Wayne Roberts
On Saturday August 20th, 2016 we lost our Mountain Hero, Wayne Roberts. He died peacefully at home, comfortably enjoying the view of Bennett Lake, with Deanna and Michele by his side.
He faced head on the challenges that his July 2012 diagnosis of Mantle Cell Lymphoma brought him. He fought gallantly, courageously and positively but ultimately the cancer proved too much for even a man as strong as Wayne.
Wayne spent his childhood in Sidney and Prince George, BC and made his way to the Yukon as an adult where his outgoing, can-do personality, cemented his involvement in the community he called home, Carcross Yukon. He had a passion for life, especially the outdoors. His curiosity and imagination led him to, on his own, rebuild the Sam McGee trail, now known as the Mountain Hero trail. This trail was the catalyst that makes Carcross an international destination for mountain biking. Wayne was especially proud of the Mountain Hero trail IMBA Epic Trail designation.
Wayne was equally passionate about his photography. He was extremely talented and over the past few years was specializing in capturing Northern Lights. He and his good friend Richard could be found in the middle of the night, in all weather conditions, chasing lights looking for that perfect shot. We will all miss those Facebook posts.
Always available for a ride, a shuttle, a chat, a rant, advice, the loan of bear spray or to lend a hand, Wayne will be sorely missed by his family, the community of Carcross and the mountain biking community.
Wayne is survived by his partner Deanna Conlon, their dogs, Sprocket and Tinker, his sister Michele, (Neil), niece Brianna, (Yann) and nephew Tristan. He is also survived by a large extended family in BC and PEI as well as countless friends all over the world. Wayne was predeceased by his parents Wayne and Doris Roberts.
Our heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Whitehorse General Hospital, the care and support that they gave our family was outstanding. Special thanks to Dr. Sally MacDonald, Dr. Bob Zimmerman, Dr. Alison Freeman, Dr. Alison Madlung, Amanda Parniak, Ashley Beggs, Jennifer Wallace and Prev Naidoo. We cannot thank you enough.
Wayne’s desire to pass at home was made much easier by the care and compassion and support we received from the Carcross Nursing Station, Brook and Tagish EMS Team.
Please join us for a Celebration of Wayne’s life, Sunday August 28th, 2016 from 2-4 pm at the Carcross Community Hall.
In lieu of flowers donations could be made to the Yukon Hospital Foundation. www.YHF.ca directing your donation to Karen’s Room- chemo suite.
Elin Ife
I’ve never met Wayne but had the privilege of following his sister Michele’s journey with him this summer on Facebook. I knew she was always concerned and thinking of him. What a great love they share for and with each other. My sincere condolences to Michele and family.
Elin Ife, Qualicum Beach, B.C.
Rina and Steve Grasman
The world has been diminished by the passing of such a forward thinking man and one who was the life blood of the Carcross Yukon community. I wish that I had had the opportunity to do a Northren Lights photoshoot with Wayne…and yes his Facebook postings will be missed. Deepest condolences to all.
Debbie Hughes
Hi Michele and family of Wayne……I did not know Wayne but I know Michele…I have followed her life with Wayne these past few years….observed his incredible photos and his love of the wilds of the Yukon. Wayne’s love of this incredible country shone through his photography…I thoroughly enjoyed his perspective through the lens of the camera. I was deeply sadden by his death, but once again admired his strength of dying with dignity and with the love of his family. Wayne was obviously well loved and greatly respected…RIP dear Wayne
Janice Tower
Truly a spark for the Carcross community and all those who enjoy the trails. An inspiration to trail builders from afar. Rest in peace, Wayne!
Angie
I will miss seeing your smiling face when we crossed paths on our “town” days. You were a great man Wayne.
Cora and Cam Purdon
Beautifully said, Michelle. So sorry for your loss. ❤️Cora &Cam
Mark Kelly
Wayne and I go back to 2000 when I met him while working at Valhalla Pure. He and I shared a passion for photography and spent much time “competing” to sell the most greeting cards on Main Street in Whitehorse.
Over the past years we would see each other on Main or at Carcross commons, always stopped for a chat and a catchup.
I was brought to tears when I heard Dave White on CBC interviewing Derek Crow about Wayne’s passing.
Wayne you will be missed from my life. I hope you have found a paradise.
With love
Mark Kelly
Amy Creswell
My condolences to the entire family. I had the privilege of meeting Wayne when my family went on an Alaska cruise vacation (Dionne Callbeck is my sister in law). Cancer is a horrible horrible disease. What a tremendous loss. My thoughts are with you.
Teresa Smiley
To Wayne’s family and many friends…. It broke my heart to hear of Wayne’s passing. I live in Nova Scotia but worked at Carcross Grocery the summer of 2014 and returned the summer of 2015 to work for White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. During that time I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know this terrific guy through our many chats. Wayne will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all that knew him. Sure wish I could be there for the Celebration of Life!
My Sincere Condolences,
Teresa Smiley or “Smiley” as Wayne always called me..
Sam Gallagher
I’ll always remember the hike you took us on up on Montana Wayne. The amazing stories you told, and your true love of life. Peace to you!
Sam
Liz Parkinson
My daughter Lisa and I have known Wayne since they were 11 years old! In Sidney first then in Prince George. Though their lives took many different turns they remained good friends throughout the trials and tribulations of which there were many! They were so different but so much the same; social beings befriending and helping many in their travels in this life……..gone nut NEVER forgotten. A really terrific fellow. Till we meet again. Much affection. Liz and Lisa
Howard & Deanne Campbell
My wife Deanne and I got to know Wayne very well in Prince George, BC back in the late 80’s – mid 90’s. Wayne was an entrepreneur!!r, a fitness freak, and an outdoorsman. Wayne was also very outgoing and everyone knew and liked him very much.
We went on a very memorable vacation with Wayne to Cozumel, Mexico. He was a total adventurer as he didn’t book a hotel room and either ended up on the beach or if he found us in time, our spare furniture in our room. What a guy!!
We are in Whitehorse now (Oct 3rd) and my wife, Deanne and I are so sorry we weren’t able to catch up with him before he passed.
Wayne we had so many so much catching up to find out what you’ve done these past 25 years and to let you know how we’ve been.
We will forever feel lucky to have known you but forever sad that we didn’t get to catch up with you and your family and significant others.
We hope to catch up with you brother in the great outdoor in the sky.
Love you always,
Howard & Deanne