December 14, 1961 – October 9, 2022

It is with great sadness that the Yakimchuk family is announcing the passing of Karen Gwynette Yakimchuk of Merritt BC. On October 9th, 2022 she lost her short but courageous battle to ovarian cancer.

Karen is lovingly remembered by her husband Brad Yakimchuk, daughter Stephanie Cree-Reeve (Beau Cree-Reeve), and sons Tyler Yakimchuk and Cole Yakimchuk, as well as Karen’s 5 grandchildren who were her world: Rowan Yakimchuk, Brady Cree-Reeve, Quinn Yakimchuk, Avery Cree-Reeve, and Grace Cree-Reeve.

Karen was raised in Williams Lake by her late mother Dorothy Fickell, with her brothers Jim, Bob, and Charles, and her sisters, Susan, Carol, Eunice, Eva, and Linda. Karen was blessed to have many nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and relatives.

Karen, Brad and family moved from Williams Lake to Merritt in 1989 where they made their home. Karen was a great businesswoman where she helped open the small business of Yaki Joes Pizza for 20 + years, then sold it. Karen also became and was a successful Real Estate agent at Century 21 Moving Real Estate for 6 years. Karen was also part of the sports community of Merritt throughout her 3 children’s lives where hockey, baseball and volleyball were her passion. She enjoyed the great outdoors – fishing, camping and UTV riding in the back country with the family (especially her Grand Children). We will all have great memories.

Karen was that very special person who always said the most important thing in life is” Family” where she taught and demonstrated life skills to all she touched. Karen was a devoted and loving wife. Karen and Brad just celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary on September 27th while at RIH in Kamloops. Regardless of the circumstances, she stayed positive that she was going to win this battle with cancer and still had that smile on her face. However this battle ended on October 9, 2022.

Karen made impacts on many people’s lives, having an open-door policy and never turning people away who needed someone in their corner. She was always there when we or anyone needed her help, advise or just someone to talk to.

There will be a service for Karen on Saturday October 29 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 2302 Jackson Ave, Merritt, BC starting at 11:00 am and a Celebration of Life in the Church Hall right after the Blessing.

Karen will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers Karen’s family would like if people could make a donation to the Ovarian Cancer Society of Canada. https://ovariancanada.org/ or https://cancer.ca/en/

A message of condolence can be delivered at Merritt Funeral Chapel.

• Date : 2022-10-09
• Location : Merritt