YESKE – W. Kelly, 67, of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully in Queens General Hospital, Liverpool on Tuesday, September 23, 2014.
Born April 8, 1947 in Langenburg, SK., Kelly was the son of the late Ewald and Eleanor (Graf) Yeske.
Kelly grew up on a farm in this close-knit community with a large extended family. His upbringing inspired in him a love of nature, a strong work ethic and a gift for story telling which was a family tradition. Kelly taught at Strathcona Composite High School in Edmonton for thirty-one years. Never the stereotypical mathematics teacher, Kelly’s sense of humour and excellent teaching skills inspired many students. He had a well-deserved reputation as an exceptional teacher and mentor to his colleagues.
After several visits to Nova Scotia, Kelly and his wife, Frances, moved to Liverpool in the spring of 2003 planning to stay only one year. However they both embraced the beauty and lifestyle on the South Shore as well as their many new friends, and decided to make this their home. Kelly loved being part of the Seaside Strummers and the South Shore Ukulele Players. He was an avid reader, Sudoku master, Coronation Street devotee, genealogist and gardener extraordinaire. Kelly’s dogs brought him many hours of joy over the years. Kelly and Frances travelled extensively and especially enjoyed their last trip across Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Kelly’s keen intellect, quick wit, phenomenal memory and infectious sense of humour will be sorely missed by family and friends.
Kelly is survived by his wife of 44 years, Frances (VanJoff), his sister Beverly (Elmond) Kirk, sisters-in-law; Verna (Charles) Polcyn, Carol (Casey) Van Teeling, Pola Gislason; nieces and nephews: Jeremy (Heidi) Kirk, Erin (Scott) McLeod, Asmara Polcyn, Tania (Grigori Axinov) Polcyn, Erin (Franticek) Polcyn Sailer, Cindy (Tony) Furlong, Peter (Michelle) VanTeeling, Neil (Jennifer) Van Teeling, Sandra (Terry) Derenisky, Michael (Alana) Gislason as well as great-nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ewald and Eleanor, his parents-in-law Peter and Agnes VanJoff and his brother-in-law Bjorn Gislason.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool. At Kelly’s request, there will be no funeral service. Donations may be made to the Queens General Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 528, Liverpool, NS B0T1K0 or to the SPCA. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
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Pember, Heddie, and Elbert Edwards
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Judi Milne
Fran, I was so sorry to read of your husband’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Ralph & Shirley Morton
Mrs Yeske, We were so sorry to hear of your husband,s passing .
He was a very nice person, and liked by all that knew him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cherish your many fond memories and he will be with you forever.
Sterling Belliveau
I want to express my sincere condolences to the family of Warren Kelly Yeske. Your family is in my thoughts ad prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Sterling Belliveau, MLA
Betty Smith
Frances, We are sending heartfelt sympathy to you & are saddened by the loss of your loved one . We did not know Kelly well, but a fine man he was , so full of life & outgoing to say the least . We enjoyed his company at functions that brought us together. He will surely be missed. Betty & Vinal Smith
Roland and Ellie Burton
Dear Frances
A wonderful person gone all too soon. He will be missed by many here in Liverpool. Ellie and I offer our sincere condolences, and if there is anything you need, don’t hesitate to call.
Sincerely
Roly and Ellie Burton
Craig Condon
I was very shocked and saddened when I found out about Kelly’s passing earlier this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Jocelyne Klinckmann
Dear Frances
I am very sorry to read about your husband passing and assure you of my deepest sympathy. Sincerely. Jocelyne
Noreen & Barry Tomalin
Fran – Barry and I were so sorry to hear about Kelly and want you to know you are in our thoughts.
Peter Weis
I was a struggling student at SCHS but had the great fortune to be a pupil of Mr. Yeske during both grades 11 and 12. While I am ashamed to admit that my mathematical skills never progressed beyond basic understanding despite Mr. Yeske’s significant effort, his presence, patience and humour was truly inspirational and he remains a lifelong positive influence. Most of us recall those teachers in our lives that made a profound impact and helped us to navigate through the teenage years and on into young adulthood. He was that teacher for me. I am very sorry to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
James & Theresa Rushka
Dear Fran, sincere sympathy on the loss of Kelly, I, Theresa (Binder) was a class mate of Kelly during highschool, he was always pleasant & jovial. Sincerely, James & Theresa
Andy Skujins
Fran, sorry to learn of Kelly’s passing. For 15 years I taught in the room next to his and always admired his rapport with his students. I know they will be saddened by the passing of this outstanding teacher with a very unique wit. Rest in peace,friend.
Richard Davies
An unexpectedly, truly sad day back in Edmonton for Kelly’s innumerable former colleagues, teachers, and friends. He was a gentleman and a certified Legend of Strathcona High, highly-respected and notably well-liked. I remember many tough times when his humour would keep things ‘up’ or in perspective. Fran, you are so lucky to have had him with you all these years. I suspect there was never a dull moment and countless laughs. My sincere condolences to you on your deep loss.
