HAYNES, Albert W. "Bert" CM
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 .

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Published by Tampa Bay Times on Feb. 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Haynes

17 Entries

August 27, 2016

Bert was one a kind - truly outstanding contributor to society - Bruce Miller

March 6, 2016

On behalf of the 31st St. Cyprian's Scout Group, I wish to express our condolences and great appreciation for "Grey Eagle" - a tremendous Scouter who has gone home. Scouter Bert has been a friend of the 31st for many years and our Akela Scouter Cliff Gundry-White has said that he would have Scouter Bert as a mentor for any new leader and that he has always treasured the relationship the 18th and the 31st have shared for so many years.

Thanks Scouter Bert, we will miss you. Good Scouting!

Mark Dickin, 31st Group Commissioner

March 4, 2016

Many good memories I have. Natt and he were such good friends and we all shared lots of good times. He was good to both our sons. You've gone to a good place Bert.
Sincerely
Martha Christie

John Piera

March 2, 2016

Scouter Bert was a great ambassador for Scouting. He walked the talk and showed through his example to be helpful, trustworthy, kind, cheerful and considerate. I knew him through many regional and provincial Scouting activities.

Werthy Nelson

February 28, 2016

In the literal sense Bet Haynes was extraordinary -- a one off. Others have been the glue of a significant community organization. Others have dedicated their lives to living in the service of growing boys. Others have led exemplary lives that reveal the heart, mind, spirit and body of a servant leader. Others have been imaginative in the manner of their service. Others have sought no recognition. Others have been a steadfast friend and respected colleague. Few combine all of these in a single person and life. Bert "Gray Eagle" Haynes did. That he touched me and helped form me is an understatement. I am thankful beyond words that I was able to hang around the 18th from 1946 to 1957, often for several days a week, as a Cub, Scout, Sr. Scout, Rover, Cub Instructor and Assistant Cub Master.

Daniel Jahnke

February 19, 2016

Very sad to hear of Bert's passing, I will always remember the time that he always had for me and others, the great story teller and a true great Scouter, I know that Bert is sitting around the camp fire, warm, happy and with God.

Len Nikitiuk

February 18, 2016

Bert was a great influence in my life through scouting and even in my life today.
He will truly be missed by all that knew him.

Andrew Cocker

February 16, 2016

I count myself amongst those fortunate to have known Bert. In my case that's nearly 50 years. So many memories and stories through the 18th and beyond. An inspiration only scratches the surface of what he meant to everyone me met.

Jay Lydiatt

February 14, 2016

I have known Bert for over 55 years in the 18th Scout Troop, as a Cub, Scout, Senior Scout , Rover and finally as a leader with Bert in the Scout Troop.

You could not find a more dedicated person to Scouting than Bert. He was "married" to Scouting, not only as as a leader but a coordinator, a visionary leader and was one who held Scouting's roots firmly in mind but was always open to new ideas.

He inspired and motivated others, whether planning an activity, a camp or a trip abroad.
He always had a sense of humour and a story which captivated his audience.

He will be missed.

Doug Osborne

February 7, 2016

So sorry to hear of Berts passing. I have known Bert since I joined the 18th Scout Group in the late 1950's. Many great memories of the travelling camp to the Seattle Worlds Fair in 1963, so many great camping trips and a lifelong interest in model railroading. Bert was one of a kind. An inspiration to all.

Linda Haines

February 7, 2016

Bert was a remarkable man. My husband admired his dedication to Scouting and his interest in model trains. Rest in peace, Bert.

Margaret & Dale Jessop

February 6, 2016

It was an honour to know such a wonderful man. A great hero for our boys.

Rendell Sumlak

February 5, 2016

I first met Bert back in the early 1970s during my apprenticeship at CPR Ogden Shops; he ran the Drawing Office and for about four months he tutored me in production of blueprints for rail cars and locomotives, for buildings and shops, and for anything else that came along. Bert was always a Gentleman and a gentle man who had a vast amount of enthusiasm for "his scouts", for model railways, and for helping out his fellow man. Many years have passed since then, and even now, I say: He was a good and honorable man.

Thomas Harrison

February 5, 2016

So sorry to learn of Bert's passing this morning.
I wish to extend my most sincere condolences and sympathy's to all his family friends and scouts at this time of loss
Bert was a great guy teacher and mentor when I worked with him in the drafting office at Ogden Shops so vary long ago
He joyfully shared his love and interests in model railroading and his dedication to the scouting movement to which he devoted a lifetime to with so many . many and will be remembered forever. Rest in peace old friend -

February 5, 2016

mike and evelyn leochko ;.[wathen cousin and groge jones soury to heare

Wendy Vanderwerff

February 5, 2016

A wonderful man with a generous soul, a heart for people and an amazing history. We will treasure the memories in our hearts always.
Bart, Wendy and the Vanderwerff Family

Willis Creighton

February 5, 2016

Bert was an outstanding individual. I fondly remember his great interest in trains and in scouting. His help with the 1979 National Model Railroad Association Convention was much appreciated.

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