Matthew YARCHUK

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

YARCHUK: Matthew (Matt) Yarchuk. On May 2, 2018, Matt Yarchuk passed away suddenly at the Brandon Regional Health Centre at the age of 85 years. Matthew will be lovingly remembered by his son Wayne (Lori) Yarchuk and their children Ryan, Colin and Kathryn; daughter Cindy (Robert) Thompson and their children Breanna and Braden; and son Darryl Yarchuk. Matt was predeceased by Betty, his wife of 43 years in 2003. He will also be sadly missed by his special friend Linda Ettinger, who filled his final years with joy and companionship. Growing up on the farm as the eldest son of Ukrainian immigrants, Matt had limited access to education, but a strong work ethic and determination to succeed. After leaving the farm, Matt studied at Molar’s Barber School in Winnipeg. Upon completion, he began work as a barber at the air base in Rivers, Manitoba before taking over the barber shop at Canadian Forces Base Shilo. Matt owned the barbershop for 47 years, taking great enjoyment in the wide variety of people he got to meet from around the world. Matt and his wife Betty raised their three children in Brandon and Matt took great joy in getting involved in the activities of his children – whether it be coaching from the bench, the dugout or the sidelines. When Betty became ill and needed to move to a care home, Matt took over raising his family on his own, while maintaining a schedule of daily visits to see Betty. Matt always held his commitment to family as his highest priority. Throughout his life, Clear Lake was a favourite destination for Matt. In his final years, he and Linda took many regular trips to Riding Mountain National Park, creating many special memories. The family would like to thank the staff and residents at Rotary Villa, who created a community for Matt in his final year and enabled him to rekindle many past friendships. We’d also like to extend gratitude to the physicians, nurses and staff at the Brandon Regional Health Centre for the care Matthew received. A Celebration of Life was held on May 9th at Brockie Donovan Funeral Home in Brandon. In lieu of flowers, donations in Matthew’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 26, 2018