________________________________ From: David Yaki <david.yaki@hotmail.com> Sent: August 18, 2020 3:10 PM Subject: Gus Yaki obituary CAUTION -- EXTERNAL E-MAIL - Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender. You are receiving this email because your email address was one of the thousands that my father, Gus Yaki, had saved on his list of contacts. As many of you know he became gravely ill in January. He was in and out of hospital several times since. My father could have (and I think should have) chosen to live longer but he was tired of being sick and unable to contribute as he was used to. He asked for Medical Assistance in Dying, which he received on August 10. (He wanted me to tell people that.) Several months ago when he was in hospital and thinking that he might not live through the night, he told me to tell people that he had had a good life, and a good wife, and that he was ready to go. I grieve his loss, but take comfort in the fact that he did indeed have a good life. I would have preferred that he lived longer, but take comfort in the fact that he did live long. When my children were younger and we visited him, he and I would often take the kids to the nearby playground. Like many fathers and grandfathers, we would play with the children. We would push them on the swings, or spin them on the spinner. But when they were not calling for our attention, I would follow my father's lead and we would pick up litter in the playground. My father did not wait for our "leaders" or "authority figures" or "people whose job it was", to make the world better. He did what he could. I believe that the world needs more of this attitude. His work is done, but "the" work remains. David Yaki 780-904-0363 --------- Gustave Joseph (Gus) Yaki, born Sandwith, Saskatchewan (near North Battleford) on August 19, 1932, received MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) to die peacefully in Calgary on August 10, 2020. He was predeceased by his first wife Rae Jeannine Yaki (Venner), his sisters Mary Anne Grant and Dorothy Pauline Gasper, his grandson Philip, and great grandson Lincoln. He is survived by his wife A‎ileen Pelzer, his brother Stanley John Yaki, his sister Margaret Rose Weger, as well as his children Donald, James (Jim), David, Robyn Fortier, Barbara (Barb), Patricia (Tricia) Bartone, and Jonathon Neville, as well as their spouses, descendants and extended families. Gus became interested in nature as a child walking back and forth to school and eventually made a living as a nature tour operator. After retiring, he continued volunteering his time as a naturalist. In 2005 he started birding classes with the Friends of Fish Creek which attract hundreds of participants. In 2017, at the age of 84, he organized and led a hike across southern Alberta to celebrate Canada 150 in support of bird study and habitat conservation. In 2019, he was awarded the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers by the Governor General of Canada, and was recognized as one of Calgary's “Top 7 over 70”. Donations in lieu of gifts may be made to Nature Conservancy of Canada, 245 Eglinton Ave East, Suite 410, Toronto, Ontario M4P 3J1, and/or to Alberta Wilderness Association, 455 - 12 St NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Y9. (Receipts for tax credit will be issued.) Memories to be shared at a future memorial service and/or tribute webpage can be sent to gus.yaki.memories@gmail.com.