Obituary of Michael Joseph Yorke, Glace Bay

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Michael Joseph Yorke announce his passing on October 10th, 2021 at the age of 67. Born in Glace Bay, NS, Michael spent his childhood summers on the baseball diamond and winters at The Glace Bay Miners Forum. In his teenage years he served with The Cape Breton Highlanders, which provided him the opportunity to see many parts of Canada. He was a proud member and second Vice President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 3, John Bernard Croak VC. He would later move to Toronto, ON where he worked at Massey Ferguson for 14 years until the plant closed. While in Toronto he met the love of his life and mother of his children, Marielle (née Rousselle). Michael felt the call to return to Cape Breton Island, where he would go on to purchase and operate The Glace Bay Chip Wagon for 33 years with his wife. The wagon was not only his job, it was his passion and the product reflected his devotion. He took great pride in serving what has been recognized by so many as the best chips in the world. He was predeceased by his mother, Irene (née Butts), father, John “Turk”, brother, John “Butch” (Stella), son, Michael Jo, sister-in-law, Carolee, mother in law, Dorina Rousselle, father in law, Gerard Rousselle and many aunts and uncles. Michael is survived by his loving wife Marielle, son, Derek (Ashley Rafferty), daughter, Irene, granddaughter, Zyah (who was his pride and joy), brothers, Wayne (Patricia Shearer), Rod (Linda), Andrew (Anne), Charles (Joanne Walker), sisters, Brenda Robichaud (Leonce), Dorothy McKenzie (Bernie), uncle Charlie, brother in law, Andre Rousselle (Geneva), sister in law, Claujine Garifallidis (Harry) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Michael strongly valued community, bringing people together and lifting others up. He was honoured to serve generations of families from near and far who would gather at the Chipwagon. He formed many important relationships and touched countless lives through his endeavors. He will be missed by his close friends, Bertha Gallant, Gord Simms (Linda Bailey), Brian Shaw (Charlotte), Caroline McNeil (John “Mingy” Penny), and their children Brooklyn and Paige, who he considered his own grandchildren. A special thanks to the Victorian Order of Nurses for their exceptional nursing skills, Dr. MacCormick and the Cape Breton Cancer Centre for their expertise in life extending therapy, the palliative care team for their professionalism, and compassion in end of life care, Dr. Langley and Dr. Charlie Butts. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church, Glace Bay on Thursday, October 14th at 2 pm followed by interment in the parish cemetery. Fr. Norman MacPhee presiding. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, Glace Bay. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca