OBITUARY: Robert M. Yaremko, 55, professor of psychology (07/25/99)

OBITUARY

Robert M. Yaremko, 55, professor of psychology

by Bill Loznycky

SAN DIEGO - Robert M. "Kolya" Yaremko, president of the House of Ukraine in San Diego and a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, died on June 18, from complications associated with colon cancer. He was 55.

Prof. Yaremko of Rancho San Diego, Calif., is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Marci, of Point Loma, Calif.; mother, Anna, of La Mesa, Calif.; stepbrother, Robert Malarsky, of Kissimmee, Fla.; sister in-law, Jan Buck, of Vero Beach, Fla.; and cousin, Ron Kepnach, and uncle, Charles Kepnach, of Piscataway, N.J.

Prof. Yaremko was born on December 6, 1943, in Perth Amboy, N.J. He received a B.A. in 1965 from the University of Florida in Gainesville and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University in Athens 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 San Diego State University Psychology Department, where he had been a faculty member for 30 years.

Prof. Yaremko was the newly elected president of the House of Ukraine, one of the international cottages located in Balboa Park, home of the world-famous San Diego Zoo. He actively represented House of Ukraine issues at House of Pacific Relations International Cottages presidents' meetings, as well as cottage delegates' meetings.

Never too tired to lend a helping hand, Prof. Yaremko, along with his wife, could be found with other volunteers at the House of Ukraine preparing varenyky, holubtsi and other Ukrainian ethnic food for the Christmas on the Prado, Food Fair and Ukrainian Festival celebrations.

He was noted for his exemplary work in the past as chairman of the San Diego Ukrainian community's observance of the 65th anniversary of the Great Famine, as well as other significant Ukrainian issues in letters to the heads of state, the U.S. Congress and editors of newspapers.

Prof. Yaremko was a member of the St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Spring Valley, Calif., a former member of the Valle de Oro Planning Group in Rancho San Diego, and an active member of the Cottonwood Homeowner's Association.

He was active in the civil rights and Vietnam War protest efforts. More recently, he had been outspoken on many local political issues and elections.

He enjoyed participating in historical re-enactments as a member of Red Company 1471, a group that portrays a continental military company during 15th century Germany in the period known as the War of the Roses. Along with his wife he was involved also with the House of Scotland International Cottage in Balboa Park.

Funeral services were held on June 26 at the Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary in San Diego. A memorial service was held on the San Diego State University campus with numerous family members, friends and colleagues attending.

A memorial fund is being established in Prof. Yaremko's name to support students in Ukraine who have exemplified the desire and ability to pursue higher education; or an organization or individual whose efforts are geared toward education regarding victims of the artificial famine in Ukraine during the Stalin regime. Donations may be made to: Robert Yaremko Memorial Fund, c/o House of Ukraine, 3801 Centre Street #D, San Diego, CA 92103-3645. Other contributions may 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.

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