It is with deep sorrow that I announce the sudden passing of Allan Verishine, formerly of Langham, SK, on Sunday, December 18, 2016. He is survived by wife Leah (McCaw), sons Jeff (Tracey), Jade (Marni), Cory and Merle, sister Marilyn (Elmer), nieces Nona, Lori and Tammy, nephew Kim, grandchildren Amanda, Alexander, Austin, Kennedy, Cade, Levi, Daniel, Aaron, Ellen, Justin and Jacob as well as several cousins.

Al spent his former years in various places west of Langham, until he moved to the Yukon in 1990. As an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing were top of the reasons for moving there, as well as a lifelong dream to do so.   He met Leah in 1992, they married in 1994 and had been partners ever since.

His 73 years have brought many adventures. Everything from rodeo in the young and stupid years, to airplane painting, to mining, heavy equipment operating, all the while honing his skills as a carpenter and master craftsman.   His last 25 years in Whitehorse, Yukon were spent mostly self employed as a carpenter, and the latest of those years as a master – making furniture and designer kitchens for some of the select people of Whitehorse. His work was so revered that they’d wait over a year for him to have time to do their project.

As well as working more than full time at times, he always had time to volunteer. Just as Leah came on the scene in 1992, he was in the process of organizing a Rodeo in the Yukon. That project lasted about 7 years, then he decided he wanted to go fishing instead of living and breathing rodeo. But that’s how he was, giving his all. His next volunteer organization was starting the Harley Owners Group, after obtaining another lifelong dream of owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in 2002. The dealership started up in Whitehorse, and he was there, lock, stock and barrel.   The culmination of that venture was hosting the 2008 Western Regional Rally. After that, somewhat at the urging of Leah, we left that club in other’s hands, and ‘retired’ from service work, again. That almost lasted a year, when he was approached by the Ride for Dad group. They raise money for prostate cancer research and awareness across Canada. The executive convinced Al that he was the right person to head it up in Whitehorse, so we embarked on 6 years of working tirelessly for that group. Again, he gave his all to the group and the cause.

All his years of heavy, physical work took its toll, and his body dictated the next move – to Vancouver Island. Leah’s family is all there, so what better place to retire. No snow to shovel! The move was made in 2015, to settle in Nanaimo, with plans to transfer to Victoria area. He was just starting to get into the swing of retirement and taking it easier, when tragedy struck him down.

His wishes were simple. Love family and friends like there is no tomorrow. Start the day with ‘Good morning, I love you’. Laugh every day.   He didn’t want a lot of fanfare upon his passing, but if you feel like you would like to hoist a rum and coke or chocolate milk in his honor, please do. In lieu of flowers or a service, he would be pleased if you wanted to donate to the Ride for Dad or a Childrens Hospital charity in his name.

The above obituary was created by Allan’s wife Leah and posted here by Allan’s brother-in-law, Elmer Verigin, December 25, 2016.

I wish to add that I found Allan’s Artistic talents akin to the most professional that there could be. Allan would create a masterpiece and then after he was able to complete a project that included his work, he would lose interest and would find another challenge and start all over again. He left with his sister many such examples that include:

• One-of-a-kind Rocking Chair
  • His written instructions to his sister Marilyn included, “please sit in this chair for a least 15 minutes each day and relax. It has not happened thus far
• Leather workings
• Sand-blasted Etchings

I witnessed examples of his ability to:

• Metal welding
• Cabinetry of various descriptions
• Play musical instruments and sing
• Tree Faller
• Fiberglass caskets
• Fiberglas boat building
• Carpentry and construction of housing and commercial buildings
• Just about anything Allan touched would be a one-of-a-kind master piece

I also witnessed his difficulty in human relationships. Many people with artistic talents have issues in dealing with family and people.

Marilyn and I were able to keep a bond with Allan and Leah right to the time of his passing.

We also enjoyed a close bond to the rest of Allan’s family.

May he rest in peace!

Elmer December 25, 2016