We Remember
Yablonski, Eugene
November 11, 1929 — January 20, 2012
Eugene Yablonski born November 11, 1929 died January 20, 2012 at the age of 82. He has gone to be with the Lord whom he loves. Gene is survived by his loving wife Linda of 50 years and his daughter Pauline. Survived by four brothers, Michael ( Leeta) of Saskatoon, Joe ( Marg ) of Parksville, Albert of Surrey, John ( Bernice) of Ottawa, two sisters, Mary Paradis of North Vancouver, Liz( Ken ) Ashton of Saskatoon, two brothers-in-law, Ray Grigg ( Joyce Baker ) of Quadra, David Grigg of Vernon and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brother Victor of Victoria. We ache with sadness at the loss of Gene but celebrate his freedom in heaven. We love him beyond measure as he loves us. We cannot eloquently enough describe such a great man who blessed our family and gave tirelessly to the community. Gene received his Bachelors of Education from UBC and was a Teacher, Vice Principal and Principal. He taught for 45 years, loved what he did, cared about every student in the school for each of those years and reluctantly retired in 1995. In School District 23 he was at George Pringle Jr. Secondary School, Dr. Knox Secondary and Kelowna Secondary School – each of which he cared for dearly. He loved coaching all sports (countless school teams and Pauline’s childhood soccer team), running, playing soccer, watching hockey and football. Hobbies were cooking and gardening. We cannot list the entirety of service Eugene provided, all without expectation of ever being acknowledged. We are humbled by the magnitude of his contribution and influence on the lives of others. Eugene served every community he lived in whole heartedly. In Kelowna Gene was chairman of Habitat for Humanity Kelowna, as Chairman of the church board of St Paul’s United Church, and on the Lakeview Community Association board. Memorial Service to be held at Springfield Funeral Friday, January 27, 2012 at 4 pm. The end of the school day. Please come and join us to celebrate and remember Gene. In lieu of flowers Eugene, Linda and Pauline prefer donations to the Eugene Yablonski Award an annual bursary organized with Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society #1-616 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X4 Web: www.cobss.ca.
Service
Friday, January 27, 2012 at 4:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
Eugene Yablonski Award an annual bursary organized with Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society #1-616 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X4 Web: www.cobss.ca. Link: www.cobss.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for Yablonski, Eugene is scheduled for Friday, January 27, 2012 at 4:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Though, unfortunately, I am out of town for Gene’s service I wish to pass on my sincere condolences to the family. Gene was a wonderful, giving man who shared so much with those of us fortunate enough to have worked with him. His smile and positive attitude is what I will remember most.
Dear Family; I served on the Habitat board with Eugene & couldn’t have asked for a more knowledgeable & compassionate person.May all the good memories sustain the family forever!
God Bless!
Chris Thatcher
My deepest and most sincere condolences on the passing of a very dear and beloved gentleman. I think I can speak for many, many former students when I say thank you Mr. Y…you will be missed.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Linda, Pauline and family. Mr. Yablonski was one of my favorite teachers and I always looked forward to his wonderful smile. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that his loss is felt by all who knew and loved him.
Lori(Allan)Fennessy
I have many memories of Mr.Yablonski from KSS. A very dedicated man who earned respect from many; especially students. This man knew how to balance compassion and structure. What a loss to this community. My sincere sympathy to all of his family.
Rhonda Rea (Link)
Just wanted to say to the family that Mr Yablonski was a great instructor and I had the plesure of being one of his students at KSS in 83-85.Rest in peace Mr Yablonski and thank you for all you did to make me who i am today.
Linda – my deepest condolences to you and your daughter Pauline and all the family members. I share in your loss and I hope all your great memories will sustain you through this difficult time.
Mr. Yablonski was one of my vice principles all through high school at KSS. He was such a nice man and always had a smile on his face whenever he passed students in the hall. My deepest condolences to his family. I remember him fondly.
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Yablonski first at Dr Knox and then at KSS – like Chuck’s comment above, when I think about teachers that directly influenced my life, his is the first name that comes to mind. My deepest condolences to the family
We fondly remember Gene as a very involved community booster and supporter for our neighbourhood when we lived “kitty-corner” from you in West Kelowna. Gene always knew what was going on and kept everyone informed about community issues. You will have many fond memories, we are sure. Al & Marion from Vancouver
Sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing. We are not able to make the service, but send our sincere condolences to you, Linda, and Family. Rolli and Mary Cacchioni
Dear Linda and family, My late husband, Hans, worked with Eugene on Habitat for Humanity projects, and found him to be such a caring man. Eugene has now joined Hans in Glory, and I want to express my sympathies to you as we are the ones who are hurting until the Lords calls us to join our loved ones.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Andersen
My mom and I will always remember Eugenes smiling face sitting at the dinner table with my father at Brookhaven. We are very sorry for your loss. Sylvia Fraser and Inge Funke
Mr Yablonski was one of my favorite teachers at GPSS in the ’70s and he made a big difference in my education and I am sad to hear of his passing.
Lucille and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to Linda and Pauline for your loss. I had the privilege of working closely with Gene at KSS for many years. He always impressed me with his commitment to students’ needs and it was easy to see how much they loved him for it. We regret that we will be out-of-town at the time of the service but our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda and Pauline, we are so sorry to hear about Gene. We are in Arizona or would be with you today. We’re thinking of you.
Mr yablonski was my vice principal at dr knox.He was a great man with a big smile. When he came walking down the hallway, i will never forget that.There were times when we used to butt heads that was fridays always. But when monday rolled around there he was standing at the entrance with that big smile.I will always remember that smile and the great man he was.
Linda, Pauline and family, so sorry to hear the sad news that Gene has passed. Please know that my thoughts are with you and may you draw strength from each other.
We were so sorry to here of Gene’s passing. Our heartfelt sympathy to you Linda & Pauline. He truly was a caring, wonderful man. He loved the kids. Lots of great memories of Gene during our KSS days together. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish your memories!!
So saddened to here of Gene’s passing. He certainly was a kind, caring gentleman who truly loved working with young people. Fond memories of working with Gene during his KSS days. Cherish your memories, Linda & Pauline.
I knew Gene in Gibsons & am sending along my repects to his dear family. Gene was an inspiration to many in this community, leading by example and leaving a lasting mark. He will be missed forever for his interesting ideas, his smile, his remarkable ability to teach children so well and for just being one of those caring people who’s first thought is for others. The world is a sadder place now.
Lola Westell [Woodley]
Sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great teacher for many of us students in KSS. He was kind and caring. My condolences are sent to the family. He will be missed greatly.
Dear Linda and Pauline;
I am very sorry to hear of Eugene’s death.It is difficult to say good bye.
I have been away for several weeks so was unable to attend the service. Please accept my very sincere wishes.
God be with you.
In His love, Beryl Baldeo
It was with sadness that I read of the passing of Mr. Yablonski. I still enjoy soccer today, and I believe that is because I was fortunate to have him as my coach. May the Lord give you peace in your time of sorrow.