William Yanyu

William Joseph Yanyu of Esterhazy passed away peacefully at home at the age of 73.

Bill was born in Kipling, SK on February 20, 1951. He grew up on a farm Southeast of Kennedy, SK. After high school he moved to Regina where he worked at Sears, but the city life was not for him. He then started working for Saskatchewan Wheat Pool buying grain.

In 1972 he married the love of his life, Nola. They began their journey in Lampman while Bill bought grain at Browning in 1972. Bill was transferred to Glen Ewen in 1974 where he worked in a brand-new elevator. Due to allergies for both him and Nola they decided to try their hand in the hotel/motel business. They started at Regina Beach, then Carievale, Swan River, and lastly The Plus Two hotel at Esterhazy in 1983.

Ten years later in 1993 he started working at IMC, now Mosaic. He retired from the mine in 2017. He enjoyed his retirement spending time with his loved ones. Bill thoroughly enjoyed his retirement sitting on his deck chatting and waving at anyone passing by and going to Crooked Lake to visit with his lake friends. His daily trips to the store and going for coffee with friends were the highlights of his days.

Over the years he spent his free time snowmobiling, curling, playing softball, playing pool and shuffleboard, fishing, camping, hunting, quadding, and gardening. Most of all he cherished spending time with his grandchildren. Most recently he enjoyed spending time at the Golden Jets.

Bill is predeceased by his parents Frank and Emma Yanyu, In-laws Doug and Audrey Ray, infant brother Richard, his son Jason Yanyu and nephew Justin Ray.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Nola, son Jaret (Kristen), daughter Janelle (Tom), daughter Jolene (Malcolm), daughter in-law Melissa. His grandchildren Logan, Lucas, Danika, Emerson, Bianca, Avery, Luna, and Esme. He leaves behind his brother Edward (Lillian) and sister Julianna (Mike), his brother-in-law Charles (Laurie) and sister-in-law Lynn (Bill), along with countless nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A private funeral service will be held in Esterhazy at a later date, with an internment to follow at the Esterhazy town cemetery.