Obituary of Mike Yakabowich

Peacefully, on October 22, 2007, Mike passed away at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook, B.C. He leaves to celebrate his life, his son Rick (wife, Andrea) of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jay (children Dylan and Jasmine) of Ottawa, Ontario, daughter Suzanne Thompson (husband, David and children Sean and Kelsey) of Cranbrook, B.C, son Tim of Shilo, Manitoba. He also leaves his brother Nick of Comox, BC, sisters Anne Halarewich of Yorkton, Sask, Nettie Barney of Courtney, B.C, sister-in-law Joyce Goodall of New Westminster, B.C., as well as many nieces, nephews and beloved friends. He was predeceased by his wife Verna (Burkard), parents John and Katherine (Fil), brothers Metro, Alex, Steve, Bill, sisters Eva (Fedoruk), Mary (Tuharsky), and an infant brother and sister. Born November 10, 1924, on the family farm near Fonehill, Sask, he was raised in a small 5 room home and attended the nearby school until grade 8. Mike moved to Geraldton, Ontario to play Junior hockey with the Geraldton Goldminers and work in security at the local goldmine. At the young age of 17, Mike enlisted as an "18" year old in the Canadian Armed Forces. He was a fast runner - so instead of paratroopers, he was placed in the infantry. He served with the Canada's Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. Among those on Juno Beach, June 6, 1946, he moved with his platoon, escaping as a prisoner of war, until August of 1946 when Mike was wounded in an air strike.As a result of his injuries and because he owned a small brownie camera, Mike apprenticed as a photographer in Yorkton, Sask. It was there that he met and worked with his life-long partner, Verna Burkard. Mike and Verna married on August 18, 1956. While Verna stayed home to raise their 4 children, Mike worked many years for CKOS-TV as a photographer and head of the film department. He spent many evenings, weekends and holidays photographing weddings, anniversaries and family gatherings. Mike was most comfortable behind his camera and was rarely seen without at least one around his neck and one on his hip. He has had the opportunity to take pictures of the Queen, Winston Churchill and the famous photographer, Karsh. Mike loved family; especially engaging children and making them "smile for the camera". Mike also loved sports, gardening, reading and between family, work and the neighborhood, there were many life-long friends. This filled Mike's life. In 1989, Mike and Verna retired and moved closer to their children in Winnipeg. There, they enjoyed time with family, met new friends, renewed old acquaintances and explored new places. Mike continued with his life-long passion of photography. After Verna passed away in 1992, Mike moved back to Yorkton for a few years where he spent time with old friends and new. He became an avid coin collector.In spring of 2006, he moved to Cranbrook to be closer to family. It was hard for Mike to leave his life and friends in Yorkton. As a prairie boy, he sure did NOT like the mountains. But Mike sure did LOVE his grandchildren! For the short time that he was in Cranbrook, he got to enjoy many people and moments, and share many of his life's stories with family and friends.After a short struggle with cancer, Mike went to "take a drive in the country" on October 22, 2007. His ashes will be laid to rest at Memorial Gardens in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, beside his wife, Verna, on November 10, 2007. The family wishes to thank Drs. Brown and Joubert for their heartfelt care; the wonderful staff at the Cranbrook Regional Hospital, McPherson's Funeral Services, Bailey's Funeral Services, the caring and generous staff at Joseph Creek Village, and the many kind and caring people that have been a part of Mike's long and rich life. Should friends so wish, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, 19-9th Avenue South, Cranbrook, B.C., V1C 2L9 or the East Kootenay Health Foundation, 13-24th Ave N, Cranbrook, B.C., V1C 9Z9 is appreciated.