CECIL YAN

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CECIL YAN Cecil Yan passed away May 9, 2016 at the age of 93. Cecil was both a visionary and a pragmatist. He made an indelible impact on all who knew and loved him. Cecil is survived by his wife Lillian, the love of his life for 72 years, his daughter Dr. Janice Baryshnik (Dr. Sheldon), his sons Dr. Gary Yan (Pamela) and Dr. Danny Yan (Adele), as well as his sister Beverly Chamish. He was predeceased by his brother Dr. Maxwell Yan. Cecil was the adored grandfather of Dr. Devra Baryshnik (David Ossip) and Jeff Baryshnik (Amy), Dr. Melissa Hershberg (Adam Marcus), Matthew Yan, Dr. Adam Yan and Julie Yan. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Katie and Jacob Ossip, Rebecca Baker, Benjamin and Joshua Baryshnik. Cecil was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather who was fiercely proud of the legacy he had created. Cecil was a self made man of tremendous initiative, determination and passion for life. Born in Winnipeg to immigrant parents, he completed undergraduate studies at the University of Manitoba and graduate studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Cecil was the first needle point engineer in Manitoba, a pioneer and innovator in the garment industry. At the peak of his career, he was President of Rice Sportswear, which he grew to be the largest men's outerwear manufacturing company in Canada. He was highly respected in the industry and was the founder of the Manitoba Fashion Institute. As representative on a federal government task force mandated to improve apparel productivity in Canada, he was responsible for bringing thousands of foreign workers to Canada. In this role, he made a major contribution to the Winnipeg community as well as to the lives of many newcomers to Canada. In his retirement, Cecil loved to play competitive bridge at the club and social bridge with his wife Lily and their many friends. Cecil was a role model for how to live one's life, humbly, productively and meaningfully. He will be missed by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his large extended family, his many friends and especially by his beloved wife Lillian. The Family would like to thank Dr. Sheldon Permack, Scott and the Victoria General Hospital 2nd floor staff for the care and comfort they provided to Cecil. Donations may be made to the Victoria General Hospital in Cecil's memory to the Miracle Garden Fund.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2016