On January 10, 2015, Roger Baughan of Wainwright, Alberta passed away at the Wainwright Hospital at the age of 81 years after a short battle with cancer. On July 30, 1933 Roger was born into this world to Jim and Mary Baughan in a farmhouse in Jolicure, New Brunswick. He began his first leadership role in life as the older brother to his siblings, Peggy, Rosemary, Kenneth, Barbara, David and Nancy. Rosemary couldn't pronounce his first name, so he was called “Bud" in his Eastern family. The family owned logging land and Dad worked hard for his father putting in long 12 hour days harvesting logs. When pay day rolled around his father would dole out the cash and often Dad got missed even though he had his hand out as well. As he was often at loggerheads with his father, Dad decided to make his own living and as many Mortimers do, he joined the army in July 1952.
After his basic training he was shipped on the train for his first posting to Camp Wainwright, where Dad's new life began. Roger married Mary Wear on May 2, 1956; they were blessed with two girls, Doris and Darlene. Roger and Mary spent most of their married life in Wainwright; Dad got out of the Army in 1969 and started his business life.
Roger will be fondly remembered for his zest for life. When asked what he wanted for his 80th birthday, he responded “to Live”. He had a beautiful mind and spirit and he channeled that into many successful business ventures and in 1970 started Baughan Agencies Ltd. This today is a 3rd generation General Insurance and Alberta Registry office. He still came into the office when he was in Wainwright. He had a passion for travelling and made many trips all over the world. He was a Mexican at heart and spent winters in Puerto Vallarta.
Dad had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, Colter and Shae. He was patient and kind to them and he was rewarded with their adoration and respect.
He also had beautiful hands and spent many happy hours on the golf course with his cronies betting for pennies and then dimes. He was very community minded winning many awards for small business. He was involved with Lions Club, Legion, Wainwright, Chamber of Commerce, Wainwright Golf Club, condo boards in Wainwright and Mexico. And the first to start the tradition of an annual stampede Pancake Breakfast 44 years ago.
Dad was very athletic. He played fastball, hockey, broomball, curling and finally golf, his lasting sports passion which he excelled at into his 80's. Colter claims he still recently “Mopped him up on the course" in September of 2014. He would often leave the office saying "I'm going to inspect some grass', He would even golf in the worst weather earning him the nickname “the animal”.
At the end his line was “No Regrets”
Roger was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Mary Baughan, one sister, Rosemary Wheaton. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary, his two daughters, Doris (Murray Millar) Baughan of Toronto, Darlene (Kevin Tormlinson)Baughan of wainwright; two grandchildren, Colter (Shannon) Andersen and their daughter, Annabelle Shae Tomlinson all of Wainwright; two brothers, Ken (Carolyn Emblem) Baughan, David (Gloria Estabrooks) Baughan; three sisters, Peggy (Paul) Morris, Barbara (Tom) Johnson; Nancy Baughan; his brother-in-law, Delanor Wheaton.
He will be greatly missed by family and friends.