This is the story of Yuriy Galyshkin. Yuriy was a wonderful man who was loved, is missed and will forever be cherished. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, best friend and a one-of-a-kind human being.

Yuriy’s story begins on April 12th, 1959 as the fourth and youngest child to Sergey and Elizaveta. Born in Berchidev, Ukraine he took on the same personality as his colorful hometown. Everyone admired his charm and witty sense of humor. As a creative and a resourceful child, there was never a dull moment at the Galyshkin household. Losing his father at a young age, Yuriy was forced to grown up quickly. However, this also shaped him into the man that we know and love.

Yuriy was a passionate man and a man of many talents. He had an amazing ear for music and the tunes of Pink Floyd, Queen and Led Zepplin accompanied every memory. He was a master at the sport of fencing, and he loved his polar bear swims so much that he even bought a house in Georgian Bay so that he could continue this tradition into his retirement. He loved photography and made this his first profession, helping people preserve memories. “Banya” was one of his favorite pastime activities, which he turned into a lifelong ritual and is the place where many friendships were made.

In the spring of 1980, Yuriy was asked to be the best man at his friend’s wedding and this turned out to be the place where he met maid of honor and his future wife, Irina. Five months of courtship ended in marriage and two beautiful daughters. First came his personality twin and pride Marina in the summer of 1981 and then, a New Year’s gift and his spitting image, Olga in 1985. His daughters were his lives greatest achievements. A devoted family man, Yuriy and Irina created a unique family environment and set an example for many families and friends.

A true trail-blazer, he paved the immigration road for his entire family and many of his friends. Yuriy was never afraid of risk or hard work, rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty when needed. Nothing came easy, but that never stopped him from continuing on his path.

Yuriy had a love for great food and was a self taught chef, cooking up a storm in the kitchen and on the grill. Even if you were not hungry or had just eaten a huge meal, he would still lure you into his culinary world. He continues to feed his family even after his passing with the home cooked dishes that he so delicately prepared and preserved.

A man of few words, Yuriy’s energy touched everyone who was fortunate to have met him. But the traits he will be most remembered by are loyalty, kindness, generosity and a heart deeper than the ocean. His greatest accomplishments are his family and friends. He was the pillar of his family and an elder, wise beyond his years.

Yuriy will be missed, always remembered and his legacy will continue to live on in the lives of the people that he surrounded himself with. The song may have stopped, but the melody will always play on.

To our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and best friend.