Fred Punko

It is with great sadness and heartache to announce the passing of our dad, grandfather, uncle and friend to many, FRED PUNKO. Fred passed away on April 4, 2025 at Burnaby Hospital, in the same room as his wife Lavern, who passed away in June 2010.

Born in the East End of Vancouver, in a house on Hawkes Avenue, Fred was raised by his parents Anastasia Perensoff and Conrad Punko along with older brother Joe. They moved to Capitol Hill in Burnaby where Fred attended school. During his childhood, Fred would ride horses to Burnaby Lake and hang out at his friend's mink farm. When he was older, (and most likely still underage) he would take the streetcar into Vancouver wearing his 'Zoot Suit' to visit the clubs for live jazz, the stories were endless.

He “left” home at 17 when the logging boom hit the Queen Charlotte Islands and logged throughout BC, including Prince George, Port Hardy and Alert Bay. He always had a love of the outdoors. While tending bar at The Fraser Arms Hotel he met a buddy who introduced him to the elevator trade where he worked for the next 25 years with Local 82, meeting lifelong friends and “brothers”.

He met our mom, Laverne Rose Yarroway, on a double date. They married and were together for 63 years, living in the same East Vancouver house for 60 years. Tears of sorrow will now give way to tears of joy knowing that our dear mom, Lavern, will receive him with outstretched arms to reunite once again, for eternity, in the great bye and bye.

He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, especially his family. Kelli and Mark, and grandkids Alexis, Danica and Reid. John and Candice and grandkids Mackenzie and Mason. Steve and Joanne.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation in his name to your local SPCA as he always had a soft spot in his heart for animals or to your local Youth Soccer Team as he always had a lifelong love for playing the game.

Service Announcement

A celebration will be held on May 24, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the family home in the old neighbourhood. Please join family, friends and neighbours to share stories, laughter and memories of Fred. Together we will celebrate the legacy of a remarkable man who touched the lives of so many.