Obituary of Joseph William Yakowenko

Joseph William Yakowenko, in his 84th year, passed away Saturday, March 29, 2008, at Parkwood Hospital in London, Ontario. Joe was born in Poland in 1924 and moved to Canada when he was 5 years old. Upon graduation from Beal Technical Institute in London, Joe enlisted in the Canadian Navy. He served aboard HMCS Haida and HMCS Trentonian. In February 1945, his ship was torpedoed by a German submarine. 17 hours in the North Atlantic before being rescued must have seemed like an eternity, but it wasn’t Joe’s time to go; after the war he settled back in London where he married Jean Done and raised three children. Joe worked at Leigh Metal and then Emco, as a millwright. At age 60, Joe retired. He continued his regular trips to Las Vegas and Florida, where he loved nothing more than to play the slots and walk on the beach early in the morning. After a series of strokes Joe was moved to Parkwood hospital 3 years ago where he was surrounded by other Canadian Veterans who served their country well. Joe will be sadly missed but never forgotten by his devoted wife of 60 years, Jean and his loving children, Joanne Higman (Jim) and Dennis (Sue) of London, and Sharon Nursall (Tom) of Los Angeles. Grandpa will also be missed by his five grandchildren, Jaimie and Virginia Higman, Dakota Yakowenko, and Sam and Katie Nursall. Predeceased by parents John & Frances Yakowenko and 4 sisters. Special thanks to all the wonderfully caring staff at Parkwood Hospital, 4B West. It was Joe’s wish that he be cremated. A Memorial Service to Celebrate Joe's Life will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. in the Parkwood Hospital, Chapel of the Good Shepherd, 801 Commissioners Rd. E. (please use parking lot #3). Evans Funeral Home, 648 Hamilton Road, (519) 451-9350, entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.evansfh.ca Services: Service Date Wednesday, April 9, 2008