We Remember
YAKUBOWICH, Joyce Louise (née Sadowick)
May 29, 1953 — March 24, 2024
On March 24, 2024, our kindhearted and beloved Joyce Yakubowich, who was ever joyful, passed from this life into the next unexpectedly, at the age of 70. In the 1970s, Joyce’s athleticism put her in the public eye for her accomplishments as a Canadian track and field sprinter who competed mainly in the 200 and 400-metre events. She was the 400 m gold medallist at the 1975 Pan American Games, where she also won gold and bronze relay medals. A two-time Olympian representing Canada in the Summer Olympics of 1972 and 1976, Joyce was also a three-time Canadian national sprint champion. In 1975, she was named Sport BC Athlete of the Year. She was inducted into the Canadian Ukrainian Sports Hall of Fame, and the Simon Fraser University Sports Hall of Fame; a noteworthy accomplishment, considering the University didn’t even have a varsity women’s track and field program at the time in which she attended.
Away from the track, Joyce attended the University of Victoria and Simon Fraser University, studying Biology, Kinesiology, and Elementary Education. Following her studies, she transitioned into working in various office administration roles. Alongside her devoted husband Brad, Joyce celebrated over 50 years of marriage. At home, her nurturing nature shone brightly as she dedicated herself to being a deeply devoted mother, who would do anything to support her children. Her motherly guidance taught her children the values of kindness, love, forgiveness, respect, grit, and perseverance. Through her years on this Earth, Joyce was able to learn to enjoy life along with all of its blessings and challenges. Joyce considered others before she considered herself, and she believed a good conversation over a meal was one of the best ways to spend one’s time. She always looked forward to outings with her family and spending quality time with her grandchildren, who absolutely adored her. In her later years, her spare time was filled with reading, challenging herself with Sudoku puzzles, and enjoying life’s everyday little moments with her best friend, her husband Brad.
Joyce leaves behind a wealth of cherished memories and hearts full of love and gratitude. She will be forever remembered by her husband, Brad Yakubowich; her children Jennifer (son-in-law Alexis) and Lee (daughter-in-law Kaleigh); and her grandchildren Annabelle, Elliott and soon-to-be-expected grandson. Joyce will also be deeply missed by her mother Lena Sadowick; her siblings, Debbie and Fred; and her nephew and nieces: Daniel, Pamela, Kristina, and Olivia. She has gone to join the spirit of her father, Ted Sadowick.
Joyce, although you are no longer with us, your spirit will live on in our hearts forever.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
SHOCKED! Is my first emotion. I was saying the other day to my nephew how I considered Joyce and her mother Lena as my favorite family members…of a very large group. I am deeply saddened by this news. I’m glad I sent Joyce a text about 2 months ago just to let her know how proud I was to have her as my cousin.
A sad surprise. We shared a text only weeks ago and as we were both « busy » we agreed to call and connect on a weekend. A life lesson to make time for the ones you love. My cool cousin was always smiling, and she always had time for me from when I was a young boy through to now. She will be missed. To the entire family, I’m so sorry for your loss. It was much too early. Jonathan
Joyce is remembered fondly and her family can be so proud of her athletic accomplishments as well as her wonderful commitment to family and all she met. As team mate of the 70’s I recall her genuine kindness and determination to be the best she could both on and off the track.
Great memories of a lovely person
Joyce was a trend setter in the annuals of Canadian track and field. Her performances over the 400 metre distance were truly world class and accomplished in an age when competitive running facilities were clearly substandard to those we have today. An outstanding competitor and a truly skilled athlete, Joyce Sadowick Yakubowich set a high standard for those runners who have followed her.
Brad & Family
Nancy & I are very saddened to learn of Joyce’s passing.. She was a great spirit, athlete and outstanding competitor. Once retired from competitive Athletics, Joyce together with Brad shared their Track & Field knowledge and experience helping young athletes in their pursuit of personal excellence. Thank you Joyce and Brad.
Know that Joyce will always be remembered, missed and greatly appreciated.
With sincere condolences
Brian McCalder & Nancy McLaren
I send my sincere condolences to Brad and all of Joyce’s family and friends on her sudden passing. During Joyce’s track career, she was a Canadian teammate of mine. We both were sprinters, competing at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, the 1971 Pan-Am Games in Cali, Columbia, and at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.
For a few days after Christmas over many years my wife Sharon and I had the opportunity of visiting Joyce and Brad at their home in Victoria. We all toured the Victoria area and played board games in the evenings. Later, during our visits, we would celebrate New Year’s Eve with Joyce, Brad, and some of their very close friends. As always, Joyce was a fantastic hostess at these special social gatherings. After they moved to the Dominican Republic, we visited them again over Christmas and New Year’s Eve. We also visited them in Kelowna after they moved back to Canada. On a visit to our home in Calgary, we fondly remember how excited Joyce was to go to the Calgary Stampede Rodeo. In addition, we enjoyed taking them to the Saskatoon Berry Farm and of course played board games.
Shown here is a photograph of Joyce, Doug Chapman, and myself at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. The reason this photo was taken was was because all three of us were proud graduates of Burnaby Central High School.