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JOE YACIUK
JOE YACIUK Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Yaciuk, who died peacefully at home in the early hours on October 30, 2025 with his beloved wife, Linda, by his side. This day marked a remarkable milestone their 60th Wedding Anniversary a true testament to a lifetime of love and devotion.
Joe will be remembered for his passion for music and his lifelong love of the violin. A man of style and grace, he was rarely seen without his signature dress pants, crisp shirt, and classic fedora. Joe was also an avid collector of antique pocket watches and had an appreciation for all things fine and timeless.
He was a loving father to Steve (Lee) and David (Gillian), and a proud grandfather to Liam, Abbey, Matthew, and Alexandra, who will forever cherish his warmth, wit, and wisdom.
Joe's life was one filled with love, laughter, music, and beauty and his memory will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Donations in Joes memory may be made to a Charity of Your Choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOE YACIUK
19 Entries
Steve
Yesterday
It felt appropriate that I learned this news at a Toronto Symphony Orchestra concert. Mr. Yaciuk, you were my favourite teacher. I've spent a lot of years in school, but I've still never found a teacher who's made me want to work as hard as you did. You helped instill a love in music in me that's because one of my great sources of happiness. I'm grateful our paths crossed, and I'll carry and share the lessons you taught me for the rest of my life.
Diane Piovesana
November 5, 2025
Hello Linda
The news of Joe's passing caused many memories. I knew Joe as a fellow student, same year, and as a good friend to my husband Roy through those years. We met you 60 years ago on that very wedding day. Life has taken many turns along the way but it is wonderful you have those years of love and memories to give you strength. I see your family has grown in that time and that to will give you comfort.. Now it is time to take care of you. I wish you well.
Diane Piovesana
Dave Taylor
November 4, 2025
I was taught music and conducted by Joe from high school to university. He was exceptional in his talent for inspiring me to pursue learning to play music and to keep on playing in other bands, too. My very diversified collection of musical recordings is due to his presentation of the numerous genres at FWCI and at Lakehead University. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. RIP Mr. Yaciuk.
Rain Watson
November 3, 2025
Nearly all of my fond high school memories were connected to band at Westgate in the 90s. Mr. Yaciuk was firm and steadfast, and expected the best from us. He was one of the greats.
Donna Gillis
November 3, 2025
1977 FWCI grade 9 music class...you wanted me to play the baritone and I said no. I wanted to play the sax. So you let me play the sax and I thank you. I'm still playing and still loving the instrument. You were a strict teacher who demanded excellence and it showed, as our bands were often in top place among the other highschools. My greatest highschool memories are of Music Festivals at the Selkirk Auditorium, playing in our decorated gymnasium during Cabaret, bus trips and performances at local schools, and best of all, the band exchange trips to Ottawa and Apple Valley. RIP Mr. Yaciuk...
Jeff Gibson
November 3, 2025
Joe performed with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for many years- sharing a 2nd violin stand with Effie Colosimo. So many fine concerts- always a pleasure to share the stage with him!
Shelly
November 2, 2025
My deepest condolences to this family of a gifted, talented angel respected man.
Pam (Woodbeck) Roy
November 2, 2025
My condolences to Mr. Yaciuk´s family. He was my band teacher at Westgate for the years I attended. I fondly remember the year we won First Place at the music festival for the Challenge Class. We practiced so hard and we were all so proud of that moment. He had so much pride and love for teaching music.
Orville Santa
November 2, 2025
So very sad to hear. God Bless.
Tammy Fedoruk
November 1, 2025
Mr Yaciuk was my music teacher from 1980-84 at FWCI. He was an inspiration to so many students over the years. The music world has lost a great teacher. My condolences to his family.
David Facca 80-85 Blue Bear
November 1, 2025
Condolences; Mr.Yaciuk was one of those teachers that were the essence of the culture at FWCI. Passionate and caring, and never shy to straighten us out when we needed it.
Agimus Meliora
Bo Huk
November 1, 2025
He was an awesome teacher, supporting my music in school and afterwards.
Don Bowles
November 1, 2025
Mr. Yaciuk truly inspired me to demand excellence of my high school music students over the last 30 years. I have fond memories.. He cared, he demanded dedication and work ethic, he recognized potential, and his sense of humor will always be remembered.. My sincerest condolences..
The music/education world has lost a good one!!
Brian Smout
November 1, 2025
I played trumpet in a couple bands with Joe. He was passionate about music and playing. I am saddened by his passing. Duke Ellington once said "the music ends but the melody lingers".
Margaret Monteith
November 1, 2025
Mr.Yaciuk was my music teacher at Collegiate. He was the most inspirational music teacher ever. I loved every minute of being in the band. We won all competitions with him as our leader. I will never forget what a great teacher he was. Thank you Mr.Yaciuk.
Mary Jane Macdonald Kurm
November 1, 2025
Mr. Yaciuk put his heart and soul into the students he taught and mentored at FWCI in the early 70´s.
We all have great memories of the theatrical productions he was a big part of. Great memories.
Lynn Cook Okanski
November 1, 2025
Mr. Yaciuk was my music teacher at FWCI for 2 years before my family moved away in 1974. He made a deep impression on me and I've thought of him many, many times through the years. I send my sympathy to his family.
Joy Warkentin
November 1, 2025
Joe taught music to my son and he and Linda and David were very supportive during a family tragedy. He was a fine man and I am very sorry for your loss.
Lance Crowe
November 1, 2025
On behalf of the members of Fort William Collegiate Institute 80's Edition, we send our deepest condolences to Mr. Yaciuk's family.
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