DONALD ANTHONY YAREMKIEWICH
November 16, 1949 – November 5, 2020
It is with profound sadness that the family of Donald (Donny) Anthony Yaremkiewich announces his passing on the early morning of Thursday, November 5, 2020. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Mary Yaremkiewich. He was the loving husband of Adeline Yaremkiewich with whom he recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. He was the dedicated father of Tanya (Carlos) Yaremkiewich, Tara (Kevin) Okrainec, and Tina Yaremkiewich. He also leaves to mourn his four grandchildren: Erica (William) Beddington, Theresita (Jeremy)
De Paz, Ashtyn Markusa (Nicole) and Carlos De Paz and his two beautiful great grandchildren: Jaxon and Iyla. Donny also leaves behind his sister Florence (Andy) Barylski and his brother Jimmy (Gloria) Yaremkiewich, sister-in-law June (Nick) Shymko and brother-in-law Julian (Barbara) Popowich and each of their families, as well as extended family members, Rhiannon (Shaun) & family and Caitlan. Donny was a quiet, soft-spoken, gentle man. He took much pleasure and tremendous joy in spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family meant everything to Donny and was his primary passion and he worked hard throughout his life to provide for each and every one of them. He was present and supportive through each of our successes as well as all of our downfalls. Donny was a skilled carpenter. Apart from his standard carpentry work he accomplished many personal projects which we all took much pride and joy in. During his earlier years he built his own home in Bird’s Hill for his family. When he and his wife became empty nesters and his daughters were acquiring their own homes, he would be on their doorstep the first day they moved in, with all his tools, ready to take on any renovation/addition. Subsequently, in his retirement, although it’s difficult to say that he ever retired as he always kept himself busy with absolutely any kind of carpentry project, once the grandchildren and great grandchildren came along, he saw a purpose for even more projects – the latest, from driving all around Winnipeg picking up truck loads of pallets to construct a big, beautiful bar for Erica’s and Bill’s outdoor wedding, to creating a very small wooden table and chair set for his first great grandson. But, the feeling he got, not only to work on these projects but, to have the priceless opportunity to be asked to walk his granddaughter Erica down the aisle at her wedding, or hold his great grandbabies for the first time, far super-ceded any carpentry project. During these milestones, when asked if he was happy, he would reply “No! Not only happy – I’m LUCKY!” Donny was a man that did not ask for much in life and took extreme pleasure in even the smallest things but, when it came to Saturday evenings, he set aside whatever he was doing to faithfully tune into “Ukrainian Hour” on his favorite radio station; he enjoyed his Ukrainian music, from his younger years dancing to polkas at weddings or dancing around the living room with his grandchildren. He would also never turn down an opportunity to spend an afternoon watching old western movies. He also took a quick interest in the wild side and enjoyed wet, muddy, off-roading adventures with Tanya and Carlos. While ALS quickly robbed him of much of his physical abilities, he still greeted us with a big and sometimes impish smile each time. As the ALS progressed, and his physical abilities diminished, although he lost the ability to speak, his eyes spoke to us in volumes. But, he (and we) relied on his right thumb that he would either give us the “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” to communicate what he wanted or how he was feeling. He truly devoted all of his life to each of us. We were nothing short of blessed to have had such a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather grace each of our lives. His love, devotion, memories and his priceless teachings will forever be cherished by us all. Thumbs up Donny, Dad, Gigi, Great Gigi, we love you! May you rest in eternal peace.
Due to covid restrictions, there will be no service at this time.
The family wishes to thank all who have contributed to the care, comfort and attention of Donny – all the doctors, nurses, specialists, health care workers, home care providers, everyone at the ALS Society, and most especially his youngest daughter, Tina, who completely set aside all the happenings of her own life to provide 24/7 loving care for all his needs and requirements, affording him the happiness and comfort of remaining his home.