STEPHEN YARKO

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STEPHEN YARKO Stephen Yarko passed away with family by his side on Saturday, May 24, 2014, at the age of 82 years. He will be sadly missed by his son Daniel (Shauna); grandchildren, Justin, Monica and Nicholas; sister, Sylvia; many nieces, nephews and friends. Stephen was predeceased by his loving wife Elizabeth (Betty); his father, Theodore and mother, Xenia; sisters, Mary and Stella, and brother, John. Tato was born in Durban, Manitoba on the family farm February 2, 1932. Shortly after, the family moved to Winnipeg. During his high school years he attended St. Vladimir's College in Roblin where he played goal "standing" between the pipes. After a couple of years he came back to Winnipeg to pursue other avenues. His early ambition was to become a "flight jockey", most likely caused by his love for the Avro Arrow. In his late 30s, he lived with his family in Pennsylvania for a while. It was on a return airplane trip back to Winnipeg that he met the love of his life Betty. A year later they were married and soon after they moved into their home across from St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church. Tato always said if they built a tunnel under the road he'd arrive in his pjs. It was at St. Joseph's where he taught altar boys and helped with bingo. The family took many trips throughout Canada and the US visiting with relatives. Tato even took a trip to Ukraine to find his roots. Tato took on many different jobs; being a taxi driver, a draftsperson, worked a short stint with the City construction crew, but the job that finally stuck was when he became a spot welder at Motor Coach Industries. For the next 28 years he held various positions at the Clarence and Wall locations as well as participated in union activities. Tato loved to read about aircraft, submarines and medicine, as well as many Ukrainian periodicals. His most sought after books were those that dealt with the Arrow. The demise of the Arrow, he firmly believed, was because Canadians "elected a farmer to run this country and ended up with one big farm". When not reading he was actively involved with St. Joseph's and Paul Macenko choirs. For over 25 years he went Christmas caroling with his best friend Russ, singing on behalf of Sts. Voldymyr and Olha Cathedral and St. Joseph's Church. Later in life he was a member of the Robbie Burns' Society and became involved with the St. Joe's Seniors, helping out at perogy bees. A highlight of his life was taking part in his grandchildren's sporting events, barbeques, birthday parties or just sitting down to have chai. The family would like to thank the Seven Oaks Hospital staff for their care and patience. We would especially like to thank Dr. Paul Daeninck and the St. Boniface Oncology staff for providing us with hope to continue preserving the last couple years. Prayers will be sung 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 30, 2014 at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main St. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 31, 2014 at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Ave. with a Redemptorist Father officiating. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children of Chernobyl or a charity of your choice. Tato/Dido we love you. We will deeply miss you, always in our prayers. CHRISTOS VOSKRES KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2014