BRUCE YORKE
December 10 1924 – December 5 2015
Bruce Yorke died December 5, 2015 after a tragically long illness. He was predeceased by
his loving partner Helen O’Shaughnessy, his brother Dennis, and his sister Maureen. He is
survived by his first wife Mary Bewick, brother Lorne (Phyllis) and sons David (Pat
Sexsmith), Paul (Ingrid Kolsteren), and Michael (Janice Harris) together with six
grandchildren and one great grandchild. He also leaves many friends and comrades whose
lives were touched by his public and political service over his active decades.
Born in Vancouver December 10 1924 into a comfortable Point Grey family, he quickly
distinguished himself in both studies and sports. He was a keen golfer, member of the UBC
Thunderbirds basketball team, and life-long baseball enthusiast. At UBC his studies in
economics and his experiences during WWII led him to a full and varied life of social
activism. He spoke against the mistreatment of Japanese Canadians in the war, for peace
and disarmament in the 1950’s long before it was fashionable; for Canada’s interests in
opposition to the Columbia River Treaty, and for the rights and welfare of workers in his
long tenure with the Trade Union Research Bureau. He was unbowed by the dark years of
the Cold War; a proud member and supporter of the Communist Party of Canada
throughout his adult life.
Bruce Yorke, a founding member of the Committee Of Progressive Electors, was elected to
City Council five times by the citizens of Vancouver in recognition of his work for tenants,
homeowners, and citizens opposed to overdevelopment and freeways in their city. As a
city councilor he made a major contribution to restoring order to the city’s finances, fought
for affordable housing and good public transit, supported the city’s participation in the
massive peace marches of the 1980’s, and spearheaded many of the initiatives in
celebration of the city’s Centennial in 1986.
In 1992 he was obliged to leave city council due to serious health problems, and for much of
the time until his death received fine and compassionate care from the excellent staff of his
Yaletown House residence, as well as continuous and loving help from Helen O’Shaughnessy
until her death. For these people Bruce’s family cannot adequately express their thanks.
A memorial gathering will be held Sunday December 20 2015, at 1:00 pm at the
Maritime Labour Centre, 111 Victoria Drive, Vancouver. No flowers by request, but
contributions to any of the organizations Bruce Yorke supported, or to Yaletown
House, would be much appreciated.