Joseph Yurkanin (March 20, 1950 - March 25, 2025)

Joseph Edward Yurkanin ("JY") returned to Ke Akua on March 25, 2025. He turned 75 a few days beforehand, and we celebrate his incredibly full, wonderful life. Joe's wife of 45 years, Bonnie Yurkanin, daughters Joël and Alana, son-in-law Michael Bohan and grandson Finn join in thanking our community for the outpouring of love at this time. Joe was born in Santa Monica on March 20, 1950 and raised in Redondo Beach, California. He became an avid surfer and board shaper for Bing Surfboards in his early years. He came to Hawai'i on a surf trip in '68 at just 18 years old and Maui embraced JY, becoming his forever home. Joe is a true Pisces, a waterman in every sense of the word. He worked as a fisherman and boat captain out of Ma'alaea since the early '70's until his retirement in 2022. Within that community, he was instrumental in involving local, inter-island captains and boats in the Hawai'i International Billfish Tournament in Kona, started by Peter Fithian. He is loved and respected by many for being a man of his word, a generous mentor, and a steadfast presence on and off the water. He loved the ocean, his life, his family and friends. A celebration of life will be held in a few months, date to be determined. Aloha 'oe and imua JY!