also a humble recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal.
Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Friend, as well as beloved Mayor of Carmacks, Elaine will forever be loved and remembered. Her legacy lives on.
Our heartfelt thanks for the compassionate care received by the Whitehorse General Hospital staff, doctors, nurses, First Nation Health Alliance and the palliative care team.
In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully accepted to Hospice Yukon, 409 Jarvis St, Whitehorse, YT, Y1A 2H4.
A celebration of Elaine’s life and spirit will be held on December 5, 2014 at 1:00 pm at the Carmacks Recreation/Community Center.
