Bill Yurko

Bill Yurko

Bill Yurko Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Feb. 4 to Feb. 5, 2010.
YURKO, Bill (William John) February 11, 1926 - January 28, 2010 It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Dad. He was predeceased by his beautiful wife Mary, just 7 months ago. Dad was born in Hairy Hill, Alberta, a proud son of Romanian heritage. At a young age, he served 2 years in the RCAF. He graduated with distinction in chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta. After 17 years of a professional career in Canada and the States, he brought his family back to Edmonton to pursue a career in politics. He was elected as a Conservative MLA for Edmonton Gold Bar, and served as Minister of Environment and Minister of Housing and Public Works. Seeking a greater challenge, he then entered Federal politics as MP for Edmonton East. He was a member of the Senate and Board of Governors of the University of Alberta. He also became chairman of AOSTRA. He had many accomplishments of which to be proud, especially his work on the Canadian Constitution. Dad had a tremendous voice and loved to sing. In his younger years, he was very involved with his community and church. He also was a talented baseball player, golfer and curler. Dad, we will miss your love and wisdom, but will never forget. We love you. Jim, Carol, Janet, Shelley Grandchildren, Jason, Brie, Drew, Brett and April A Memorial Service will be Monday, February 8, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at South Side Memorial Chapel (8310 - 104 Street, Edmonton). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bill to the St. Joseph's Aux Hospital. South Side Memorial Chapel. Patterson, Mittelstadt & Justik. (780) 432-1601. To send condolences visit, www.southsidememorial.com

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February 23, 2010

Jasmine Kuebel posted to the memorial.

February 10, 2010

Tom & Janet Brownlee posted to the memorial.

February 8, 2010

Allen Yurko posted to the memorial.

14 Entries

Jasmine Kuebel

February 23, 2010

My deepest condolences to the entire family. I thought of him foundly and admired all he did for his community.

Tom & Janet Brownlee

February 10, 2010

We extend our condolences to you on the loss of your parents. We lived next door in Peterborough when your Dad worked for General Electric. We remember our friendship with you and the many fond memories of those years. May your hearts find healing as you celebrate your parents’ lives.

Allen Yurko

February 8, 2010

May I add my condolences. My fondest memories of my Uncle Bill always highlight zest for life and his competitive drive and spirit. Whether it was golf, horse shoes, or a simple game of cards: Bill loved to compete and particularly took great satisfaction from beating his older brother Mike and anybody else around for that matter. May this zest for life and competitive spirit continue to thrive and live on in his children and their children.

I am writing this on a business trip from Dubai- so sadly won't be able to join you in Edmonton today to pay my respects personally but please know our thoughts are with you. Allen Yurko and Family.

February 7, 2010

Carol, Drew, Brett and April.
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this very sad time. We remember some great family times spent with you, Bill and Mary. We know that time will ease the heartache and make the memories sweeter.
Love to all.
Marilyn {Katie's Mom} and Family

Nikki & David Allan

February 6, 2010

We will hold you close to our hearts in our thoughts and prayers. We have known your parents for a long time. Unfortunately, we were out of town when your beautiful mom, Mary passed away but we will be attending Bill's memorial on Monday.
When Bill was Provincial Environment Minister, I was with Edmonton Parks & Recreation and was responsible for identifying properties below top-of-bank within the proposed Capital City Recreation Park and had many pleasant encounters with Bill. Political boundaries change and from 1978-1983, I was Edmonton Highlands' (David King) Returning Officer. In 1981-1982, I became President of Edmonton East Federal P.C. Association and attended the House of Commons and had dinner with Bill and Mary in the famous Commons Cafeteria. When Bill made his famous motion regarding the patriation of the Constitution that was unanimously passed (unprecedented result). Unfortunately his motion was not viewed favorably by all and I saw myself having to organize at the request of the Constituency Executivethe largest nomination (to date I believe) to select a PC Candidate in the Polish Hall. At the end of my term, I never again became involved in a Federal constituency association. I shall always remember Bill's passion for life and his amazing energy. He always had the courage of his convictions and I, too share his passion for doing "what is right to do" rather than what is politically correct. He will be missed.

Donna Andersen

February 6, 2010

Some people have a belief that every tree when it burns, gives back the colors that went into its making-they see in the flaming logs the red of many sunsets, the purple of early dawn, the silver of moonrise and the sparkle of stars. So it is with us - what we have accepted in our hearts and made a permanent part of ourselves is given back in life. That was my uncle, Bill - he had a zest for life that enveloped those around him - he had a pride in his family and heritage that was unequaled - he had a love for his wife, his children, his siblings that stood as an example for all - and he had a voice that when used in song would drown out all other sounds, it was spectacular.

My deepest condolences - I will be with you in prayer on Monday.

Kay (Catherine) Yurko

February 5, 2010

Bill was my brother-in-law. After my husband Mike went off to war, Mike asked Bill to take me dancing. Several evenings he did this and he was an excellent dancer. I thought he was a wonderful man, so I introduced him to my best friend, Mary. They dated and married. Bill and Mary were not only related to Mike and me by virtue of Bill and Mike being brothers, but we were the closest of friends. Whether living close together, as we sometimes did, or more often separated by many miles, my late husband Mike and I loved every chance that we had to get together.

I am sorry that I cannot travel to be there with you on Monday. All of Bill and Mary's family will be in my thoughts.

Rich Yurko

February 5, 2010

Passionate. Our Uncle Bill was a passionate man. Passionate about ideas, his heritage, his politics, his province, his country, and his family. I do not recall the details of the political discussions I had with him years ago but I cannot forget the zest and energy with which he communicated his views. I always enjoyed those discussions, even when I disagreed with him. While condolences certainly are in order, please also celebrate the wonderfully passionate man that he was. I am sorry that I cannot be there as you recall his life but please know that I join you in that celebration of his remarkable life. All the children and grandchildren of Mike Yurko, Bill's older brother, join with me in these remembrances. God bless.

February 5, 2010

Condolences to the family. I had the privelege of knowing Bill through mutual volunteer activities.
Larry Billings

Deborah Taylor

February 4, 2010

My condolenses for your loss.

Linda Schumacher

February 4, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers go to all of you. Uncle Bill will always be remembered fondly by the extended Yurko family in the United States.

Patricia Dekin

February 4, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this extremely difficult time. Uncle Bill is in heaven with Aunt Mary and my father playing a great round of golf.
Love
Pat,Gary and Heather Dekin

Dennis Pommen

February 4, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Bill contributed a great deal to the development of our province of Alberta. We will miss him.

Michael Warmington

February 4, 2010

Bill Yurko was a gentle man and a gentleman..something quite rare in the world of politics. I served for a brief while as his Director of Communications and was continually impressed with his mission to make the world a "better place". He always spoke his mind and was true to his principals - the core belief of which was honesty. While he served only briefly as a Federal Member of Parliament Albertans can be grateful for the work he did on our behalf.
Go in peace, Bill. Sing with the angels.

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Not sure what to say?

February 23, 2010

Jasmine Kuebel posted to the memorial.

February 10, 2010

Tom & Janet Brownlee posted to the memorial.

February 8, 2010

Allen Yurko posted to the memorial.