†
In memory of
|
R.M. 'Kolya' Yaremko
December 6, 1943 - June 18, 1999
San Diego State University psychology professor R.M. 'Kolya' Yaremko, of Rancho San Diego died Friday evening from complications associated with colon cancer. He was 55. He is survived by his wife Carol of 33 years, daughter Marci of Point Loma, mother Anna of La Mesa, stepbrother Robert Malarsky of Kissimmee, FL, sister in-law Jan Buck of Vero Beach, FL cousin Ron Kepnach of Piscataway, NJ and uncle Charles Kepnach of Piscataway, NJ.
|
| Kolya pictured here with wife Carol (l) and daughter Marci (r). |
Yaremko was serving as president of the House of Ukraine, one of the international cottages affiliated with the House of Pacific Relations in Balboa Park at the time of his death. He was formerly a member of the Valle de Oro Planning Group in Rancho San Diego, and was an involved member of the Cottonwood Homeowners' Association. Kolya Yaremko was also a member of the Shevchenko Scientific Society based in New York, and an actively involved member of St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Visitation will be available at the Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary in San Diego on Friday, June 25 from 4-9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. evening service in the Garden Chapel. Funeral services will be held in the Greenwood Garden Chapel at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 26, followed by a Memorial service in the Casa Real Room of Aztec Center on the San Diego State University campus.
Yaremko received his Bachelor Of Arts degree in 1965 from University of Florida in Gainesville and his Ph.D. from Ohio University in Athens, OH in 1969. He published a textbook and many journal articles in the field of experimental psychology. He also served as chairperson of the Graduate Research Committee in the SDSU psychology Department where he had been a faculty member for 30 years.
Born in Perth Amboy, NJ, Yaremko was always a champion of the underdog, and was active in both the Civil rights and Viet Nam War protest efforts. More recently, he has been outspoken on many local political issues and elections, including opposition of the SDSU billboard along I-8, the city of San Diego's 'toilet-to-tap' proposal, and many local development plans.
He enjoyed participating in historical re-enactments as a member of Red Company 1471, a group which portrays a continental military company during 15th Century Germany in the period of history known as War of the Roses. He was also involved with the House of Scotland in Balboa Park.
|
| House of Ukraine in Balboa Park. See the REPORT on the opening of the House in August, 1998. |
A memorial fund is being established in his name, dedicated to support students in Ukraine who have exemplified desire and ability to pursue higher education; or an organization or individual who's efforts are geared at education regarding victims of the artificial famine in Ukraine during Stalin's occupation in the 1930's. Donations can be made to the "House of Ukraine-Yaremko Fund" and mailed to House of Ukraine c/o Darlene Edgar, 3801 Centre St #D, San Diego, CA 92103. Other contributions can be made in his name to The Fellowship Center, 737 E. Grand Ave., Escondido, CA 92025, or the American Cancer Society, 8365 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91941.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kolya Yaremenko. We remember him with fondness and great appreciation for all his efforts on behalf of the Ukrainian community.
Vichna jomu pamiat'
BRAMA - Gateway Ukraine