YANKE - Mr. Melfort (Melfie) Yanke of Churchbridge, SK, beloved husband of Mary Yanke, passed away on the afternoon of August 17, 2017 at the Centennial Care Home in Langenburg, SK. Melfie is predeceased by his parents, Gottleibb and Edith; his sister, Mable; his brothers, Irwin, Fred, John, Lawrence, Gordon, Albert and Norman; his nephew, Robyn Yanke; his step son, Ronald Debnam; his granddaughter, Maureen Debnam Elliott; and his daughter-in-law, Kelly Hrycay. He leaves to mourn his passing, his loving wife, Mary; his step children, Pat (Brenda) Debnam, Tim Debnam and Kathy (Cam) Morash; his grandchildren, Rhonda, Russell, Derek, Brooke, Jack, Cale and Andrew; his sisters-in-law, Leotha, Violet and Marie; and his nieces and nephews. Melfie was born in Springside, Saskatchewan on February 14, 1928. He was the eighth child born to Gottleib and Edith Yanke. His family moved to the farm north of Churchbridge in 1930. Eventually Melfie's parents moved into town but he remained on the farm. On April 23, 1976 Melfie married Mary Debnam. Melfie not only gained a wife but an instant family. Melfie loved sports, both playing and watching. He spent many hours at the curling rink, skipping a game. He received a lifetime membership from the Churchbridge Curling Club. He also enjoyed a round of golf and wore out decks of cards playing crib. Melfie remained on the farm until November 2008, then he and Mary moved into Churchbridge. Even though Melfie didn't farm his land anymore, he enjoyed helping is nephews, Linton and Tim during harvest. Following Melfie's diagnosis with Alzheimer's, Mary supported him as long as she was able. In October 2016, Melfie became a resident of the Langenburg Centennial Care Home. There you would find Melfie and Speedy Larson talking about the curling and golfing games they shared throughout the years. To describe Melfie in a sentence, he was hardworking, always willing to lend a hand, positive and the most patient and gentle man. Melfie's family would like to sincerely thank the staff at the Langenburg Centennial Care Home for the care they provided Melfie and his family. Memorial donations can be made to the Churchbridge Town Cemetery or the Saskatchewan Alzheimers Association. The Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at the Chapel of Christies Funeral Home with Shelly Morris officiating. Words of tribute and eulogy were shared by Cam Morash. The organist, Judy Berg led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "In The Garden", "How Great Thou Art" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus". Following a luncheon in the Gunn Reception Room at Christie's Funeral Home, the cremation committal took place in the Churchbridge Town Cemetery with Brooke Debnam and Cale Morash serving as urn bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
