Mr. Albert W. "Bert" Haynes

April 26, 1921 – February 3, 2016

Bert Haynes, “Grey Eagle”, gave his heart to Scouting until it could give no more. Born near Liverpool, England, he immigrated to Canada with his parents at the age of 4, and then to Calgary at 8 years old. At age 11 he joined the 18th Scout Group. Though a little reluctant at first, with the encouragement of friends, he stayed with it, to the eventual benefit of hundreds who knew him. At the age of 19 he became a leader. After high school he studied drafting at what is now the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. He obtained work with the Canadian Pacific Railway in Calgary before joining the Canadian Army on May 29, 1942, where he specialized as an instrument mechanic. In Calgary, while on leave, he spent his time as a leader with the 18th Calgary Scout Troop. During transfers to various training bases in Canada and then postings in the UK and Europe, he continued to expend his free time and energy with the Boy Scouts; which endeared him to the communities more than some of his bunkmates. His service in the armed forces took him as far as the city of Antwerp, Belgium just before it was completely in the hands of the Allies, and he continued to meet secretly with the Boy Scouts there. He was discharged on March 20, 1946, with the 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star, The Defence Medal, and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal & Clasp. Back home, he returned to the CPR until retiring as the Chief Draftsman at the CPR Ogden Shops, Calgary, with 40 years “working on the railroad”. Ironically he did not become a Canadian citizen until February 10, 1972.

Bert was also an avid model railroader and a Charter member of the Cal-O-Rail Model Rail Road Club, which formed in 1974. He was a driving force in and instrumental to the success of the club, serving as its President for many years. He was an excellent modeller and very involved in the Model RR Societies in Calgary. When the 18th Scouts were forced to discontinue their .22 calibre rifle range, in 1995, Cal-O-Rail moved in and Bert continued to be involved as long as he was able to get up and down the stairs to the basement where they have their layout.

Big trains were also a passion for Bert. Following Camp CalUk, the first overseas travelling camp, in 1975, he remained an extra two weeks in the UK. With two scouts to keep him company, he visited many notable railroads in England, Wales and Scotland, including Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch in Wales. A few years later, in North America, he circumnavigated the USA from New York to Seattle by train. In Calgary, he was involved, while an employee of the CPR, in establishing the display of locomotives in front of Heritage Park in Calgary.

He continued his involvement and leadership in the 18th Calgary Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans’ Own Scout Troop until his passing. After turning the active role of Scoutmaster on to a younger, former scout of his, he continued his involvement as Group Scouter. Over the years his dedication received many awards, including the Medal of Merit, the Silver Acorn, and in 1988, the Silver Wolf, scouting’s highest award, presented by Governor General, therefore Chief Scout of Canada, Jeanne Sauvé. Previously, in 1980, for his work in Scouting, he was presented the Order of Canada from then Governor General Ed Schreyer. At his 90th birthday celebration, attended by scores of current and former Scouts and Scouters, before his heart, but not his spirit gave out, he was presented a special Certificate and a Parliamentary Medal for 75 Years’ Service in Scouting. Bert accepted all of this recognition with a singular modesty that marked his character, being quoted once as saying, “That’s what you get when you hang around too long.”

Predeceased by his parents, Bert leaves behind a huge family of boys and girls, men and women, Scouts, Scouters, and their families, to mourn his passing. Our deep heart-felt thanks are extended to Linda and Terry Avramenko and to Lew King for their dedicated support of Bert for many years, but particularly at the end. We are also thankful for the dedicated and empathetic care of the staff at Chinook Hospice and at the cardiac care unit of the Foothills Hospital. A Celebration of Bert’s Life will be held at The Salvation Army Berkshire Citadel Community Church (222 Sandarac Drive NW, Calgary) on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. All past and present members of Scouting are invited to wear their uniform and/or campfire blanket, if desired. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the 18th Scout Group, 1919-19 Street SW, Calgary, AB, T2T 5E2, for allocation to branches of scouting and to Cal-O-Rail. Condolences may be forwarded through www.fostersgardenchapel.ca . A more extensive biography of Bert’s life will be posted, in time, on the 18th Scout Group website www.calgary18th.com .