Ted Yankoski

Edward (Ted) Yankoski passed away on February 25, 2021, age 96 years.  He was born in June 1924, in Binscarth, Manitoba to Joseph and Caroline (Woroniecki) Yankoski.  The family moved to Russell in 1927, before 46 year old Joseph passed away in 1935.   Ted enrolled in the Royal Canadian Army in 1943. He re-mustered to the Canadian Scottish Regiment for the Liberation of Europe.  Ted participated in Operation Overlord at Juno Beach on June 6, 1944.  His regiment served to liberate France, Belgium, and Holland.  He was hospitalized in Britain for several months in 1945 before returning to Canada.  He re-mustered to the Cameron Highlanders to return to their Winnipeg Headquarters for Honourable Discharge and return to civilian life in 1946.   Ted was awarded the 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp and War Medal 1939-45. 

Ted gained employment at Chemainus, B.C. in the logging industry.  He was subsequently employed with the railway, and also power utilities near Russell.  At Russell, he met Helen.  They married in 1954 and separated in 1971.

His long term career for 22 years was with Canada Post Office at Russell until his retirement in 1984.  Ted was well known for his interaction with customers and his sense of humour. 

Ted served in various volunteer positions at St Joseph the Worker Parish.   He was a charter member of his chapter of the Knights of Columbus.  He was active with the Parish during the building of the current Church.   Ted was an active member and past President at the Russell Legion.    Ted enjoyed curling at the Russell Curling Club and also golf at the Russell Golf Course.  His hobbies also included lapidary and he handcrafted decorative items including unique clocks.   Ted loved to garden on his large plot, and was known for his gifts of fresh produce, including tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes and onions.  His life experience taught him to waste not, so he collected and saved material and resources.  He had an impressive rainwater collection system for his garden.  Ted liked to tinker, and he recycled and adapted salvaged materials to his projects and repairs.   

Ted  was predeceased by his father Joseph (1935), mother Caroline (1971) , brothers Anthony (1942), Julian (1961), Frank (1995), Lawrence (2004), Murray (2014), Stanley (2020), nephew Murray (2012), niece Phyllis (2004), Wayne (2000),  granddaughter Jen (2008), and many other cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Ted is survived by his sons, Jim (Peggy), Rick, (Kim), grandchildren Rheann,  Shelby, Taylor, Melissa (Paul), Christine.  Great grandchildren Kadin, Parker, Drew, Emmy,  nieces/ nephews Pat Greenwell (Bill), Rob Yankoski (Jan), John Yankoski (Karen), Betty Ann Arbuthnot, Vicki Yankoski , Joe Yankoski (Emily), John Yankoski (Barb), Beryl Upward(Chris) and many grandnieces and grandnephews.     

Ted spent his last two and half years at Russell Personal Care Home, surrounded by his neighbours and friends and with the company of his brother Stan.     

Thank you to the staff at the PCH for their care and compassion. 

Thank you to the Russell Health Center staff for compassion in his palliative care.