MICHAEL YARMIE

Condolences & Memories (29 entries)

• I didn’t get many “A”s at Earl Grey (’72-’75) but I started getting more of them from his influence. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one. - Andy Kunz - Posted by: Andy Kunz (Student) on: Nov 04, 2021

• Mr Yarmie was my most memorable teacher. My belated condolences to the the Yarmie family. As a former Earl Grey Jr High Student 1978 I worked with interest in his science class as an Eye ball stared back at me on my desk... Mr. Yarmie continued in front of the classroom saying, "... Now Class... you will now learn how to dissect a Cow's Eyeball separating the part and to identify the remaining parts in front of you... yes... yes.. you must" God Bless you Mr. Yarmie... bet you are teaching science in Heaven. Kevin Kapay Cranberry Portage, Canada - Posted by: Kevin Kapay (Student (Earl Grey Jr High) 1978) on: Apr 05, 2018

• Mr Yarmie and his metre stick, ah yes we met often but he was a great teacher . - Posted by: Ellwood Foster (Student 1967 to 1970) on: Oct 06, 2015

• I think everyone in my family had Mr. Yarmie for a teacher at one time or another. There were six of us. He remembered us all when we turned up at the Earl Gray reunion in 1990. Rest in Peace, Mr. Yarmie! - Posted by: Noreen McGowan Lerch (Student 1960s) on: Mar 09, 2013

• I had Mr. Yarmie for a science teacher in grades 7-9. He was witty, very funny, and great teacher who was never without his pointer. I remember that pointer so well...ha ha !! I often bumped into him and he always displayed his great smile and warm words. In his later years he missed his late wife dearly. Mr Yarmie was a good teacher, but a better 'friend' in my adult life! I'll miss bumping into him from time to time, but we'll 'bump' into each other again one day, and have a very long conversation ! My (late) condolences to Mr. Yarmie's family. Rest in Peace Mike!! It was nice knowing you..... - Posted by: Randy Heatherington (Former student) on: Nov 11, 2012

• While working on my computer, putting together the Remembrance Day Service for Earl Grey School, I stumbled upon Mike's obituary. It came as a shock as somehow I hadn't seen it in the paper. Like many others, I too had Mr. Yarmie as a science teacher at Earl Grey School back in the 60's. I will always remember him talking with Mme. Kapey in the hallway during our classes. If you thought he wasn't paying attention, were you wrong! He had eyes in the back of his head and never missed a thing. In the late 90's I joined the teaching staff at Earl Grey and in a conversation with the principal I discovered that Mike would often come in for a visit. One day coming down the hallway, I heard a familiar voice and wandered into the office to see who it was. Of course it was Mike bringing another one of his treasures for our science room. I was delighted to see him and re-introduced myself. Surprisingly, he remembered me and several of my brothers. He no doubt remembered that I wasn't one of the best students in his class so he teased me a bit about becoming a teacher. I told him that I actually graduated with a minor in Science and it was partially due to him and the passion with which he taught this subject. My condolences to the family. I am sure he will be missed! Merle Desrosiers Gr. 7/8 Teacher, Earl Grey School - Posted by: Merle Desrosiers (nee Barclay) (Former Student) on: Oct 28, 2012

• There will always be a place in our hearts for Michael. He will always be remebered for his support. Few measure up to his kindness and selflessness. He will be missed. - Posted by: Beverley , Mark, Alma Nicholson (cousin,uncle) on: Oct 26, 2012

• A great Science teacher - actually made learning science enjoyable. - Posted by: Brenda (Former student ) on: Oct 23, 2012

• Mr. Yarmie taught us science at Earl Grey and he was definitely one of the most memorable teachers I have had. He always expected nothing but the best efforts from students, and will always be remembered as a firm but fair teacher. Condolences to family & friends. - Posted by: Don Lewis (former student @Earl Grey) on: Oct 23, 2012

• I was in Mr. Yarmie's science class in Earl Grey in the late 60's. I have always maintained that he was my favourite teacher. He had trouble with my name so he called me Miss Crofford. Many years later a co-worker (Olga) was going to her cousin's retirement, it was Mr. Yarmie's! Condolences for your loss. - Posted by: Tahirih (former student) on: Oct 22, 2012

