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
R.I.P Robert Yannow.
Sending my condolences to all his family.
My Mom Valda, was named after his Wife Valda (UK family.
x x x
I am so very sad to hear this news! I met Adm. Yanow while advising him at a garden centre where I worked in the 1990’s. He was kind and a very humble man in the tradition of the RCN. After discussion, we found that he was in the last group of cadets that my father had helped train onboard HMCS Ontario int he 1950’s. So he sent his very best wishes to my father and asked after his welfare…and therein lies a tale. I have the utmost respect for him and his way of handling his ‘men’. He follows in the footsteps of giants like Harry deWolfe of WW2 fame and was as great a man in his own way. My condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. Fair winds and following seas dear friend!
Admiral Yanow was a great officer. My sincere condolences to Mrs Yanow and families. He will be missed.
Dennis, Angela, Daniel &Thomas Buckle
Chesterville, Ontario
our deep condolences to valda and famley…we will miss him….a Sask. sailor..great rotarian…and friend…..jack and joan matvenko
Very sad to learn that Bob has passed. My memories of him are that he was a great leader, always willing to share his vast experience and always had a deep empathy for his crews, Naval and civilian.
I remember our BC wide inspection tours of fresh water, reaction and cable ferries and on the BC Press Council with great fondness.
Where ever we went, Bob was greeted with love and respect.
Wishing you fair winds and following seas.
On behalf of The Navy League of Canada – Saskatchewan Division (Officers, Cadets and Volunteers). We would like to pass on our condolences to Admiral Yanow’s family. His dedication to the Sea Cadet Program is to be commended. Saskatchewan Division will continue to keep his legacy of support to the Sea Cadets of Saskatchewan by continuing to present the Admiral Yanow Award annually to the Top Provincial Sea Cadet for Leadership and Citizenship.
On behalf of the West Coast Naval Combat Information Operators (NCIOP), we would like to offer our condolences to Admiral Yannow’s family on the passing of a great leader of the RCN. Our annual trade competition is named for the Admiral, a contest which brings operators of all ranks together for a day of friendly, professional contests. What I, and other NCIOPs remember of the Admiral is the genuine interest he took in the events and how he took the time to talk with every participant, regardless of rank. His opening remarks were always inspirational, and even retired, where topical to the issues of the day in the Navy. Any sailor who was fortunate to have the Admiral present them with an award at the closing ceremony will always remember the firm handshake and the kind words from this great naval leader.
Fair winds and following seas Sir.
CPO2 R. Andrew Ferguson
Royal Canadian Navy
An amazing mentor throughout my cadet career and especially during my Command of HMCS QUADRA.
Such a dedicated supporter of the Sea Cadets.
My sincere condolences,
Pamela Audley
A true Officer and Gentleman in the highest regard! On behalf of the Navy League of Canada we send our sincere condolences to the Yanow family at this time.
The Navy League of Canada will continue to keep his legacy of support to the Sea Cadet & Navy League Cadets at the fore, through his name sake Navy League Cadet Corps Admiral Yanow.
Fair winds and following seas on this voyage Admiral! Your watch is done.
Pete Betcher National Vice President Navy League of Canada