Mr. Bill Yakiwchuk of Yorkton, formerly of the Burgis district, beloved husband of Mary entered eternal rest on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre with family at his side. He was 93 years of age. Bill was born on March 14, 1920 in the Burgis district, son to Prokip and Polly Yakiwchuk. He attended Poplar Springs School and helped on the family farm. Bill was united in marriage to Mary Kopeck at St. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canora. The couple farmed in the Canora district until their retirement in 1987 when they moved to Yorkton. Bill was employed with CN in Toronto during the winter months in the mid - fifties. During his early years, Bill was secretary treasurer for Poplar Springs School for numerous years and a director of St. Peter & Paul Church Board during the building of the new Church. Bill was an honourary life member of the Knights of Columbus, a longtime member of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, a member of the Golden Agers Senior's Club and of the Jubilee Crescent Seniors. Bill enjoyed helping with the Church organizations, fishing, playing cards, bingo and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary; sons, Ernie (Gwen) of Winnipeg, John (Penny) of Oakbank, MB and Nick (Maria) of Yorkton; daughters, Ruth (Mike) Erstelle and Shirley (Robert) Erstelle, all of Winnipeg; grandchildren Kameo (Cecil) Eger, Ryan Erstelle, Jessica, Justin & Brandon Yakiwchuk, Joshua & Jewel Yakiwchuk, Andrey & Oksana Yakwichuk; great grandchildren Colton & Kaemon Eger and numerous other relatives. Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by 2 sisters Annie (Mike) Wasylyshen and Mary (Andrew) Zawerucha, a niece Florence Zawerucha and nephew baby Zawerucha as an infant. The Prayer Service was held on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Methodius Kushko, C.Ss.R. officiating. The Holy Rosary led by members of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, St. Volodymyr Branch and Knights of Columbus, Father Delaere Council preceded the prayers. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at St. Mary's 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. Serving as cross bearer was Oksana Yakiwchuk and as epistle readers were Jessica Yakiwchuk & Kameo Eger. An honour guard consisting of members of the Knights of Columbus and Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood paid tribute. The interment took place in the Canora Town Cemetery with Justin Yakiwchuk, Brandon Yakiwchuk, Andrey Yakiwchuk, Ryan Erstelle, Tom Anakaand John Koshman serving as the casket bearers. Following a Memorial Luncheon, daughter Ruth Erstelle shared reflections and remembrances of her father. Memorials honouring Bill's life may be made to St. Mary's Church Building Fund or the Canadian Diabetes Association. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting . Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory!
