Robert Bayuk was born on March 1, 1957, to Theresa and John Bayuk in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from Shelby High School in Shelby, Montana in 1975. From there he attended and graduated from Carroll College in 1979 in Helena, where he was an active member of the community. A voracious reader and writer, Robert was on the board of trustees of the Lewis & Clark Library from 2011 to 2015, and was chair from 2014 to 2015. He was an original member of the Helena Theatre Company and also belonged to a book club and a writing group. He performed and directed at Grandstreet Theatre, Helena Theatre Company, Carroll College Theatre, Second Story Cinema Players, and IT. This included classics like The Glass Menagerie and The Foreigner, as well as his own plays such as Paragraph 175, which told about the life of a gay man imprisoned in Nazi Germany, and Three Men from Mars, which recounts a 1968 road trip taken by writers Jean Genet, Allen Ginsberg, and William Burroughs to the Chicago Democratic convention. A passionate music lover, Robert enjoyed creating mixtapes for friends and family. He especially loved David Bowie and that obsession spilled over into his wardrobe.
Robert worked at the Montana State Library, Intermountain Children’s Home, as well as Indian Impact Aid for Montana’s reservations, and most recently, the EPA. In 2006, he underwent a kidney and pancreas transplant. Despite the adversity in his life, he continued to read, write, work, and spend time with friends and family, who appreciated his wit, kindness, and courage. He died on June 22 at the age of 61.
Robert is survived by his siblings Diane Feland, Michael Bayuk, Barbara Skeslien, and Mary Beth Gaub along with many nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his parents. He had many wonderful friends, and when we his family think of Robert, we remember a quote from Yeats, “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends.”
A Celebration of Life will be held for Robert at the Myrna Loy Theatre on July 13th from 1 to 4 pm. Donations made to the Myrna Loy during this time will be in remembrance of Robert and his love of theater.
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Jackie says
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Bayuk
Jackie says
I will miss you so much Robert. Your name is now on the Deathness Board. How did you know it so well? Love you always.
WAYNE BOECK says
ROBERT WAS A ROOM MATE OF OURS FOR SEVERAL YEARS WHILE AT CARROLL COLLEGE AND AFTER. I ALWAYS REMEMBER HIS SENSE OF HUMOR AND CRAZY ANTICS…I HOPE HE IS IN A VERY HAPPY PLACE. ALL OF HIS FRIENDS WILL MISS HIM. WAYNE
Jackie says
A few of my lines from the last play Robert wrote and gave me the honor of participating in:
The Deathness Board is a board made of the finest pink ivory wood. Everyone who has ever lived has their name on the board. Every name is there. You can walk on the Deathness Board, too, if you are so inclined. The names are engraved in a lovely Victorian Deco typeface, so elegant and delightful. It’s precious and beautiful.
Susie Wolcott says
Very fond of Robert
Dawn Piazzi says
Oh Robert. So sad to hear you are no longer up to mischief in Montana. I have so many awesome memories of working with you at ICH. Shine on my friend! Love.
Doug Dellwo says
I am very sorry to hear of Robert’s death. I worked with him at Intermountain. He made the day better just by his being there.
Kat McKay says
Many, many hours spent discussing books, plays, movies, and philosophy of life with Robert. Oh how I will miss those conversations! Miss you already brother!
Beverly Fox says
I knew Robert as a Carroll student who brilliantly judged our H.S. drama meets. Over the years I acted with him and was directed by him.. Loved him.
Larry Disney says
I met Robert midway through my first semester at Carroll College. We each had incompatible roommates at the time, so the following semester we roomed together and continued that pattern for 3 1/2 years, both on campus and off.
I remember his extensive LP collection. He introduced me not only to David Bowie, but artists such as Joni Mitchell and Elton John. He also had a closet bursting with clothes.
Robert had a relaxed nature, but was simultaneously energetic. There never seemed to be a dull moment when friends got together and Robert was in the mix.
A couple years after graduation, I dropped in on Robert while in Helena. He was wearing a t-shirt with small print that said, “Life is hard, then you die.” At the time we laughed at the message, not realizing how much difficulty was waiting in the future.
Robert, you were a major constant in my college experience and gave me many hilarious moments where we would laugh until my eyes filled with tears. Now I shed those tears in a different context. Goodbye, old friend. May you be in a better place. This world will certainly be a bit darker without your smile, humor and presence.
Larry Disney