April 17, 1954 – November 15, 2024 

With heavy hearts, the Yanko family announces the passing of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Dr. Paul Edward Yanko, who was 70 years old. 

Surrounded by love, he peacefully passed away at home in Kamloops on November 15, 2024. After a courageous 10-year battle with a brain tumour, he made the brave decision to end his life with MAiD, choosing a peaceful and dignified exit as he made the great escape. It was a beautiful moment just as he had wished, with family and friends by his side. We shared a farewell tequila shot, listened to his favourite music, and watched him strum his guitar in his final moments with us. 

Paul, born on April 17, 1954, at Burnaby General Hospital, was raised by his parents, June and Peter Yanko (predeceased). He spent his childhood on Elmwood Street in Burnaby, British Columbia, where he grew up alongside his older brother, David, his younger brother, Michael (predeceased), and his sister, Deborah. 

Growing up, Paul was known for his kindness and for being a good student. That said, he never shied away from mischief, often accompanied by his neighbourhood best friends Dave Mackay and Mike Elder. These extraordinary friendships, aptly named “the Bro,” endured throughout Paul’s life, shaping the amazing man he became. 

As a teenager, Paul worked for his father’s company “Modern Tile.” This experience led him to discover his true calling in science, particularly medicine. He embarked on his path to becoming a medical doctor after graduating from Burnaby Central Secondary School in 1972. 

Paul, always driven by a “work-hard, play-hard” mentality, met his soulmate, Cindy Yanko (née Collier), at a beach party on the point of his family property in Magna Bay, Shuswap Lake. He knew Cindy was his soulmate and life partner, and they were wed on July 3, 1976 in the Chandelier Ballroom at the Sheraton Villa Inn in Burnaby. 

Paul attended the University of British Columbia, where he completed his BSc in Biochemistry in 1976 and his Doctor of Medicine in 1980, followed by his family medicine residency. Later, he served as the president of the BC College of Family Physicians and was awarded an honorary merit for his contributions to the board over the years. He was also nominated to be the president of the British Columbia Medical Association (BCMA, now known as Doctors of BC), but he declined this offer shortly after discovering he had a brain tumour. 

Dr. Yanko practiced medicine for 37 years (9 years in Logan Lake and 28 years in Kamloops). Though he enjoyed all areas of his practice, he had a strong aptitude for obstetrics. He always welcomed students into his office, cherishing the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of medical professionals. Throughout his career, Dr. Yanko provided exceptional care and compassion to countless patients, earning him the respect and admiration of many. An esteemed colleague within the medical community, Dr. Yanko was known for his approachable and considerate demeanour. 

His sudden retirement from practice in March 2015 due to the diagnosis of his brain tumour was a significant loss to the community. Though his medical career provided Paul with purpose, provision, and focus in life, his family was his greatest source of pride and joy. 

Paul and Cindy had four children: Daniel, Alexis, Jonathan, and Jessica. Each of them grew up, married, and had children of their own, with Paul becoming a “Papa” to seven grandchildren, the apples of his eye: Daniel married Shannon Rooney (children Greyson Michael and Sienna Rose), Alexis married Noah Feist (children Fletcher Vallan and Delyla June), Jonathan married Brittany Thomson (child Sutton Monroe), and Jessica married Jonny Varga (children Lola Violet and Maverick Paul). Paul was the best Papa to his grandchildren. 

Whether playing on the floor or taking them for a “walkabout,” he was always creating unforgettable memories. At the cabin, you could find Papa and the grandkids building the biggest sandcastle at the beach, constructing a mighty dam in the creek, or kicking a soccer ball around in the lawn. His goofy attitude always sparked laughter and joy, and we are deeply grateful for every moment he spent with his grandchildren. His youthful and silly spirit will forever reside within them. 

The most challenging period in Paul’s life was when his parents and younger brother, Michael, tragically passed away in a motor vehicle accident in 1997. This profound loss brought lifelong difficulties for the family, yet amidst the grief, Paul discovered a way to honour his family (particularly his brother) by forming the band “The Phoenix.” Paul played Michael’s renowned red electric guitar, the sole surviving artifact from the accident. This guitar continues to be cherished by the family, and we often imagine Paul and his brother reunited, jamming together once again. Playing and mastering the electric guitar was Paul’s daily outlet. He primarily played classic rock songs but also enjoyed learning new ones. 

Over the years, his musical connection led him to collaborate with numerous other musicians. Even as his health declined, he continued to host weekly jam nights in his basement. “The Phoenix” performed at various events in Kamloops, including Music in the Park and at the Blue Grotto. Paul will always be remembered as “the Doc of Rock.” 

Paul, a man of many talents, was also known as “the Taz,” someone who couldn’t sit still for long, and who yearned to explore the world. Along with Cindy, they embarked on numerous adventures together. His most cherished trips were exploring South Africa, marvelling at the Pyramids of Egypt, and bungee jumping off Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Paul’s adventurous spirit led him to hike to the depths of the Grand Canyon, conquer the mountain biking trails of Utah, hike along the West Coast Trail, surf in Nicaragua, and motorbike to Sturges. Even in his later years, he continued cruising around the globe. Altogether, Paul and Cindy visited approximately 30 countries during their travels. Despite all these incredible experiences, Paul always said his favourite corner of the world was “the Ponderosa,” his family cabin situated on the picturesque shores of Shuswap Lake. 

Paul was known for his larger-than-life personality. He was a dedicated and focused physician during the week, and carefree and fun on the weekends. Often, these weekends involved theme parties – if you know, you know. 

Despite his busy schedule, Paul remained active, renovating his house and cherishing his time with family and friends. There were countless crazy parties and good times, especially at the cabin. Paul was a guide and mentor to us all, with a unique perspective on life. He was a devoted family man and a true loyal friend. He will be deeply missed by his extended family and the countless friends he made over the years. Creating a list of all the individuals who have had a significant impact on Paul’s life would be a never-ending task; please know that you all enriched Paul’s life as we know he did for you. His memory will endure in the hearts he touched, especially his wife Cindy. 

You can see Paul in the faces of his children and grandchildren. You can hear him in the epic guitar riffs played by those he inspired. And if you reach out to him, he might just smile back in a rainbow. 

In his last weeks, Paul said that life is all about making connections and relationships with others. That, he believed, is what truly matters. And that is exactly what he did. Cindy and family thank everyone for their love and support, showing how much Paul impacted others and how far his reach went. 

Paul’s favourite poem: Do not go gentle into that good night Dylan Thomas 1914 –1953 

Do not go gentle into that good night, 

Old age should burn and rave at close of day; 

Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

Though wise men at their end know dark is right, 

Because their words had forked no lightning they 

Do not go gentle into that good night. 

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright 

Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, 

Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, 

And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, 

Do not go gentle into that good night. 

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, 

Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

And you, my father, there on the sad height, 

Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. 

Do not go gentle into that good night. 

Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Paul’s memory to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation. Messages to the family and photos can be shared through Paul Edward Yanko’s Obituary on the Schoenings Funeral Service’s website. 

A private celebration of life will be held for close family and friends. Never forgotten, forever loved.  

You may offer a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Service for the Yanko family.   

• Date : 2024-11-15
• Location : Kamloops