• Mr. Yarmie was my teacher in grades 7 to 9 at Earl Grey. He was a memorable person, to say the least. I probably have 100 Yarmie stories to share, but since that was a long time ago I'll stick to the ones that are most memorable. The most classic story, he was showing a big heavy rock to the class. I sat at the front of the class and he threw the rock at my head, the rock was made of foam and bounced harmlessly off of my head, after the initial shock wore off, the whole class laughed. My next memory was on one of the multiple choice question on his test, he asked the name of a scientist, one of the choices was "Yarmie", I laughed and looked at him during that test and he smiled. Finally, I last saw him at Club Regent on New Year's Day in 2010. I was getting my jacket and this older man was getting his, then I heard the older man speak, I thought, "I know that voice" and said to him, "Are you Mr. Yarmie?" , he answered, "I could be", and I talked to him and thanked him for giving me a great foundation in science. He was a great teacher and a good man, RIP Mr. Yarmie - Posted by: Bill B (Student) on: Oct 22, 2012

• Mr. Yarmie was my Science teacher at Earl Grey and one of the best teachers I ever had. He was tough but he cared about his students and instilled respect in us. He taught us more than science - he taught life skills. - Posted by: Gail Peltz (Waltham) (Former Student) on: Oct 22, 2012

• Mr. Yarmie was my science teacher at Earl Grey School (1982-1984). He was one of my best and most influential teachers - with high expectations and an ability to teach with determination (I recall cutting out all the science magazine images for our note books - everything about the life of an Amobea still sticks with me!). Thank-you, Mr. Yarmie for being there. Leslie Barnes - Posted by: Leslie Barnes (Student ) on: Oct 22, 2012

• Mr Yarmie was one of the best teachers that we have ever had. He taught us respect, responsibility and the skills to get through high school and life! While my son was growing up, I would tell him stories of Mr Yarmie and smile. Thank you for the great memories; respect that you showed all your students and for teaching us some very important skills required in life! You will be missed!! RIP Mr Yarmie - Posted by: Candice and Carla (Students) on: Oct 22, 2012

• Such an amazing teacher... I wish my children would be as privileged to have an educator like Mr. Yarmie. I'll always remember his warm smile and that twinkle in his eye. Thank you for all you instilled in so many of us. May you R.I.P. - Posted by: Sandy Scerbo Ugrin (Student (Earl Grey)) on: Oct 21, 2012

• A wonderful and memorable science teacher. There are 16 of his students that get together every year (we are all 58 years old) and Mr Yarmie's name almost always comes up. Definitely unforgettable and a teacher that made sure we all finished on top. - Posted by: Andy H (Student) on: Oct 21, 2012

• Uncle Mike, your suddden passing has been a great shock to all of us. You were an amazing kind-hearted person and we will be missed so very much! We all know how happy you must be though, to now be with Auntie Jean. May you both rest in peace with each other. With all of our love and respect, thank you for being a part of our lives and all the precious memories you left us with. Love always, Rick, Carol, Tessa and Sierra - Posted by: Carol Schultz () on: Oct 21, 2012

• Dear Uncle Mike, you are an angel watching over our family. So many good memories visiting the family in Canada, (long time ago when i was a kid). I always remember you telling me stories and you made me laughed. You were kind and gentle person. Thank you for the memories i will carry in my heart along with Aunt Jean. Love Susie, - Posted by: Susie Sturm Kastak Shadrick (2nd cousin to Jean Yarmie ) on: Oct 20, 2012

• At long last reunited with Jean, but will be missed by the family. Our sympathies to you all. R.I.P. The Fingler Family - Posted by: Maureen & Ron Fingler (Neighbours on Penticton Bay for 30 yrs ) on: Oct 20, 2012

• Mr Yarmie was no doubt a one of a kind science teacher that was well known for his "definition" sheets and his shelf full of preserved science artifacts. He was a true teacher that impacted many in ways that he was not even aware of. May he live on in your memories as he does in mine. - Posted by: Cherylee ((former student)) on: Oct 20, 2012

