Thomas Howard Yarschenko
Nov. 30, 1929 – Oct. 26, 2024

In loving memory of our father, husband, grandfather, friend and mentor, Tom Yarschenko, who passed away peacefully in the Red Deer Hospital.

Tom was born on a ranch in Piapot, Sask. He worked in the Yukon and came to the Rocky area in 1948 to join his sister Marion who taught school at Beaver Flats and Frisco. He later purchased a farm and began a farming and ranching career which he loved. He became the first rancher to re-establish cattle pasturing in the west country in 1954 and acquired cattle ranges on the North Ram River to the Thunder Mountain area. There were no passable roads for the last 38 miles to the ranges until 1974 — welcome to the wild west of wranglers, cattle drives, round-ups, river crossings and wagons. This meant cattle drives from the home place to the range, 60 miles, spring and fall for 37 years. In the early days you could stretch your tent ridge pole from one side of the road to the other for the night. As times changed, camping and sleeping arrangements improved. The original range was split and shared with Buster McDonald and was, in later years, transferred to Tom’s son, Miles.

In the early years he was known for running the last of the big chariots, and ran the last big chariots with big thoroughbred horses under the Willis Teskey ESSO banner, winning numerous years at the Jasper, Rocky and Calgary stampedes, until big chariots were no longer allowed to race in 1967.

Tom was known for his philosophical outlook of life, his kindness and witty sense of humour by all who knew him.
Tom will be sadly missed and remembered by his wife Vicky of 65 years; his son Ben (Claudia) and their sons, Adam (Midori), Jeff and Max and great-granddaughter, Lily Victoria; and son Miles (Elvia) and their sons, Miles Jr. and Nick; his sister Virginia (Babe); numerous nieces and nephews; and many, many friends and acquaintances.

At his request, there will be no funeral. Happy trails to all of you. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Messages of condolence for the family may be left at www.prairierosefunerals.ca.

Prairie Rose Cremation & Funeral Services — Serving Red Deer and Central Alberta Since 1997, 403-341-5181 and 888-216-5111.