Minnie YIP
Minnie Yip, affectionately known as “Milka” by her parents 1935-07 ~ 2025-09
Joined again on the hope of eternity’s shore with her recently departed and beloved husband of 68 years, Bruce Yip.
With heavy hearts and an endless well of love and sadness we carry news of the loss of our family matriarch and mother, Minnie, at the age of 90. Our treasure and the jewel of our family has left a trove of rich memories and scores of moments to hold us steady through this time of solace.
Born in Edmonton to 1st generation Ukrainian immigrants; mom’s parents Dan and Anna Kotyk arrived with little in their pockets, but, hearts bulging with hope of a better life to build their dreams. The Kotyk’s journey through the United States landed in Edmonton where Dan and a brother built two homes, one of which was in the community of Riverdale where Minnie and her older sister Ollie were raised and where the Kotyk’s remained until their passing. With only a vision of the possible and a hope that springs eternal, our grandparents transformed their vision for a good life into reality and Minnie and Ollie are proof that material wealth isn’t what ignites a dream it’s determination, and mom is proof that the road can be difficult, but the rewards are worth it.
Minnie and Bruce carried that dream of possibility forward into their lives and subsequently ours; their 3 children. With bravado, determination, consternation and hope, Minnie carved out her way in her time and we 3 are honored and proud to call her our Mother for the sacrifice she made to give way for our family. Through years of unwavering love, forgiveness and grace, she kept us centered and reaching out towards our own paths. In a world not always kind or welcoming of change, Minnie and Bruce followed their hearts into marriage and together forged a life of love, possibility, and an understanding they both grew up under similar circumstances; 1st generation born Canadian immigrants. Our home was filled with love and the diversity of cultural norms where we 3 children; Decker, Dawn & Drake, were reared with purpose, compassion and a drive to be unique. All the while, Minnie remained true to her own nature of quiet humility and a tailored simplicity that was apparent not only in dress attire but classically embodied the neat minimalist persona that lavished praise and applause on others for their production efforts, and seldom desired attention on herself. Minnie’s hands shaped many traditions, her voice carried wisdom, and her heart held plenty of love to lift those in their darkest hours. Her gifts were encouragement, the radiant light of our family, the keeper of our stories, and soul enricher of “home”. She is our priceless jewel.
Mother’s passion was the arts; music, theatre, film, and poetry, where she received endless comfort and joy engaged in these venues, as well as in her love of reading. She had a notable vocabulary garnered through voyaging the many topics of interest, including a thumb through an entertainment magazine from time-to-time and the local paper. As kids she liked to punk us by saying she’d be a Mensa candidate … if she applied! She had a quick wit, and was snappy fast at getting a pun or silly poke positioned at her door – she’d burst a playful laugh at it’s jest. Minnie could often be heard squeaking out a catchy little-ditty that transported her back to the good old days of music. Her most recent repeats (ha!) were, “put your shoes on Lucy, don’t you know we’re in the city” OR “Everyone loves Saturday night .. boo, doo-p, boop” ! and to which I’d poke back why? … “It’s ‘cuz Dad’s born on Saturday!” and she’d laugh. Mom had a great sense of humor, loved comedy and laughed often. Minnie also was a night owl and in later years she and dad would go down to the seniors club (the casino don’t you know?!) and take a few spins, different kinds of spins than the jitter bug of yesteryears where they might cut up the rug!
At this difficult time we are comforted that mom and dad are no longer captive in that elder-time-decline when breath is shallow, strength disappears, and the days long and don’t seem distinguishable. Rather, now that they are at peace and reunited with their life-long loves, Father Bruce and Mother Minnie, on that distant shore. United in hope with those that have gone before them, including: beloved parents, sister Ollie, Yip Family in-laws, friends, associates, colleges & acquaintances, as well as connections made throughout life’s journey that have passed before them.
Even now, we remember those who remain, though far afield; swept from arms reach, Minnie would want to say, if she could, “Goodbye, take care”. From early education to final working career in TD, and even in these past days, weeks, and months, the many folks who tendered care or bumped into unplanned, she often spoke afterwards about the time when, or how those little gestures mattered to her.
In Minnie’s early work experience she ushered at the local theatre, and is now led to her seat, whilst we 3 stand and applaud; with raised hands, our release in hope beyond, the surrender of our loss, grief, and shock knowing there’s merit in a lightening fast exit. So, in faith, we’ll cling to the treasure of memory now, evermore blooming more beautiful with each passing day. Mom and Dad both preferred their last note “not include a funeral” but, I have one (of course!) a jazzy favorite I know they’d both be bopping to. They loved the Dave Brubeck Quartet and their famous 1959 Time Out Album that captured that “epitome of cool” tune; “Take Five”. They saw DB with dad’s older brother, Dave, in Calgary one year so, a trio-bop!
Thank you for taking the time to walk through and remember Minnie, our mother, and Bruce undoubtedly; he was the get away guy she wanted and said so to me just after he passed. Mom, would’ve been so pleased and with a glowing blush said, “Thank you, take care”, and we 3 echo that for sharing your life with her, and them both, and us by extension.
Now, before you change lanes, and drop into that jazzy “cool zone” there is one more item on the stand; a poem.
Mom loved it, and if you’re like me, you might have to google “What’s up”?! it’s a terrific contemplative piece and reminder the time is fleeting. Okay, scroll down, shoulder check & hit play. Enjoy! And please leave a note of your own, if you’re inclined.
God Bless you on your own journey down this road of life.
The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam, 1859:
The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.
For Mother,
You have shown what it means to live with dignity, freedom, and pride, and to love without limits and stay true to ourselves. Your story is our story now, and we will carry it forward with the same strength, tenderness, kindness, and resilience you taught us. You are loved, cherished, and we will be forever grateful to call you Mom.
With all our love, Drake, Decker, and Dawn
★‿.➹⁀☆. ★⁀ “* ‿➹⁀
☆
*˚˚˚”*✲ .➹
☆*˚˚˚”*✲ .➹
Miss you so much. Life is not the same with the knowledge that you are not here. May you always remember the love I have for you. My greatest gift was having you as my mother.
London Bridge has fallen. My Queen has left us and has joined her beloved husband, family, and friends who were no doubt all there waiting for her return, applauding a life well lived through her generosity and service to all that knew her. I can’t express the sadness I feel knowing that I cannot hug my sweet angel. Knowing that we had this past visit together, hanging out, doing what we both love, and sharing our love for one another is beyond priceless. My dearest mother and soulmate I thank you for all that you represented to me in my life. I often told you that you were my inspiration and I truly meant it.
You were and are my angel on earth and now in heaven.
May god wrap his beautiful loving arms around you and may St Michael lead the way. Love you now and forever sweet mother. Your loving son. Drake
Thinking of you Mom this December 24, 25. Christmas Eve was always your favourite. Remembering the many Christmas Eves we spent with Baba and Didi and all of us and how beautiful it was. God Bless you Mom. I miss you so dearly. Your son Drake