Obituary of Michael Yurchuk

Dad was determined to make his 88th birthday and he made it! Dad’s first success was getting Mom to marry him. They met on a train after Dad’s hockey game. 4 years of pursuing culminated in their marriage in 1959. Their courting years were spent outdoors on or near the water. Dad was a competitive kayaker becoming a national champion in 1957. Fishing & canoeing were handy hobbies when they moved from Quebec to Northern Ontario (Espanola & Rainy River) for Dad’s first teaching jobs. Dad’s love of music & his skill on the dance floor provided entertainment as they chaperoned the high school dances. In 1963, Dad moved the family to Oakville. He joined Trafalgar Golf & Country Club & was a member of the men’s league for 40 years. His name adorned many plaques. In 2002, after moving to London, he joined Riverbend Golf & Country Club. That year, he scored the first hole-in-one by a member! In 2020 & 2022 he won Low Net despite his waning health. His years teaching at Port Credit Secondary School spilled into teaching us to be competent campers, competitive sports enthusiasts, great cooks and entertainers. Summers provided many teachable moments; we all know how to chop wood & start a fire. March 1971 changed our lives. We all learned to downhill ski. It wasn’t long before Dad was racing with Milton Heights and winning. He enjoyed racing in the U.S. and collecting GOLD Molstar pins but his claim to fame was his Gold medal at the Masters race at Whistler. Dad became a Level 1 Coach and used his skills as a Track 3 Instructor, teaching young people with disabilities, his passion as well as volunteering at the Winter Special Olympics. Retirement allowed Dad and Mom to travel over 6 continents. Cruising became Dad’s favourite mode of travel always taking an extra suitcase to bring home his trophies from on-board activities. At home it was all about the garden & the birds. Dad kept the birds fed & the garden tended. We will try and keep it up. Dad will be missed by his wife of 65 years, Lorna (nee Getliffe), his children, Nancy-Dee, Jane Hill (Mark), James (Michelle) & his late daughter-in-law, Caroline. His grandchildren, Kent Hill, Emmie Yurchuk, Evan Yurchuk & Margaret Hill. Survived by his sister, Kathy Guenther & brother-in-law, John Getliffe and their families. A Celebration of Life will be held at later date. On-line condolences may be shared with the family by visiting Mike's Tribute Wall at www.mpcemetery.ca