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Robert "Bobby" Auston (1916-1962)



Highlights of History from The Whitehorse Star

The Whitehorse Pioneer Cemetery



The Whitehorse Star - Monday, March 19, 1962


Bobby Auston Still Missing, 1962

    RCMP and friends are continuing the search for the whereabouts of Bobby Auston, 48, of Whitehorse, missing since early Wednesday morning. The game guide was last seen in the Whiskey Flats area. Some think he may have fallen beneath the ice of the Yukon River.

    Mr. Auston spends his summers guiding in the Hart River country and the winter as a driver for White Pass. He has a family of seven. A familiar figure throughout the territory, great concern has been expressed concerning his disappearance.




The Whitehorse Star - Monday, June 11, 1962


Nielsen Body Found

    The body of Chris Nielsen, about 40, who is believed to have drowned in the Yukon River April 24, was found about 300 yards below the Lewes dam today. The dead man was located by members of the Whitehorse RCMP detachment.

    He disappeared while on a photographic expedition with Russell Allan. His footprints led through a fresh snowfall to a shallow spot in the river and did not return. Mr. Nielsen had been working in the Mayo area but came to Whitehorse toward the end of March where he was living in the Alpine Hotel.

    He is thought to have come to Canada from Scandinavia about two-and-a-half years ago.

    May 5 the body of James Graham was recovered from the Yukon River, after being missing since Christmas Eve. Still missing is well-known resident Bobby Auston who also disappeared this winter.




The Whitehorse Star - Thursday, July 12, 1962


Misadventure Caused Death of Bobby Auston, 1962

    Accidental drowning, death by misadventure was the verdict in the death of Yukon Big Game Guide Bobby Auston who disappeared on an early spring night here this year. His body was located Monday by three fishermen.

    An inquest jury Tuesday delivered the verdict after hearing the evidence surrounding his disappearance and the recovery of his remains this week.

    The 48-year-old big game guide was seen last on March 13th. It is believed he slipped through the ice of the Yukon River. He was found by Willy Broeren, his young son and Glen Grady.

    The fishermen notified the RCMP of spotting his body at the south end of Lake Lebarge. The RCMP Beaver flew to the scene followed by a police boat.

    Mr. Auston's game area was in the Hart River country. In the winter he was employed as a driver for White Pass. A familiar figure throughout the territory , great concern was expressed at the time of his disappearance.

    Wallden’s Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.

    Funeral service will be held at Carcross tomorrow at 2 pm.