Obituaries

It is with deep sadness, we announce the passing of Elaine Robertson, a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and Bushwakker matriarch. Elaine passed away on January 17, 2024, at the age of 85, surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick and led a full life, maintaining her independence until she was struck with multiple myeloma in November 2023.

Elaine was predeceased by her husband Bev, father and mother Eugene and Hilda Pickard, her brother Robert and brothers-in-law Carl and Grant Robertson. She leaves to mourn her son Scott (Eriko); daughter Kelly Monette (Mike); grandchildren Johnathon Gaetz (Tara) and children Brayden and Albie; Kristen Welisch (Justin) and children Chloe and Sarah; Amy Bird (David) and children Makayla, Dayson, Tyvan and Hayden; Michael Gaetz (Stephanie) and Steven Monette; her brother Aubrey (Ruth) and Brian Pickard; as well as nieces Kimberley, Karen and Candace.

Elaine grew up in Mouth of Keswick, New Brunswick where she met Bev, working summers in his father’s apple orchard. They married in 1958 and settled in the apple house behind the Robertson’s house. When Bev completed his first degree from UNB, they moved to Ottawa, Hamilton and then 3 years in Ithaca, New York at Cornell. In 1969, Bev was offered a job at the USRC and the family made the trip to Regina, Saskatchewan. When Bev completed his education, Elaine began hers. She completed a Sociology Degree and a BEAD in 1981, and graduated at the same time Scott graduated high school. She became a special education teacher for a time. She also worked for the Royal Bank and the Regina Chamber of Commerce.

Over the last 30 years, Elaine has been known as Mama Bushwakker. She worked at The Bushwakker before it even opened its doors. She served as general manager and then general manager emeritus. After retirement, her continued presence in weekly management meetings and daily check-ins with her daughter created a sense of continuity for her management team. Elaine often served as a sounding board and even "dropped the hammer" on occasion. She demonstrated plenty of fire when tough decisions needed to be made.

We would like to thank Elaine’s close friends Sheila, Donna and Christine for their help through this difficult time. Also, thanks are extended to the staff and doctors in the Oncology and Palliative Care Units at the Regina Pasqua Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, the family invite you to make a donation to a charity of your choice.

At Elaine’s request, there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, “when it’s nice out”.