Obituary for
Yordan « George » Tapankov
Yordan (« George ») Alexander Tapankov, beloved husband of Halina (« Helen ») of Edmonton, AB passed away peacefully in Halina’s arms, after a very brief illness, on the evening of August 22, 2018. He was 91 years old and lived every one of those years with grace, wisdom, and courage to the very end.
Yordan was born in Grmen, Bulgaria in 1927. In 1949 he successfully undertook a dangerous journey, for three days across mountains and rivers and at risk of being shot if caught, with three friends to escape Communist repression and to enjoy freedom in the West. After being a member of the US Army in Germany for a brief time, he arrived in Canada in 1950. He spent more than a decade working as a foreman at the Discovery mines in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, as well as a restaurant and hotel owner in central Alberta, before meeting Halina in 1966. After three months of courtship they married, settled in Edmonton and Yordan then worked at the University of Alberta’s maintenance department for 25 years until his retirement in 1992. His retirement was full of family, friends, and fun; adventures in fishing, hunting, and tending his beloved, remarkable garden and yard that was shared with all, whenever possible.
He is survived by the love of his life of 52 years, Halina; their son, James (Nicole) and four grandchildren; as well as numerous family in Bulgaria. He was predeceased by his son, Alexander, in 1999.
His family would like to thank Dr. Malowany and the staff of Unit 44 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, who were so kind and dedicated to making Yordan’s final days of his brief illness the best possible for him, and everyone around him. You are all a credit to your profession.
Prayer Service Monday, August 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Park Memorial Chapel, 9709 -111 Avenue.
Funeral Mass Tuesday, August 28 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church, 13131 – 86 Street with interment to follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Yordan George
Tapankov 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta