On Thursday, May 27, 2021 our mother, Faye Deer, passed away peacefully with family by her side at Copper Ridge Place in Whitehorse. Faye was 90 years old.

Faye was born in Edmonton, Alberta July 14, 1930 to Eric and Anne Smith. One of four children, she had one older brother Dennis, and two younger sisters, Joan and Betty. 

Faye was predeceased by her husband Bertram Arthur Deer in 2012. She will be dearly missed by her children Barbara, Catherine (Eric), Peter (Leona), and Christopher as well as her grandchildren Jeffery, Tyler, Anders, and Patrick who spent many wonderful summers at Marsh Lake with Grandma.

Faye and Art were both born and raised in Edmonton, where they were married in 1956.

They raised their family in several northern communities arriving back in Whitehorse in 1963.

Some will remember Faye from her many years working at the Whitehorse Public Library. Faye was very involved in sports in her youth, including track, gymnastics, and especially figure skating which she continued to teach later into life. We cheered her on during the 2004 Senior Olympics where she competed in javelin and shot put. One of Faye’s passions from an early age was art which she pursued throughout her life. She expressed her creativity through painting, ceramics, sewing, doll making, and quilting. Faye was a founding member of the Yukon Arts Society and continued to be involved in the arts community for many years. Faye and Art were also honoured with the privilege of carrying out the duties of Mr. and Mrs. Yukon 2006.

A life fully lived.

Our family is truly grateful to the many staff at Copper Ridge Place whose dedication to Faye’s care and well-being was always evident. Thank you.