• Left also to mourn the passing of Michael Yarmie, are the members of his long departed brother Peter's family. We remember Mike for the loyalty he always showed as a Brother in-law, an Uncle, Great Uncle, Godfather and of course friend. He was a comedian, an old-school teacher, a smiling and jovial historian always recanting the lighter side of things, a kind soul and true blue romantic ever expressive of the sadness life could bring. Loss is handled so differently by each of us. In the case of Mike, when the great loss of his life came and ripped a hole in his heart, he truly reached out to fill that void with the people who remained. He did not hide his emotions, instead he wore his heart on his sleeve. Uncle Mike spent his last seven years a devoted and mournful widower to his cherished wife Jean. Rather than retreating into that grief, we all got to know Mike Yarmie a lot more than ever before. He often reminded us of how important it was to simply show up. Whether in celebration or consolation, to laugh, or to cry…Uncle Mike always showed up because it was his duty and honor to share and be present. He wanted to be invited, and wanted to be included and brought our family together in ways no one else could. He always did what was right by his faith, by his honoring of traditions, and by his own good nature. He loved to be inclusive, involved, social, and connected...to share a meal or a treat, a game of cards, or to sit side by side at the slot machines. We will miss his telling of stories around the table over a shot of whiskey. We will miss the many quick phone calls in a day towards yet another crossword puzzle solved. We will miss looting a bag of trinkets and treasures he so lovingly put together for us to enjoy. We will miss being his passengers during car rides to pass the time or upon visits to pay respect to the living and the departed. We will miss having him in attendance on special occasions and will treasure the pride he took in the academic achievements of his Great Nephew Jeremiah and Great Niece Miranda. As I sat this morning in the crisp BC air remembering our dearly departed Uncle Mike, I considered whether or not to include this life tribute…in that very moment the ruby crown of a hummingbird hovered before me, mere inches from my face, sent to reassure me. Here is what that encounter means...The Hummingbird is the healer. It fulfills the creator's promise that to those who suffer injury or loss, all shall be restored. It represents love, blessings, and is a joyful messenger. It reminds us that spirit may be light as air and yet remain strong and tireless. Dear Uncle Mike, we will cherish your memory and are so grateful for the times you gave us. With Love and Respect, Great Nephew Jeremiah, Great Niece Miranda, Godchildren; Niece Marguerite, Nephew Michael, Nephew Mitchell and Wife Ofelia, and Sister-in-law Nettie Yarmie. - Posted by: Marguerite Yarmie (Niece ) on: Oct 20, 2012

• Mike Yarmie hired me as a Special Education teacher in Dominion City in the late 70's when teaching jobs were scarce. His mentorship, wit, wisdom and compassion has inspired me throughout my career. Deborah Thorvaldson Principal Surrey, BC - Posted by: DeborahThorvaldson (colleague) on: Oct 20, 2012

• Mr. Yarmie was my teacher for Grades 9, 10, 11 at Rosser School from 1956 thru 59. He was an excellent teacher as well as a very nice person. He related very well to young people. He will be truly missed. - Posted by: Peter Voth (former student) on: Oct 20, 2012

• My best and favorite teacher. He signed my first passport and as I have travelled the world always remembered that. Also he made us print all our school work. Very wise lol. - Posted by: Barrie (Student) on: Oct 20, 2012

• The first day of Grade 9 Science Mr. Yarmie said by the end of the year we would have the table of elements memorized. I thought it was impossible but it happened. An amazing teacher with an amazing sense of humour. - Posted by: Susan Webster (Former Student) on: Oct 20, 2012

• The first day of Grade 9 Science class we were told that by the end of the year we would have momorized the table of elements. I didn't think it was possible but it happened. Mr. Yarmie was an unforgettable teacher with a fantastic sense of humour. He really made an impact on all students. - Posted by: Susan Webster (Former Student) on: Oct 20, 2012

• One of the kindest teachers I remember ...almost 35 years ago ! Always remembered...🌹 - Posted by: Vicky Foderaro Sartor (Student) on: Oct 20, 2012

• Dear Uncle Mike, we will dearly miss all your jokes and funny comments. I will miss our phone conversations, you were always such a kind, Loving and generous person, always wanting to take us out for a meal. God has taken you to finally be with the Love of your life Jeannie, whom you missed so Dearly. You will forever be in our hearts, and we will treasure all of the wonderful memories you have left us. - Posted by: Glen and Diane Dong (Uncle) on: Oct 20, 2012

• Mr. Yarmie taught me science at Earl Grey and without a doubt he was one of the greatest teachers I have ever had. He expected nothing better than a students best work which looking back is an awesome trait as a teacher. RIP Mr Yarmie - Posted by: Marie (Former Student) on: Oct 20, 2012