Obituary of Gregory Paul YAKIWCHUK

July 9, 1954 – Erickson, Manitoba
May 8, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

After many years of struggling with a debilitating disease, Greg Paul Yakiwchuk lost his courageous battle on Friday, May 8, 2020.  He left in the way that everyone who knew him expected he would . . . on his own terms and in his own time. 

Greg was born in Erickson, Manitoba on June 9, 1954.  He was the fifth of eight children born to Pearl and Gibb Yakiwchuk.  Greg attended the Lund School until it closed in 1964, at which time, he moved to Erickson Consolidated School where he attended until his graduation.  Greg married Donna Wilks in 1976 and they moved to Edmonton, AB.  He spent many years working up North and driving truck while his family settled in Lacombe, AB.  After the birth of his son Lee and his daughter Jamie, following in his own father’s footsteps, Greg enrolled at SAIT and became a journeyman carpenter.  In 1984, Greg and his family moved to Calgary, AB where he worked as a carpenter for the Catholic School board until his retirement in 1997.  

As a young man, Greg was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He stopped hunting as he aged, but, never lost his deep love, respect, and connection to the land.  He was happiest when he was outside on a warm day, tinkering with something, in the company of his son or a good dog.  Throughout his decades long struggle, he never lost his tenacity, his toughness, or his sense of humor.  He will be dearly missed by many.  He was a brilliant example for us all that when something seems impossible, it can be done.  Greg lived well past what was expected, beating the odds year after year with his unwavering grit and resilience.  One of his best, and simultaneously worst qualities, was that you never had to wonder what he was thinking.  Whatever it was, you could be sure he’d tell you.  He was an animal lover, he was sensitive, and funny, he had a short temper, he was a helper and a giver, sometimes he was prickly . . . most importantly, he loved and was loved.  We’ll miss him dearly and be thankful every day that he was ours.   

Greg is survived by his devoted friend and caretaker Lori Berard.  She was a constant source of support and comfort to Greg as he fought his long and courageous battle; his children, Lee (Louisa Ng), Jamie Willis (Brice); grandchildren, Anna, Julia, Ellie Willis, Ethan Willis, and Everett Willis; brothers and sisters, James (Pauline), Lillian Prosak, Fred (Diane) , Barry (Vickie) and Shirley Todoruk (Craig); sister-in-law Janice; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and dear friends.  

Greg was predeceased by his brothers, Danny and Kenny; his parents, his beloved nephew Scott, brother-in-law Gerald Prosak, and a number of good dogs who we imagine were there to welcome him into this next stage.    

As per Greg’s wishes, no service will be held to mark his passing.  Instead, we would ask that you all take a moment to remember him in the coming days and think of him well as he embarks on his next journey into the unknown.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Greg’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In lieu of flowers (because we all know he’d have hated that), for anyone who wishes, donations can be made to Scleroderma Canada at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/scleroderma-canada/ or to any organization that supports the protection of animals.  

In living memory of Gregory Yakiwchuk, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD SE, CALGARY, AB, T2X 3J3,  Telephone: 403- 256-9575.