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Timothy Bayliff

October 14, 2007


A memorial service was held at Chilancoh Ranch on October 20 to pay tribute to Timothy Lane Bayliff. Tim passed away October 14, 2007 on his 82nd birthday. Tim’s grandfather Hugh Bayliff, came from England in 1886/87; he liked the looks of the valley and settled on the land which is Chilancoh Ranch, named after the river which flows nearby.

Tim’s parents, Gay and Dorothy Bayliff, worked very hard through the depression years, improving the land and building many fences. They retired and turned the ranch over to Tim in 1960.

Tim modernized the operation ad increased the herd and hay production. He purchased the Tommy Morgan and Christie’s homesteads and gained sole occupancy of the Haines Creek range. Tim was resourceful, often designing and building his own equipment.

Tim was a good rancher and never afraid to try new ideas; he and friend Dieter Kellinghusen had many good ideas like growing new crops, making silage using new types of equipment; they introduced new breeds of cattle and computerizing records; always with the aim of increasing profitability and success.

Tim was a leader -- he was active in many aspects of ranching; he became involved in the Chilcotin Cattemen’s Association at its inception, and took their concerns to the provincial level of the BC Cattlemens for 18 years.

He was also a director of the Canadian Cattlemens.

In 1980 Tim became the president of the BC Cattlemen’s Association. He took special interest in land use, taxation, grazing, water and highway fencing issues.

He never lost his sense of humour. Tim’s charm was that he knew what had to be said, and was not afraid to say it, and did so with grace and conviction.

In 1983 the BC Institute of Agrologists named Tim Bayliff Agriculturalist of the Year. At that time Tim was also president of the BC Chapter of the Society of Range Management.

His accomplishments were many and varied. Tim made many friends in all walks of life, and enjoyed his years involved with the Cattlemens Association.

He was a wise and knowledgeable man; many sought his information and advice. He loved history, and could tell wonderful stories about the area, many told to him by the early settlers.

Tim’s kindness reached out to the many international exchange students he and Merle had at the ranch, and in their home.

They supported and encouraged the local and regional 4-H clubs and were especially encouraging for their grandsons Bryce and Brent as they took their animals through the 4-H programs.

Tim was instrumental in getting three-phase power to the Chilcotin, which came to the area in 1973.

Hydro power made life much easier for everyone.

Tim was also a magistrate. He always doled out justice wisely in court in Alexis Creek. Tim was an outstanding rancher; he loved this country and all that came with it.

Tim will always be remembered by his style and respect for others.

His manners and etiquette will be carried on by family; Merle, Elizabeth, Hugh and Helen, with Maria and Matthew, Jim’s wife Marion and sons Bryce and Brent, his brother Tony and wife Barrie, and their family will carry on for

Tim and maintain those values he exemplified. Tim will be sadly missed by everyone.




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