February 23, 2019
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Peter Bagan, February 23, 2019 in Whitehorse, Yukon at the age of 82. Peter, the youngest of three sons was born in Edson, Alberta, to Steven and Caroline Bagan. He spent his early years going to school and exploring the outdoors of Luscar in the Coal Branch before the family moved to Edmonton where Peter finished high school at Jasper Place. It was at a community dance that he met the love of his life Elsie Bilsky and they married in 1960. Peter worked a variety of jobs: grocery administration, aircraft mechanic, ski patrol and instructor. He joined Canadian National Telegraph in August 1958, and as a manager, was transferred from Edmonton, to Dawson Creek, B.C. in 1963. Outside of work, Peter spent endless days with family and friends establishing the Dawson Creek Ski Hill and Golf Course, curling, playing ball, skiing, fishing and hunting. Dawson Creek is also where their only child, Erin was born.
CNT became Canadian National and the family was transferred to Whitehorse, Yukon in 1971 where they resided in the CN housing compound at the top of Two Mile Hill. In 1976 they were transferred to Yellowknife, NWT where they enjoyed 12 years, most notably with friends at their cabin on Prosperous Lake. In 1984, CN, now NorthwesTel, transferred the family one last time back to Whitehorse and Peter retired in 1991 after 30+ years of service. Post retirement Peter loved picking berries, mushrooms and smoking salmon, travelling and spending time with family, friends and Max the cat on the waters of southeast Alaska on their boat Avalon Cay. An original founding member of the secret society HMABA, Peter was well known for meeting people on the docks. His outgoing nature, sense of humour and love of food, especially at Ukrainian Christmas, made him well known.
Peter leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Elsie, daughter Erin (Alan) and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, and brothers Michael and Nestor.
Special thanks to Dr.'s Bousquet, Madlung, and Freeman, staff at Ambulance Services, and nurses at WGH Medical Ward and Whistle Bend who looked after Peter so well.
A gathering for friends and family will be held in spring/ summer 2019.