Tony (Anthony) Alvin Bazylinski

Tony (Anthony) Alvin Bazylinski

Tony – was the eldest son to Joe and Sophie Bazylinski. He grew up with his 3 younger brothers Eddie, Leon and Garry on the family farm in Luseland, Saskatchewan.

Tony worked hard from the get go – on the farm with his mom and dad and then on neighbouring farms. He worked with Mr. Tom Body and broke over 24 horses. He also rodeoed – bareback bronc riding in the day – part of why his back was in such pain in his later years.

In his later teens he worked in a butcher shop in Lloydminster, Alberta with his uncle Paul. Tony drove truck hauling gravel in Hardisty, Alberta and then was off to Fort St. John, B.C  to work in a tire shop – Tony stated it was the longest trip ever – he thought he had taken a wrong road as there was no traffic and no towns for hours – opposite of Saskatchewan where you can’t go 10 miles without passing through a town or two.

On his days off at the tire shop he took on extra work doing deliveries toward the Fort Nelson area. Tony obtained his air brake certification and started his lengthy career as a long haul truck driver.

Moving north to Whitehorse in late 60’s, Tony got on with White Pass and Yukon Route, hauling to and from Clinton Creek and other locations throughout the North including Cassiar, BC and was the first B train to drive into Old Crow, Yukon on an ice road. Coldest trip he recalled. He worked at White Pass for 12 years, earned a 5 year safety recognition – a gold watch. Tony loved driving – not sure what he loved more – all the miles in the rigs, or the people he met and became friends with at the numerous coffee shops that once lined the highway in days gone by.  The harder the route, the more he enjoyed it – especially if it was during a winter storm, ice roads or -60 where life and machinery were fragile.

He would out of the blue, honk the horn and wave to the trees that lined the highway. When asked, “what are you doing? “ he replied “saying hi to the trees, they are always here”.   Tony would always tell Melanie to “Stay in between the ditches” whenever she was driving for work or holidays.

Early 70’s he got gold fever and started mining on Clear Creek.

Tony had 3 daughters, Melanie, Tammy and Teena.

One of his favourite trips was taking Melanie and Tammy back to Gramma and Grampa in Saskatchewan. Goose hunting season of course. He had his camper on the truck – the two girls beside him in the yellow and white Ford and off they went. Dad said he didn’t even get to McRae before one of them asked him “are we there yet dad?”  😂. After repeating the same question many times – Tony explained that when he stopped the truck on a hill and the girls could see a red house – then they were there.

Another of his passions was being outdoors – hunting and fishing. You name it, he probably shot it. Sheep, bears, pheasant, deer, moose, elk; to name a few but his favourite was goose and duck hunting – pals setting up blinds and calling for the Canadian geese – his favourite place to be.

Fishing – especially ocean fishing – halibut, salmon and shrimping.

Elfin Cove, Alaska was a special place and would go when he was able. A trip to Hoonah, Alaska with Teena, Galen and Melanie was a highlight

Tony returned to Luseland, Saskatchewan in 1998 to spend time with his mother and brothers. He took on a business of corral cleaning and had a long list of satisfied customers. It was a shitty business. 😂.

He hosted a salmon bbq every summer and made homemade ice cream for his guests.

As we all know he was a social guy and loved visiting and catching up with them all.

Tony returned to the Yukon in 2011 and spent his time driving, fishing, playing cards, visiting and making new friends and eating at Klondike Rib and Salmon – several times a month – Oh poor Dona and the girls. They treated him like he was royalty.

When he lost his mobility it was suggested to him to go into Whistle Bend Place and he kept saying no.  After a weekend of several falls – it was time for WBP and man,  he love it, “why didn’t I come here sooner?”  –  3 home cooked meals a day, beautiful scenery and countless people to visit with and play crib with.

Melanie and Tony took a trip back to Luseland to visit family and friends in 2023. Visiting the farm, seeing the prairies, the geese, antelopes and deer, and the drive from Edmonton to Saskatchewan was a special time.

Whistle Bend Place – The last few days Melanie, Tammy and Teena have witnessed how much the staff cared for Tony.

Tony loved and appreciated the staff and would often say how fortunate Yukoners were to have such a place.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Home Care, Whistle Bend Place, Dr Xiu-mei and Dr Sally for their professionalism and care.

Also many thanks to Dad’s friends who have reached out at this time – Mama Jones – Lillian Gallagher, Dona, Alice, Alf and Marlene and long time friend and driving buddy Bill Bartch.

Tony is survived by his daughters Melanie – Darrell Peters, Tammy Bazylinski, Teena – Galen Kuch, brothers Leon, niece Melanie, nephew Jonathan, grandchildren Andrew and Paige Savard, Gibson and Andie Paslawski, Brooke and Ryley Andrew, Kendra Peters and great granddaughter Harbour Andrew. Predeceased by grandson Cole Peters, brother Garry Bazylinski.

Tony’s ashes will be heading up to Clear Creek next summer where he has a spot picked out and he can overlook his beloved valley and keep an eye on what is going on.

After the service, please help yourself to a jar of pickled garlic – one of Tony’s favourite things

Well cowboy, may you get 29 point hands in crib and royal flushes in poker.

Time to ride off into the sunset, shoot some geese, catch some halibut and be pain free.  Till we meet again.