YURECKO, John

John Frank Yurecko passed away peacefully at Royal Columbian Hospital on April 23, 2020 at the age of 92. He was born on September 20, 1927 in a small village Tisinec near Stropkov, Slovakia. He is one of three brothers and one sister. John would eventually leave his small village immigrating with his family to New Westminster, BC, Canada in 1936. John joined the Merchant Marines when he was 17 years old, which led to his career as a Seaman for the rest of his life. He had great memories of traveling the world during the war and never hesitated to tell of his adventures. He returned after the war and joined the Canadian Seaman’s Union to work on the tug boats that led to his life as a commercial fisherman. His experience as a cook on the deep sea freighters helped forge John’s career as chief cook on the tow and fishing boats. John was married to Dolores Tito on June 20, 1953, with whom he would have his 4 children. He leaves behind a brother Frank Yurecko and a sister Mary Bell (Ray), daughters Samantha, Ramona, Linda (Calvin), and son, Frank (Alissa). He has 7 grandchildren: Brooke, Natasha, Megan, Natalie, Stephanie, Jon, and Raine and a step-granddaughter Aliyah. He also has great-grandchildren: Pierce, Isla, Sophia, and Daniel. In his 92 years he saw much of the world with his favourite place being Hawaii which he enjoyed very much with his second wife Beverly. He enjoyed spending time at racetrack and watching Felix Unger from the Odd Couple whom he found hilarious. Charismatic, dynamic and charming John had an effervescence for life that his long-time friends enjoyed and cherished. John will not only be missed by his family but also many friends he crossed paths with especially the lovely staff at the George Derby Centre who he kept entertained with the Jukebox in the lobby. As we loved you, so we miss you; and in our memory you are near. Loved, remembered, longed for always, bringing many a silent tear.