Michael Steven Yaskowich

Mike was an exceptionally caring man who brought joy to those around him. He is remembered for his warm, genuine smile, loyalty and huge heart. Mike connected easily to family members and friends, making others’ lives better by supporting them and sharing laughter, always the first one to offer help in any situation. He was, as his friends remember him, a straight-up good guy.

Mike will be missed everyday by his mom Wanda, his brother Jim Collins (Tia Frigon), his nephews Geoffrey and Shamus, his step-father Randy Stoltz, as well as a large extended family including Chelsea Heal, Tasia Heal, his beloved grandma Rosie, aunts and uncles Katherine Ryan, Debra Ryan (Joe),Terry Ryan (Rea), Gregory Ryan (Lori), Ernie Yaskowich (Rhonda), Stacey Garrison (Steve), Barb Bauche (Dean), Gayle Brodie (Shane), and Bev Toderian (Perry), Mike’s many cousins, close family friends, Patty Grove, Mel and Barb along with many friends and his coworkers at Dulex.

We know Mike has now joined his dad Garry, his Uncles Steven and Dan, his grandparents Joseph Yaskowich, Richard Ryan and Monica Ryan.

Mike was born August 20, 1980 in Prince George, British Columbia to Wanda Rose Yaskowich and Garry Michael Ryan. He was always proud of his strong Polish/Ukrainian and Irish roots.

Mike graduated from the Forestry Program at Rutland Senior High School. His dad taught him to operate heavy equipment and the two of them worked together on many road and mine jobs throughout Alberta and British Columbia. From an early age Mike loved to fish and his passion for the pastime lasted his whole life. Since he moved to Vancouver Island in 2014 he has spent countless hours on the water. He especially loved fishing and boating with his nephews Geoffrey and Shamus.

A small family service was held at Sutton’s Funeral Home on January 29 with cremation to follow. Mike and his recently deceased Uncle Steven will be interred this summer in their family plot in Ontario alongside his dad Garry and Grandma Monica following a Catholic funeral service. A fishing derby celebration of life will be held once we can all gather together.

We thank you, Oh Lord, for the gift of love and life that Mike was to each of us and we take deep comfort in knowing he is now in your loving embrace.