Dean Kent Yakielashek

Dean Kent Yakielashek was born on June 19, 1979 to his very proud parents Ken and Nadia Yakielashek. He came into this world very quickly.  Dad tells us after dropping mom off at the front door of the hospital and parking the car, Dean was born and wrapped in a pink blanket by the time he entered the hospital. However upon peaking into the 10 pound bundle, dad knew he had a son because of his piercing dark brown eyes. On that day he also became the little brother and playmate to both of his sisters Pam and Naomi and completed the family with someone to carry on the Yakielashek surname. From the time he began to walk, he was filled with mischief and very much a jokester. He loved playing tricks on his teachers, family and friends.  He loved to tease and joke around anywhere he went.  This dominant gene has been passed down and is very evident in Joshua. 
Dean completed our family and eventually started helping out around the farm as soon as he could walk. As a young boy he spent way too much time in front of the Commodore 64 and his Nintendo playing video games much to the disappointment of his sisters. Being the baby meant, Dean got a lot of attention and got away with much more than his older sisters at the time.  Once his sisters left for University he did take on all of their roles and has done so ever since. As a teenager, Dean was involved in minor hockey, school sports, attended catechism regularly and was an altar server at St. Viator’s Roman Catholic Church. He attended St.Vlad’s in Roblin for a very brief period of time before he called home to mom and dad to come and pick him up! No joking around there! He loved Ukrainian dancing and always kicked up his heels on the dance floor whether it was a polka or a two-step. Whoever his partner was, they had to hang on tight. He danced with Zirka and then became a proud member of the Riding and Dancing Cossacks.

After high school graduation, Dean’s passion for agriculture took him to Winnipeg where he attended the University on Manitoba and completed the Ag Diploma program in April of 2000. He made many lifetime friends there. Upon graduation he took on many roles as a crop insurance adjuster, livestock brand inspector and of course farmer.  He eventually took over the family farm and tended to many classes of livestock including not just cows, but chickens, way too many pigs, horses, ducks and geese, sheep and even a goat or two had been kicking around the farm (as a gift that he had bought for mom and dad when they were still on the farm). Sorting cows was his favorite farm task.  Dean loved the outdoors, FGL, going for drives, sharing his stories with a good cup of coffee and having fun.  He enjoyed fishing and the occasional hunting trip with his "Shwager"Kurt, camping and going to the lake or creek. He had the opportunity to travel throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Dominican, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk.   

Dean became an extraordinary father when Mariah was born in June of 2003, followed by Naiyah in January 2007 and finally Joshua in May of 2009. His “kidlets” meant the world to him. His kidlets worked alongside him on the farm and they gave each other an endless amount of love and laughter.  Dean  was a coach for Josh and Naiyah’s hockey and volleyball teams, was proud of their music accomplishments, their academics, he taught them Ukrainian (especially some of the really good words), he loved watching his children Ukrainian dance and was so proud listening to Mariah sing. They made his day brighter and gave him purpose.  

Dean spread his friendship and personality through volunteering and helping others in need.  Making conversation and friendships was in his nature. He was quick to lend a helping hand and provide support for others who were struggling.  He was humble, kind, supportive, compassionate, selfless, loving and could bring a smile to anyone.  Dean found great friendship with John and Anne who became a very important part of Dean’s life.  Meeting Tanis, J.J. and Randi brought happiness, friendship and love into his family.       

Dean is survived by his children Mariah, Naiyah and Joshua, parents Nadia and Ken Yakielashek, his partner Tanis Shuttleworth (her children J.J. and Randi), sisters Pam (Gary) Iwanchysko, Naomi Yakielashek (Kurt Koshowski), nephew Alex Iwanchysko, nieces Toni and Raylyn Koshowski and Oksana and Talia Iwanchysko, many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends. 

Funeral Mass was held for Dean on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 10:00 am from the St. Viators Roman Catholic Church in Dauphin  with Rev. Michel Nault officiating.  

Interment followed in the Riverside Cemetery.

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Dean may be made to

CIBC Trust Fund for Dean's Kidlets (Children)

Transit #00277  Account #3815218
Contributions may be made at any CIBC Branch

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