The Globe and Mail, Thursday, September 2, 2010 S7 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... OBITUARIES DESK: 416-585-5066 FAX: 416-585-5699
[email protected] Obituaries DEATH NOTICES: 416-585-5111 JOHN YAREMKO, 91 8 CABINET MINISTER, COMMUNITY ADVOCATE As a minister in the John Robarts government, John Yaremko (pictured circa 1963) drew on his experience of poverty, advocating scholarships, health care, and independent living for the disabled. THE GLOBE AND MAIL Ontario politician believed society had an obligation to help those in need The first Ukrainian to win election in Ontario, Yaremko championed ethnic communities and presided over social services expansion BY FRANK B. EDWARDS sort of a seed that even at the rent federal MP Borys Wrzes- Former premier Davis says, everyone knew it … Croatians age of 14, the boy was consci- newskyj noted that his “It was obvious that he was and Italians … It was unbe- s successful as he was, ous of important institutions.” Ukrainian grandmother had trying to help and not to try to " lievable. He held great respect John Yaremko never for- A quiet, serious student with flowers personally delivered make political points. He was I was proud to be in the ethnic communities Agot the stigma of being a a ready smile, Yaremko gradu- every Easter for the rest of her just a really decent person.” way beyond the Ukrainian. He poor immigrant kid. Shortly ated from high school with life after she allowed Yaremko As a cabinet minister, Ya- progressive. I was never on spent his life cutting ribbons after he became Ontario’s more scholarships than he to hang campaign signs on her remko brought his own expe- the right.