DR. MICHAEL YURKOWSKI BSA,

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DR. MICHAEL YURKOWSKI BSA, MSc, PhD Peacefully, Michael Yurkowski passed away on June 3, 2011 in the presence of family, at Victoria General Hospital. Remaining to forever cherish Michael's memory are his children and grandchildren Cathleen and Greg Spencer (Jessica and Sean), Patric Yurkowski and Susan Lazar (Aaron), Carol and Joseph Anania (Antonio, Maria, Joseph Jr., and Teresa); his brother and sisters-in-law, as well as his many other relatives and friends. Michael was predeceased by his wife Doreen, his parents, Veronica Yurkowski (nee Yablonski) and Joseph Yurkowski, his brothers Edward, Albert, and Jack. Michael was born in Hefford, SK on September 1, 1928. He spent his childhood on farms in Krydor, Codette and Carrot River. Education was an important part of his life. He attended a single room prairie homestead school and later graduated from Ptarmigan High School in Carrot River. Michael went on to obtain a BSA (1947) and MSc (1955) from the University of Saskatchewan, and later a PhD (1965) in Biochemistry from the University of Guelph. It was while working on his Masters degree that he met his future wife Doreen. They married on June 22, 1957 at St. Joseph's Church in Saskatoon. Michael's education in science led him to have a productive career as a civil servant across most of Canada, in Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Grande-Riviere, and Halifax. Michael ended his career as a research scientist at the Fresh Water Institute of Canada in Winnipeg. Michael was a devout Catholic. He was an active Fourth Degree member of the Knight's of Columbus, Miles McDonell Assembly. He supported the League for Life and sang in Church choirs. Michael loved the outdoors and wildlife, and enjoyed activities such as working on the farm, berry picking, hunting and fishing. During retirement Michael took up wood working and built a canoe. Michael also played softball and curled. Prayers will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Mary Mother of the Church Parish, 85 Kirkbridge Drive. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m., also in the church, with Rev. Fr. Carl Tarnopolski, V.G., presiding. Interment will follow later that afternoon in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Winnipeg Beach, MB. The pallbearers are Joseph Anania, Antonio Anania, Joseph Anania Jr., Greg Spencer, Sean Spencer, and Loren Yurkowski. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the League for Life or the Canadian Lung Association. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 07, 2011