Feb 22, 1929 - Mar 26, 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Colin Yeulet.
Born in Whitehorse, Yukon to Virginia Harbottle and Arthur (Sandy) Yeulet, Colin Henry Yeulet passed away after a brief fight with cancer at the age of 89 years.
Colin lived in the Yukon communities of Dawson City, Carmacks, Whitehorse and Tagish and felt a deep ownership of every mile of the roads and highways and airports he was instrumental in helping to build and maintain throughout his career with the Yukon Government.
The family moved to Dawson when Colin was the age of 6 and he grew up in the "Klondike" era. At the age of 15 he started working along the Yukon River on the S.S. Klondike, and then he chauffeured cooks from the laundry in Canyon City into Whitehorse, while carrying a rifle to ensure they were kept safe and returned to work the next day. Colin was part of the first voyage by vehicle from Whitehorse to Skagway, as well as into Old Crow. Colin ended his work career as Superintendent of YTG Highways.
After retirement of 34 years from the Yukon Government Colin enjoyed a slower paced life in Tagish, where he took up wood working and making children's furniture. His stories of life in the North and contributions to the Yukon were amazing and will be cherished.
In 1995, Colin and Joanne moved to Rossland, BC where he made new friends, continued to build wooden furniture, and assisted his building's maintenance manager. At least once a year, Colin travelled back to the Yukon to visit friends and family. Colin took every opportunity he could to celebrate and visit with his children and grandchildren where ever that would lead him.
While Colin was proud of the Yukon, he was most proud of his family. He was predeceased by his wife Joanne, his sister, Virginia (Vimy) Boyd-Cooper (Gabe Patrick) and brother Arthur (Gwen) Yeulet.
Colin and Margaret (Graham) had three children; George (Wendy) Yeulet, John (Arlene) Yeulet and Joanne (Dennis) Connelly. Colin remarried in 1981 to Joanne (Pighin) Yeulet in Whitehorse and enjoyed the addition of step children Guy Evans (deceased), and Gay Winn.
Colin is survived by his younger brother, Leon Eldridge. Colin was honoured with 9 grand children; Ben (Melissa), Natasha, Tiffiny (Ryan), Teresa (Darren), Tara, Kayla (Glen), James, Kira and Gavin. In addition, Colin has 11 great grand children; Mina, Drayvon, Taylor, Kamrin, Thayne, Zaria, Ava-re, Zyler, Emma, Isabel and Charley.
Colin was a hard working, kind and loving man whose biggest joy was spending time with his family.
After receiving a diagnosis of lung cancer in October, Colin felt strong and believed he had beaten it. Then in March, Colin received devasting news that the cancer had spread. All of his children were fortunate to visit him in Rossland, BC and say their goodbyes while his quality of life was good.
At Colin's request, there will be no service. Brent Long of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Colin's name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at 4 - 1551 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9M9 or online at www.heartandstroke.ca.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services