Marion Beile (nee Laanstra)
Mr. Yeske taught me math at Scona using his innovative methods as I had always had difficulty with math. It was my best math year and I went on to complete high school as well as nursing school. He was always patient, calm and was not afraid to try coming at a problem from different directions. My sympathy to the Yeske family. He made a huge difference to many students and we were blessed to have him as a teacher!
Diane Alton
Fran, so very sorry to read about your loss this morning. I am sure you have many wonderful memories to help you through this difficult time. Know that there are many “old” friends thinking of you .
Bob Camarta
It is with great sadness that I learn of the passing of Mr. W. Kelly Yeske. I was a student of Mr. Yeske’s at Strathcona Composite High School in Edmonton. I always looked forward to attending his classes. He was an exceptional teacher with a keen sense of humour. I recall that on one occasion, he remarked “Mr. Camarta, there is no reason for you to be happy in this class,” often citing me for being disruptive and having too much fun. Thirty five years later, he remains an inspiration. A class mate and dear friend of mine often discuss Mr. Yeske’s math class with fond memories. I offer my sincerest condolences to Mr. Yeske’s family and close friends.
Seema Sehgal
Mrs. Yeske, please accept my condolences on the passing of Mr. Yeske. I too was one of Mr. Yeske’s math students 32 years ago. He was indeed an inspiration to all of us. There was never a dull moment in his classroom – using his wit and unique teaching techniques to get us to understand the most difficult concepts. He held the bar high – and truly wanted every student to succeed. He was a gift to the teaching profession. Because of Mr. Yeske’s influence, I pursued a career in teaching math. I will never forget him.
Fern Zurawell
Fran, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Kelly, far too soon.
My sincere sympathy to you & your family. Know that many friends & I are thinking of you & your family at this very sad time. My love & prayers.
Leon & Norma Robertson
Fran, Leon and I are so sadden for your loss. We dearly enjoyed our times together at ukulele. Couldn’t thank kelly and you enough for all the work and time you put in the group. Kelly was always up beat and encouraging. Please pass on our condolences to the family.RIP Kelly.
Leon & Norma Robertson
Ken Brice
Fran.
We were sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Ken Brice
Joan Volkerink (nee Stewart)
Mrs. Yeske:
My deepest sympathy in the passing of Mr. Yeske. He was my math teacher back in 1973 at Scona High School. He was the absolute best teacher that I ever had.
I hope that the wonderful memories of your husband comfort you at this time and always.
Joan Volkerink (nee Stewart)
Gail McBride
I had the pleasure of working with Kelly at Scona. He was much appreciated by both staff and students for his quick wit, quirky sense of humour and absolute professionalism. His death leaves a chasm in that community and one can only imagine how great the loss is for you and the family. My heart reaches out to you, Fran.
Arlene Bowles
Fran, my heart goes out to you! I know no words I say can ease the pain of losing Kelly, your best friend and soul mate. What a team you were! As you and your family grieves, may you find comfort in all those wonderful memories that Kelly has left behind for you to cherish.
Julia Elaschuk
Condolences to Fran and family. The obit evoked positive memories and will be sure to bring many positive memories from the people who knew Kelly. He left a positive educational and personal legacy. Rest in peace
julia E
Beth Allan
I amy so very sorry for your loss Fran and family. I will always cherish my time in Kelly’s Math 20 class at Strathcona, he was truelly an amazing one of a kind teacher. His sense of humor made me want to go to math class. What I will cherish most is our get together for dinner in Arizona with my parents. How may people can say that as an adult, they got to sit down to dinner with 2 of their teachers for their childhood in another country? Well I can and I will always remember that evening. I will truelly miss Kelly (Aka MR. Yeske). Kelly will be sadly missed but forevery remembered with a smile by everyone who has ever haad the honor of meeting him.
Joan & Garry Dewar
Dear Fran,
Garry and I are so sorry for the loss of your Dear Kelly.!
We often fondly remember the time we spent with you and Kelly during the Trival Pursuit night and the day following when you showed us around your new home. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time but we know you have many wonderful memories of times together that will last forever! Take care.
Sincerely Joan& Garry
Mervyn Pedde
Fran, I was sorry to read of Kelly’s passing in the Journal. While I met Kelly only a few times I could tell that he held you in high regard because that was the kind of relationship you two had. It was such a pleasure to be able to work with you at Sakaw because of your strengths as a professional and co-worker. Please accept my sincere sympathy as I ask God to be with you now and in the days ahead.
Ross Lindskoog
I was saddened to read Mr. Yeske’s obituary in the Edmonton Journal. In 1972 I was fortunate to have him as my Math 30 teacher at Scona. I can’t believe he was only 25 years old then. I remember most his wicked sense of humor, and the wonderful smile he would show when he realized his students were actually understanding the math concepts. Truly my best math teacher and gone too soon. My condolences to his family and friends.
Emily Westwood
Dear Fran, My heart goes out to you in sincere sympathy for the premature loss of such a significant and wonderful person in your life. May you find comfort in the days and weeks ahead among family and friends and memories, and I pray for strength as you transition to living without Kelly’s physical presence.
