Bob’s Obituary
Robert (Bob) Edward Yamkowy
April 5, 1942 – Edmonton, Alberta
April 5, 2021 – Peace River, Alberta
After a courageous battle with cancer, on Monday, April 5, 2021, his 79th birthday, Robert (Bob) Yamkowy, of Peace River, Alberta died peacefully with family at his side.
Bob was born in Edmonton, Alberta and spent most of his youth in Dawson Creek, BC. Growing up, his Dad’s job with the Northern Alberta Railway had the family move a few times as the railway connecting Canada to Alaska progressed. At age 14, he took a job with Canadian Coachways in Dawson Creek which turned into a 17-year career and led him to Peace River, Alberta. In 1962 he met Shirley and the two married in 1963. Soon afterward, their daughter was born, and then their son three years later.
Bob’s career moved from buses to trains in the early 70’s when he joined CN Rail. He worked at Roma Junction for over 20 years before doing his final five years in McLennan. He retired in 1998.
In retirement, he took on part-time jobs and focused on his cribbage game. Both paid off in spades as his team won a national championship and he made some amazing friendships.
Bob’s greenhouse was known for producing tomatoes and cucumbers and his garden for feeding the local wildlife – they helped themselves. He enjoyed playing slow-pitch, coaching little league, curling, bowling, barbequing and helping out at the Peace River Legion however he could. He was an avid sports fan. His travels included Hawaii, Las Vegas, the Maritimes, New Zealand, as well as Calgary, where he loved spending time with his granddaughters.
Bob is survived by his wife, Shirley (nee Hilkewich); his daughter, Tammy; his son, Shane (Twila); his granddaughters, Paige and Lindsay, as well as his sisters, Shirley Gentile and Betty Sanders; his brothers, Don Yamkowy (Kerry) and Jim Yamkowy (Brenda). Bob is predeceased by his parents, Nancy and Steve Yamkowy.
A private service for the late Bob Yamkowy will be held on Saturday, April 10 at 2 PM. Family and friends are invited to join the livestreamed service on the Chapel of Memories Facebook page. For those who are unable to view the live event, a recording of the service will be posted on the Chapel of Memories Facebook page afterwards. Condolences, memories and photos can be shared here on the website. Cards can be left at the funeral home also.
A special heartfelt thank you from his family to the doctors and staff at the Peace River Hospital, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Grande Prairie and the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton.
If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made directly to the Peace Regional SPCA or to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bob Yamkowy April 5 1942 April 5 2021..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Peace River, Province: Alberta