1933 – 2017
Bob Yanow passed away 19 November at the hospice of the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC. He is survived by his loving wife Valda; son Robert and daughter-in-law Lynn of Nanaimo; daughter Deborah and son-in-law Nigel of Victoria; and granddaughters Jennifer and Sarah.
RAdm Yanow lived a life of thorough immersion and passionate dedication to the Navy. Having joined the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps “Jervis Bay” in 1946 in his home-town of Saskatoon, he pursued his dream through Royal Roads Military College (1951), and HMCS UNICORN (UNTD 1952), graduating from the University of Saskatoon (BA Maths and Physics) in 1956. Following this, he served in various frigates and destroyers of the RCN on both east and west coasts of Canada, as well as serving two years on exchange with HMS SEA EAGLE in Londonderry and with the Royal Navy Far East Fleet. On return to Canada, he advanced quickly through the ranks to command HMCS SAGUENAY (1969), during which time he survived the crash and sinking of the ship’s Sea King helicopter. He then commanded in quick succession the then-brand-new HMCS ATHABASKAN (1972) and the First Destroyer Squadron (1974). On promotion to Commodore, he was appointed the Naval Attache in Washington DC (1977), after which he returned to Ottawa in several senior positions at the rank of Rear-Admiral (1979-84). He concluded his naval career in Victoria as Commander Maritime Forces Pacific and Commander Pacific Region (1984-87).
In retirement, Bob served as the VP for BC Transit (1988-89), Managing Director for the 1994 Commonwealth Games (1989-90) and Chairman of the Centennial Stadium for the Games, and as a Member of the Veterans’ Review and Appeal Board (1997-2002). He was also President of the Victoria Rotary, Chairman of the BC Press Council, Chairman of the Corps of Commissionaires (Victoria), and Chairman of the St. John Ambulance (Victoria Branch). For his public service, he was made a Knight of the Order of St. John in 2009. He remained a great supporter of Sea Cadets and Boy Scouts, giving his name to the Parksville Navy League Cadet Corps, “NLCC Admiral Yanow”. For many years, he was the Chair of the annual God’s Acre Memorial Service at the historic veteran’s cemetery in Esquimalt.
Bob Dmytro Yanow will be dearly missed by his family and friends. His last wish was that his ashes be scattered at sea off Royal Roads.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, at 2:00pm on Saturday 2 December 2017.
The family wish to thank the Victoria Hospice staff for their very kind care and assistance to all of us in these past few weeks.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice at Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
19 Responses
Our thoughts are with Valda and her family, and of course with Bob at this time…
A most remarkable, kind man.
A brilliant naval career was followed by more accomplishments in retirement! What a man!
I met Bob first when I arrived on exchange from the UK. and he was the Weapons Division Commander at the Fleet School in Halifax, and lastly when he was the Commander Maritime Forces Pacific in Esquimalt. In all the years in between, no matter his rank or his duties I never heard anyone say anything about him that was not complimentary, and deservedly so.
I was much saddened to learn that Admiral Yanow had died. I always felt privileged to have known him.
I offer my sincere condolences to Valda and all the family.
I extend my sincere condolences to the family on the loss of a true gentleman and friend. Admiral Yanow will long be remembered and appreciated for his dedication to the C&PO’s Association, the Sea Cadets and Navy League Cadets of Vancouver Island. RIP Admiral.
Dear Val,
To you and the family may I express my sincere condolences on the passing of Bob. No words can assuage the pain you are enduring but I want you to know what an inspiration and role model Bob was for me.
In the 27 years we knew each other he was nothing but a gentleman and remarkably humble given the high positions he held throughout his life. Generous with his time and friendship, he always put others before himself. He served our navy, nation and community with compassion and strength. He will be missed deeply by all of us.
Sincerely, Keith Martin MD, PC ( former Member of Parliament- Esquimalt Juan de Fuca). Washington, DC
Fair winds and following seas, sir.
You were an absolute class act.
My C.O. in Jervis Bay, Lt. Ed Adamson, was so proud to have known you, and spoke of you often.
Condolences to the family.
I was sadden to hear of Admiral Yanow’s passing. My condolences to his family. As a former Jervis Bay Sea Cadet and officer with HMCS Unicorn and RCSCC Jervis Bay, Admiral Yanow was always held in the highest regard and his visits where a special occasion. He was a role model and, for a Prairie boy that dreamed of the ocean, an inspiration. My sister had the honour of winning the Admiral Yanow Trophy as a sea cadet and was proud to be associated in a such a way with the Admiral. “To absent fiends”
My sincerest sympathy to Mr. Yanow’s family. He was a dedicated member during the years he served here on the Veterans Review and Appeal Board. His commitment to those who served was always at the forefront of his work.
Dale Bruce
Director General, Veterans Review and Appeal Board
When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an Angel in Heaven that watches over us. My sincere condolences, to the entire Yanow family. Robert D Yanow will be long remembered. Blessings Jules Tait
I am sad to learn of the passing of a great naval officer and a caring man. I have always considered the Admiral to be my mentor. Serving in MARPACHQ, under his command, was a career-enhancing experience. Many years later, in Stadacona, he sought me out to console me on the passing of my father. He was there for a convoy commodore conference and I was TD on a Commanding Officer’s course. A true gentleman who will be missed; his watch is over.
My condolences to the entire Yanow family. The good Admiral will live on through all the lives he touched. To Deb and Nigel, my especial condolences. When the heart grieves over what it has lost, the spirit rejoices over what it has left.