Obituary of Russell Yaremko

YAREMKO - Mr. Russell Yaremko of Yorkton, beloved husband of Mary Yaremko passed away peacefully on January 9th, 2012 with his family by his side at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. Russell was born on January 29th, 1935 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan to William (Bill) and Katie (Dobko) Yaremko. Russell was born and raised in Yorkton. He was third in a family of six children. He attended Simpson School, then went on to Sacred Heart School. After finishing, he worked at various jobs, including local lumber yards. In 1956 he met Mary Bilous and after 5 years of courtship they married on August 5th, 1961. While working full time he built several homes in Yorkton with his father Bill. In 1970 he built his family a home, in which Mary his wife still resides. Shortly after, he started working at Logan Stevens Construction and continued working for the company until his retirement at the age of 65 years. On February 8th, 1978, Russell and Mary welcomed their son Jeremy James into their family. His son was his pride and joy. Throughout the years he taught Jeremy many of his carpentry and life skills. Russell was an outstanding man who was an exceptionally caring and giving husband, father, proud grandpa, brother and friend. He was always willing to lend a hand, knowledge, even tools to anyone in need. Upon meeting Russell you had a lifelong friend. Throughout his life he enjoyed camping, fishing and family trips to the states in their motor home. After retirement he enjoyed going for coffee with his buddies at various local coffee shops, doing odd jobs for family and friends, spending time with family, especially his two grandchildren, Jessica and Cole. His Ukrainian heritage and the Ukrainian Catholic Church were important parts of Russell's life. He also took interest and maintained membership in the Knights of Columbus. Russell was a respected, hard working man and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. Russell was predeceased by his father William (Bill) Yaremko in 1980, mother Katie (Dobko) in 2010, brother Mike in 1971 and sister Violet Dudek in 2006. Russell will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary; son Jeremy (Laresa) and their son Cole, granddaughter Jessica, sister Sylvia Holobush; brothers Lawrence (Geraldine) and Ron (Suzette); and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The Prayer Service was held on Wednesday, January 11th at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton. The Holy Rosary led by members of the Knights of Columbus, Father Delaere Council preceded the prayers. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Thursday, January 12th at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church with Very Rev. Father Peter Pidskalny, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Ed Pindus, Colette Karapita and parish choir members. The cross bearer was Jason Sobkow and the epistle reader was Cheryl Hyduk. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Glen Dudek, Greg Dudek, Gary Holobush, Kirk Yaremko, Murray Yaremko and Robert Yaremko serving as the casket bearers. Reflections of Russell's life were shared by Suzette Yaremko. Memorials honouring Russell's life may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory!