Bernard Yaroff

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dad, Bernard Yaroff on Saturday December 21, 2024 at the amazing age of 95. Born in Hamilton, Ontario on June 22, 1929, to Dimitros(Michael) and Ksenia Yarosko, Bernie (Bronyslow) was the youngest sibling of Olga Motkaluk(predeceased) and Anthony Groch(predeceased). Bernie was an avid sports fan and football player, remaining a faithful fan of the Hamilton Tiger Cats for his entire life. Aside from sports, Bernie was also a musician, dancer and singer staying very true and proud to his Ukrainian heritage. It would be the love of Ukrainian dance that brought him to meet the love of his life and future bride, Anne (Demchyshyn). They enjoyed many years together as partners in dance and in life, marrying during Hurricane Hazel on October 16, 1954. The newlyweds moved to Ajax, Ontario where Bernie started his career with CMHC as an appraiser until they designed and built their lifelong home and raised their three children, Mark, Greg, and Tammy. 121 Raglan Street in Whitby would be their home for 60 years until they made the difficult decision to move to Harmony Hills Retirement Home when Anne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. After retiring from CMHC, Bernie enjoyed travelling to the Ukraine as a tour guide until eventually he was able to convince Anne to explore the world with him. Once their children were grown, they enjoyed many adventures together as well as playing side by side in the Toronto Mandolin Orchestra. Bernie (also referred to as Bronty by those who knew him well), was a strong family man and believer in good friends and celebrations, most recently celebrating his 95th birthday with a surprise attendance of his lifelong buddies. After a brief stay in hospital, Dad joined Mom, who passed in 2022, for eternity to finally be together again for Christmas. Bernie is survived his three children, Mark (Diana), Greg (Sandra) and Tammy (Steve), grandchildren, Candice(Dave), Brittney(Freddy), Jesse, Paige, Ashley, Holly(Luke), Brady (Laura), Nicole (Trent), Ryan, and great grandchildren, Jordan, Logan, Nolan, Mason, Maverick, Tavely, Ellie, Talon, Clay and Cali. His legacy as a husband, father, Gigi, brother, son, uncle and friend will live on through our love and support of each other - his greatest wish! In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Shevchenko Musical Ensemble would be greatly appreciated to honour Bernie’s memory, love and dedication to his culture and music. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday January 26, 2025 from 1-4pm at Harmony Hills Retirement Home, 1335 Benson St. Oshawa. Until we meet again, Oskee Wee Wee, Oskee Wah Wah, love you to the moon and back! xox