Highlights of History from The Whitehorse Star

The Whitehorse Pioneer Cemetery

The Whitehorse Star - Thursday, March 1, 1956

---

    Gene Saborne, well-known local man, died last Thursday night as a result of an apparent fire in his Lambert Street home. Mr. Saborne was found in the smoke-filled front room of his residence soon after 10 pm. Neighbours who noted smoke coming from the house, called fire department and brigade members discovered Mr. Saborne unconscious, apparently from affect of the smoke. Investigation, it is understood, did not reveal exact cause of the fire but authorities said no inquest was necessary. Damage lo the residence was not extensive.

    Mr. Saborne leaves his wife, mother and a brother, James, all of this city. Funeral services took place from the Old Log Church, Wednesday, attended by the family and many friends. Deep sympathy is extended to the family of the deceased by the great number of local citizens who were acquainted with Gene; also his fellow employees at the Airbase where he was employed as a painter. W. J. Morris was in charge of funeral arrangements.

---

The Whitehorse Star - Thursday, April 5, 1956

---

Monthly Fire Report Presented

    February 16 - Answered alarm at 9.46 to residence of Gene Saborne, Second Avenue and Lambert Street. The fire occurred in a building about 16 x 16 feet, one room with small porch attached. The occupant, Mr. Saborne, was found inside the building by firemen who rushed the man to hospital. Mr. Saborne was pronounced dead on arrival by Dr. D. F. Morrow. The building and contents were badly damaged due to heat and smoke. The building is owned by C. S. Macpherson. Investigation into the cause of the fire showed that the man had been lighting the stove, an oil burning range which supplies heat for the building as well as for cooking purposes. Gasoline was found in the carburetor and in the oil supply drum. The drum contained only enough fluid to reach the supply piping and as gasoline has a lower specific gravity than fuel oil, the gasoline was able to flow down the pipe. The reason for the gasoline being in the tank has not been found and the source of any purchase of gasoline previous to the day of the fire have given little information. It is known that the drum had gone empty a few days before and Mr. Saborne had gone to a local garage to get a 4 gallon can filled with stove oil. However, the firm was unable to supply this oil due to the fact that their pump was out of order and suggested that Mr. Saborne try one of the other garages. None of the other garages were able to give any information concerning this matter. No inquest was held on his death. Constable Nixon, RCMP, conducted the investigation. The NWHS Department assisted in suppression of the fire. No damages are available as yet.