MAURICE V. YURKIW

On June 10, while working in his beloved yard, we lost a precious husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend.

Maurice Yurkiw, born to Sophie (Prychun) and Mike Yurkiw on January 8, 1945 in Garson, Manitoba passed away at the age of 74. He leaves to celebrate his memory: his cherished wife Lorraine, children Donna (Grant); Mary (Karl); Karen (Rob); and Daniel (Kristin).  He will also be dearly missed by his treasured grandchildren Owen, Maeghan, Drew, Trent and Isla.  Anyone who knew Maurice, would often hear him sing the praises of his family, and would see the endless love he had for his wife.  They were best friends and celebrated 53 years of marriage earlier this year.  The infamous Mo & Lo. 

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In addition to his immediate family, Maurice will be missed by his brother Leonard and sister Sylvia, in-laws, nieces and nephews, aunts, neighbours and hundreds of friends he made throughout Canada during his service as a pastor.

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Maurice will forever be remembered as a kind, generous, creative soul.  He was the master of organization and started each day with a plan, his famous “to-do” list.  He took great satisfaction in stroking off each task as it was completed but would always make time to fit in a new project when anyone would call him for help.  He would laugh at our “blue-prints”, rebuild it in his mind, sketch out rough measurements, and then produce an amazing finished product that would exceed our expectations.

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His wood-working creations are treasured by many, and the garden he tended with Lorraine always produced extra to be shared with as many as possible.  Some men sneak in tool purchases, Maurice would sneak in extra tomato plants. Their award-winning yard was the beautiful background to countless photo shoots, weddings, and other celebrations. There are treasures to discover in every nook and corner.  He loved reporting how many trips he made with the wheel barrow to spread gravel, dirt or mulch. We also would get a regular report on how many buckets of water he hauled to ensure his garden received warm, not cold water. He instilled in all of us the love of nature, and the joy and pride of creating something with your own hands. He loved his country home and will forever be a farmer at heart.

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As a dad and grandpa, he lead by example and taught us to be kind, work hard, be busy – but not too busy to stop for a coffee (with cream not milk!) or a cold beer, serve others, be respectful, and look for every opportunity to brighten someone’s day, be silly and laugh until you cry, adopt those that need some extra love and encouragement, and above all cherish your spouse and put your family first.

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He made sure he took his family on many adventures both near and far.  Quick runs to Dairy Queen; secret visits to bulk food stores to buy candy; going to the cow auctions to drink chocolate milk and eat apple pie; canoe and camping trips through the beautiful lakes and rivers of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario; road trips across Canada and the USA; drop-ins at farms to drive a combine; and warm winter escapes to beaches all created lasting memories and special bonds between us.  It was never about the cost of the adventure, but the quality time spent together.

Our hearts are all missing a big piece that will never be filled, but we take great comfort that his last moments were spent doing what he loved, and as he always said, “I hope I go with my boots on!”. 

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“We love you, stay out of trouble (we know that’s not easy for you!), hug and kiss those for us that we lost before you… we will see you on the other side.  Xoxo”

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*According to his wishes cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held.  Instead it was his wish that people get together with those they love and lift a glass to his memory while celebrating life.  Throw in a random act of kindness, and he will be grinning from above. 

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Our hearts are missing a big piece...

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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