April 20, 1945 - May 26, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edgar Jacob Istchenko (Ed, E.J.) on May 26th, 2025 in Whitehorse, Yukon at the age of 80.
Ed is survived by his wife Rhoda; children Harmony, Wade (Donna) and Heidi; grandchildren Elijah (Elizabeth), Josh (Mats'äsäna Mą), Taryn and Jack; great grandchildren Nina, Jethro and Mira; sisters Irma (Wayne), Luise (Wes) and brothers Alex (Marg), Victor (Muffy) and Wally (Catherine). He is predeceased by his parents Alex and Else and brothers in law Wayne and Wes.
Ed was born in St. Johann, Austria on April 20, 1945, while the family was on the run during the war from what was then Russian Crimea. These were incredibly hard times, as were many of their first years in Canada. The entire family worked hard and contributed, and as the oldest, Ed was also responsible for the care of his siblings. He stayed very protective of them, especially 'the girls', as he always called his sisters. After graduating high school he chose to forego university and instead boarded an ocean liner and sailed to Europe. He travelled the continent extensively, working along the way as a gardener at the Queen of Sheba Hotel in Israel, playing an extra in the movie "The Battle of Algiers", picking fruit in orchards in France, and as a rider exercising racing thoroughbreds at a stable in Austria. He arrived in the Yukon in 1966, eventually going to work for the Department of Highways, a job he truly enjoyed, especially working on the Haines Road. Ed married the love of his life, Rhoda, in 1974 and they settled in Haines Junction to raise their family. In addition to his highways job, he spent time working in the family store and, like many Yukoners, succumbed to gold fever, staking claims on Kimberley Creek, where, along with family and friends, he spent many summers. Ed retired from Highways after 32 years, after which he and Rhoda spent many years wintering in Mexico. He loved all that Mexico had to offer - basking in the sun, learning Spanish and making good friends.
Ed was strong willed and stubborn but he was also a man of integrity and honesty. He had a big heart and a good sense of humour. He loved conversation and could often be found visiting with people in the Superstore or Canadian Tire parking lot, coffee cup and cigarette in hand. He had a quest for knowledge and could converse on many topics. Ed loved music - many may remember him singing and playing guitar. His iPod was always on his hip and his playlist was long and epic.
In 2023, Ed had a stroke which changed his life drastically, requiring full time care in the Copper Ridge Place care home. While he accepted his situation stoically and without bitterness, he missed going to Mexico and attending the annual fishing derby with his son Wade. He also loved unreservedly many dogs in his lifetime and very much missed having the constant companionship of Tippy, the last of his many 'best' friends over the years. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength, and full of love for those who stood with him. He will be missed dearly.
We ask that you remember him, not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived and the impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, Ed asked that donations be made to the Department of Highways to help fix the roads or in his name to Copper Ridge Place.
The family would like to thank the Doctor and Staff of Copper Ridge Place for the excellent care. Their efforts to make Ed's life as independent as possible meant the world to him and to us.
A celebration of life will be announced later.