Debbie Tannahill
June 25th, 2020
After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Debbie passed away on June 25, 2020. Debbie is survived by her loving husband Rod; son Chase Tannahill (Krystle); sisters Winnie Odow, Margie Fiesel, Janice Johnson (Arnold), Helen Sampson (Tony), and Sylvia Yurkiw (Mark); brothers Jerry Yurkiw (Betty-Ann), Zenith Yurkiw, and Kelly Yurkiw (Henriette); parents-in-law Warren and Eleanor Tannahill; sister-in-law Charlene Koch (Dean); brothers-in-law Rian Tannahill (Lorraine) and Jeff Tannahill (Carla); and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Deb was predeceased by her mother Mary Yurkiw and father Steve Yurkiw; brothers-in-law Fred Fiesel and Emil Odow; and sister-in-law Adelle Yurkiw.
Debbie was born in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba, on October 24, 1963, the 8th of 9 children to Steve and Mary Yurkiw.
The Yurkiw family moved from the farm into Regina in 1977 and settled in the Eastview area, where the family quickly became part of the community. Deb attended Balfour Collegiate. After graduation Deb went directly into the insurance business with Pioneer Life and then on to Co-operators Insurance as an Underwriter and then New Business Service Rep., a position she held until her passing. Deb met the love of her life, Rod, in 1986 at 7 Oaks one night. They quickly fell in love, and eventually married on January 4, 1992. Thereafter, in September of 1994, Deb and Rod were blessed with the birth of their son, Chase.
Deb loved her family and friends and was often found cooking, baking, working in her garden, and socializing with her many friends. When you visited with Rod and Deb you were sure to be offered the many dishes Deb had prepared and she seldom took “no” for an answer. Deb was also known to be found at bingo or taking her chances at the Casino.
In the last few years, despite her failing health, Deb worked with Chase and Rod to renovate properties that they purchased together. Deb was so excited to share what she and Chase had been doing with everyone who came over.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Allan Blair Clinic and the staff at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. The family would also like to thank all of the friends and family who provided so much support during Deb’s illness; the calls, text messages and overall support will never be forgotten.
The family will be having a Celebration of Deb’s Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please take time to enjoy a dinner and a drink with your loved ones. Life is short and precious.
Messages:
Our condolences to Rod, Chase and the Yurkiw Family Members. Just a little introduction to those people, some of whom I have met many years ago. I am Deb's Father-in-law Warren's youngest brother. I have a very vivid recollection of travelling with my wife Lorna, in the middle of winter from Battleford to Regina in 1992 to attend the celebration of the joining in Wedlock of Rod and Deb. While at the hall celebration there was a long line of people wanting to have the honor of having that special dance with Deb and I finally lucked out. To be in that Gal's Bundle of Joy Arms was like having died and gone to heaven - she was such an inspiration of joy to everyone she new. Deb will be sadly missed by all. I have written a letter to Rod and Chase and invited them to join us at our fishing camp at Keeley Lake on the 2 of September and hopefully them and friends and family can all get together at that location in a couple of weeks. Take care Rod and Chase and may God Bless the Both of You Uncle Robert Allen and Auntie Lorna Tannahill, Sons Terrance and Wife Alex of Battleford, Leslie of Edmonton and Glenn and Wife Denice of Ottawa.
Rod and Chase our deepest sympathy on the loss of Deb, words can't express how much Deb meant to us. Rod I was with you on the day you met Deb and we have had many wonderful times over the years. I will miss our constant debates with me allowing her to win every once in awhile. Debbie you will be missed and always remembered. Blair and Glenna
Rod & Chase, Our sympathy to you. Mom & I were so saddened to hear Deb’s condition had changed when outcomes had looked so promising & hopeful beforehand. Deb was one of a kind, so cheerful & bubbly, always lending a helping hand & was a great cook. We have many great recipes from her from Leanne. We will miss Deb. She had such an infectious laugh & we had many fun times with your family. Keep your memories of Deb close to your heart & may God comfort you & ease your pain. Elsie & Diane Schweitzer
We were so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to you Rod and Chase. Our thoughts are with you. Elaine & Frank
I had the pleasure of working with Deb at the Co-operators. She was a very warm and friendly person who loved life. She will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Deb was one of a kind and every word said about Deb wanting to always feed you was so very true. Thinking of you Rod and Chase may Deb now rest with no pain and peace.
Deb was not only my sister but truly my best friend i will always cherish the memories and she will never be forgotten in the short time we had together Rod and Chase may god give you the strength to heal and remember all of those wonderful memories as well with deepest sorrow and heartbreak sister sally
My sincere condolences to Rod, Chase and family, Deb was truly one of kind. I worked with her many years ago at Pioneer Life and sure did have some great times both at work and after work - she was so much fun to be around. Have not seen her much over the last few years, but when I did it was just like old times. Cherish all the wonderful memories you have together as a family.
Sincere condolences Rod & family
So sorry to hear about Deb. She was one of a kind I am lucky to have so many past memories that I will always remember with a smile. Thinking of you Rod and Chase. Take care.
Debbie will be dearly missed. An amazing women we love so much An wonderful Auntie to Darren and a very dear friend to me. Always SO much fun We lived in the same area in Regina for many years and had the blessing of hanging out with her and her family on a weekly basis. Chase and our youngest son would have sleep overs together. We would go for walks Together just a ray of sunshine!! Many many laughs spending time with Deb, Rod, and Chase. Always a great time ! Gone but never forgotten Rest now pain free My Dear We love you ! Tammy & Darren Yurkiw
Deb was one of a kind, she will be forever missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Rod and Chase. Though there are no words to ease the pain, just know Deb will continue her life in the hearts of loved ones. Forever young xoxo
My friend, it was a pleasure to know you. You had presence, and you were fearless. You fought like no one I have ever known and you never let the illness overtake you. You were a true warrior. You will not be forgotten. Much love. Sleep in Peace. Rest now
Our deepest sympathies Rod and Chase. Cliff and Trudy Geiger
Rod and Chase, so sorry to hear of Deb's passing. She was a great friend. So many good times shared. Thinking of you and your family. Take care.
Deb was such a fun person to know. Was great working with her at Pioneer Life Insurance and at Cooperators. My sympathy to her husband, son and family.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Deb was a special lady who always had a smile for everyone. May the memories make you smile again
I had the pleasure to get to know Deb while working at the Co-operators. She was definitely one of those people you will never forget. She had a love for life and made friends so easily as she took a genuine interest in people. She had the most wonderful sense of humour and could make even the toughest days brighter. Deb fought a tough battle and in the end I think God knew she had earned her reward so took her to live with Him in Heaven where she will never have to suffer again. I know she will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to get to know her. My heart goes out to Rod; Chase and all her extended family. She will always be a part of your lives and will watch over you from above. Heaven gained a Beautiful Angel. Rest In Peace Deb.
Deb was a wonderful person with an amazing sense of humour and a loving heart. We worked together for many years at The Co-operators and I will miss her both as a colleague and a friend.
Deb was a special lady & I will cherish lots of memories about her. My thoughts & prayers are with Rod & Chase & the rest of the family.
Rod and Chase. Thank you both for sharing Deb with me. She is the best friend I’ve ever had. I will truly miss her. If you ever need anything we’re here for you. Love you both
Oh my dear Deb, we went to Balfour together along with Elaine, Brenda, Lori, Leanne and our snuggles of that time. I remember Debbie as a perky wide-eyed, one of a kind gal! I had tried over the years to find her, but was unsuccessful. Rest in Peace, sweet Deb, but I have my suspicions that you will have all the angels up and dancing!!