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Sylvester “Doc” Yantha Obituary
Sylvester “Doc” Yantha died peacefully at the Pembroke Regional Hospital, with the love of his wife Cathy by his side, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the age of 79. Doc was the son of the late August Yantha and Martha Chippior, growing up on Paugh Lake Road in Barry’s Bay, Ontario. Doc only recently retired as part-owner of the Barry’s Bay Dairy. Doc was the cherished husband to Cathy and this April would have been 48 years married. Doc was a father who consistently delivered love, support and strength to his three children Cassandra, Kati and Grant (Taryn), so very proud of them, especially Grant becoming a police officer with the Niagara Regional Police Service, Kati becoming a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and Cassandra’s work in child welfare and dedication to supporting Inuit self-determination. He was Papa to Wesley, Cole, Zach, Harrison, Benny and Quinn and the king of treats to his dog Copper. He is survived by his best friend and brother Tony, oldest brother Ed (Pat) and sister Doreen (Ronnie) Gutoskie.
Doc’s work ethic was to be admired, working at a young age, saving his money to leave Barry’s Bay and head to the big city, living for several years with his Aunt Sally, whom he cherished. In 1973 he bought in to the Barry’s Bay Dairy, working alongside his brothers, doing the bulk of the physical work and becoming the face of the Dairy across Renfrew County. Travelling hundreds of thousands of miles over those 50 years, he got to personally know so many business owners, school staff and community members, looking forward to seeing them weekly. Doc was well respected by the Dairy staff, watching many of them grow up, he referred to the employees as the “backbone of the business” and loved running in to them over the years.
When he wasn’t working, which was rare, Doc enjoyed a good deal, and people would often say “Oh I ran into Doc yesterday at Canadian Tire.” Scratch tickets, flyers, the weekly golf games, Florida in December and of course in years past, a good rum and pepsi were staples in his life. Doc was intelligent, strong, loving, resilient and funny; full of classic one-liners and teasing, a quick chat or sitting down for dinner with him, always left you with a smile on your face.
The Man. The Myth. The Legend. A member of the polish mafia (“just joking” as he would say) he held many titles over the years from husband, dad and papa to friend, brother, milkman, boss, neighbor, uncle and cousin. He is pre-deceased by his good friends Sonny Paul and Mervin Olsheski and while his party may be over here, we know a good one has started above.
The family would like to thank Dr. Steven Chen, nurse Karen Dolling and their team, for the time, advocacy and care over the years along with the ICU staff at Pembroke Regional Hospital and Tressa McLeod, who all made the final days and hours as peaceful as possible.
In Doc’s memory please enjoy some Canadian ice cream, a glass of milk or a rum and Pepsi. Share a memory, have a good laugh or shop for a good deal. Should you wish to make a donation in his honor, they can be made to St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.
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September 25 1945 March 13 2025 79 Years Old
Heubner Funeral Home Barry’s Bay Ltd
Death notice for the town of: Barrys Bay, Province: Ontario
death notice Sylvester Doc Yantha September 25 1945 March 13 2025 79 Years Old
obituaries notice Sylvester Doc Yantha September 25 1945 March 13 2025 79 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sylvester Doc Yantha September 25 1945 March 13 2025 79 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