Robert Betty
Mr. Yeske (as a member of Scona Class of 81 it is strange to think of him as having had a first name) was a great teacher and a wonderful mentor. He taught all those who worked with him and studied under him the importance of bringing joy to where you are, even if that was a math class. I had several strong math teachers during my three years at SCHS, but I am sure none will be offended to hear me testify that Kelly’s classes were by far the most entertaining. I can only imagine the joy he brought to family and friends and to them I extend my condolences that your time with him is at its end.
Anne Pellatt
I am a Scona Grad ’71 and remember Mr Yeske arriving there to teach his first year. A few decades later my daughter was fortunate to have Mr Yeske as her grade 10 math teacher. He met with her at 7 am many mornings. Our condolences to his family at this time.
Gerald & Vina Moses
So sorry to hear of your husband’s death, Frances… We remember you folks fondly when you lived on Sand Beach Road and we met often walking the roads by the ocean here in Western Head. Our condolences for your loss and may your many happy memories of your time together help soften this time of such sorrow.
Heather Konrad HIll
I am another of Mr. Yeske’s math students from the late ’70’s. He was cool and witty and a suburb teacher of mathematics. Everyone knew Mr. Yeske was THE teacher to get for math. I was lucky enough to get him one year. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
Elizabeth Mowat
I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Kelly at Scona. He added so much to the school community, both as a fine teacher for students and a respected colleague for teachers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Roger & Isolde Savage
Dear Fran and family,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and hearts.
Dale Linn
Francis
We have not met but I wish to extend my condolences to you.. I met Kelly in my first year university in 1966. We lived in the basement at the same boarding house. I have not seen Kelly for many years but have been updated on his whereabouts by one of my partners, Terry Graf. I can see from the messages to you that Kelly’s love of life and good nature, that I enjoyed so many years ago, stayed with him.
Best wishes
Diane and Ed Fitterer
Fran, Bev and all,
There are no words that can fill the void that our wonderful cousin Kelly has left. Who is going to regale us with a family history lesson or dance our socks off at the family reunions? Kelly was not only our cousin but he was like a brother to all of us! His life and legacy was ended way too soon! He will be deeply missed by all who knew him! May all the happy memories bring you all comfort during this very sad time. We love you all! Diane and Ed
Bob Frizzell
Fran,
I was so saddened to hear of Kelly’s passing. Kelly was a terrific teacher and wonderful colleague at Scona. I have so many fond memories of how he interacted with students and staff. I always use a few “Yeskeisms” when I tutor students in mathematics. My deepest condolences.
Joyce & Steve Nickerson
Dear Fran,
Steve and I were so sorry to hear about Kelly’s passing. After my bloodclot, he was very encouraging and helped to give me hope that my life could become normal again. That meant a great deal to me and I will always be grateful for his kindness.
Our prayers are with you.
Joyce & Steve
Reva Joshee
My three siblings and I were all fortunate enough to have Mr. Yeske as a teacher. He was one of those people that you never forgot. He had a knack for getting everyone interested in whatever he was teaching. He was indeed a gifted and caring teacher. I was very sad to hear of his passing and send my heartfelt condolences to his family.
Diane Ranch
Fran;
I am so terribly sorry to hear (just recently) that Kelly had passed away. I remember you both so well. Thinking of the times we worked and laughed in your home. I am glad that both of you got to travel and spend precious time together. Please take care of yourself.
Laura Barr-Kyrzyk
I was a student of Mr. Yeske’s for grade 11 and 12 math at “Scona” as well. I really enjoyed going to his challenging class! He made the material interesting and fun. He kept the bad kids in line, and was supportive to those who needed help. To this day I cannot think of “Pigs in Space” the same way….Mr. Yeske’s way of teaching geometry and why we should love an elipse!!! RIP Mr. Yeske.
Leah
I was just remembering what an inspirational and funny teacher Mr. Yeske was for me at Scona in the late 1990’s. He made a difference to a lot of people in this way. Condolences to his family, for their loss.
Robert Lavergne
Belated condolences to the Yeske family. Mr. Yeske taught me math in the mid-80’s. He was, and is, the best teacher I ever had.
Sarah Pullman
Mr Yeske was my math teacher for 3 of the 4 math classes I took at Scona between 1994 and 1997. To this day, I tell the story of how I had always thought I was bad at math… until I had a really amazing math teacher, who smashed that belief and enabled me to get very high grades in what had always been my worst subject. I’ve been grateful to him ever since. He was an excellent instructor, but he was also hilarious. I was so very fond of him. I have thought of him often and for some reason just felt compelled to google his name…. and found this. His memory certainly lives on and I’m glad I was one of the many lives he touched.
Dave & Amelia Jensen
My wife & I are both Scona grads, I ’90, Amelia ’92. We both had Mr Yeske as our math teacher. Amelia survived math by the ever-present carrot & stick of having one too many geranium pots her namesake, I myself simply loved the humor, the engaging personality, the positivity Mr Yeske brought to what had to be, in hindsight, a long career that no doubt challenged that positivity at times. We both adored the positivity, the hopefulness, the ever-willingness to see us through what we had yet to comprehend… something this world sorely needs more of. A caring hand and willing heart, a perfect example to carry forward. Thank you. You are immensely valued.