Obituary of Dale Alexander Yakiwchuk

October 17, 1958 – Cardston, Alberta

June 7, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Dale Yakiwchuk, affectionately known as "Yak" or "Uncle Dale", of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024, at the age of 65 years.

Yak was born in Cardston, AB, on October 17, 1958. His early years were rooted in sports, growing up he played them all and was game for anything.  His true skills in athletics shone through brightest in hockey. Yak left home at Fifteen to chase his dreams and went to play for the Lethbridge Broncos of the Western Canadian Hockey league. His talents took him south of the border where he joined the Portland Winterhawks, where he ultimately fulfilled a lifelong dream of being drafted into the NHL by Montreal in 1978.

His prowess in hockey took him all over North America and he found himself playing in far-flung places from Tulsa, Taber, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Baltimore, Portland, Kalamazoo, and countless others. After almost a decade of pro hockey, Dale decided that he was ready to join his dad in the oil business. He hung up the skates and had a lengthy successful career in the oil patch. 

Some of Yak’s greatest moments were with family and friends, he was willing and ready to host everyone he held dear at his acreage in Alberta or his place in Sicamous. Always a prankster and jokester. He got so much joy out of the laughter of others.

Fearsome on the ice and occasionally off the ice, Yak prided himself on making everyone around him grow and be the best they could be, whether through a stern chat or a soft touch. He was larger than life and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to be enveloped by Big Yak.

He is survived by his fiancé Lorna, her son Alex, and daughter Christine, and beautiful grandkids, Charlie, and Jack. He also leaves behind his brothers, Dean, Mark and Ed; and his sister Laurie Ann. He will be fondly remembered by his nephews, Ryan, Dustin, Blake, Blair, Devin, Rhett, Landon, Aaron, Parker, and Adam, and his niece Lyndsy. Dale was predeceased by his father George, Mother Marina, and his eldest brother Don.

The family wants to thank all the staff at the Agape Hospice and all the friends and well-wishers who came to visit. A special thanks to his palliative nurse Elisabetta, and Dr. Larissa who were so amazing and caring. 

A Celebration of Yak’s Life will be held at the Brix + Barrel (351, 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Agapé Hospice, 1302 - 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1B8 Telephone: (403) 282-6588.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Yak’s family here.

In living memory of Dale 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.