Obituary of Denise Susan Legebokoff
It is with great sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of Denise Susan Legebokoff, beloved daughter of Peter Legebokoff and Janice Wagner, on June 14, 2025, at Yorkton, Saskatchewan, just 30 days after attaining her 65th birthday. Born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Denise came to Yorkton in 1962 with her family where she first went to school at Angus Spice.
Involved in figure skating at an early age Denise achieved levels of expertise to Silver and beyond, and by the time of her graduation from the YRHS she was in great demand as a figure skating coach and ice carnival organizer serving a number of smaller communities in our region.
Denise left Yorkton to study Retail Merchandising at Olds College in Alberta and following her graduation from there she worked in the Retail and Hospitality Industries in the Edmonton area. Upon her return to Yorkton in the late 80s, Denise enrolled in the Psychiatric Nursing Program, following in the footsteps of her parents.
In 1992 upon graduation from SIAST and registration in the professional association, RPNA, she worked in the Prince Albert facilities, notably the women’s provincial jail.
Seizing on a career advancement opportunity, she moved to La Ronge where mental health services were still in their infancy. Whereas many people try out jobs in “the North” as it is referred to, many leave early, but Denise came and stayed for more than 25 years!
Here she brought the latest concepts and strategies as practised in the South and introduced home visiting for medication administration, counselling and follow up treatment, procedures largely unheard of there. Travel to remote clinics in Northern Saskatchewan became a routine. During this time Denise earned a Diploma in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing from Douglas College in Alberta by way of their Remote Learning program (2006).
Of the numerous certificates she received for ongoing education and services provided, prominent is the one for her contribution to the healing and recovery effort in the wake of the La Loche shooting tragedy (2016-2017). Her final recognition came in 2017 for 25 years of service in the Churchill River Health Region. Soon after she had to wind down her career, with the advent of health issues which would plague her for the rest of her life. Severing ties with 25 years of lakeside country living on Lac LaRonge was difficult but compelling and so it came to pass that her last five years were spent back in Yorkton where she pursued her passions of gardening, home décor and caring for her two elderly small rescue dogs.
Returning after all those years was made easier by the reunion with of a small group of friends from “back in the day”. Their friendship and support was priceless, often throughout periods of great discomfort and inconvenience.
Predeceased by her partner Dave Glass (2020), George Bagley (2022), Bryan Bagley (2024) and Ivan Koch (2025). Left to mourn Denise’s passing are her parents, Peter Legebokoff and Janice Wagner, son Chad (Lisa) Legebokoff , brother Bart Legebokoff, niece Rowan Legebokoff, and nephew Kyle Ferry, granddaughters Sierra and Brynn Legebokoff, and special loved ones and supporters Brenda Bagley (Brian Legebokoff), Joyce Bagley, Dolores Legebokoff, Lindsay Oberg, Arlene Smorodin, Wilf and (Doris) Wagner, Rod (Cheryl) Wagner, Sheila Wagner, Cassie Rogoski (nee Popoff), Diane Legebokoff and other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held on Monday July 7, 2025 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Certified Celebrant Crystal Bailey officiating. Musical selections included, ‘In the Garden’, ‘May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You’, and ‘I’ll Fly Away’. Rowan Legebokoff, Bart Legebokoff, Brian Legebokoff, Brogan Legebokoff, Brynn Legebokoff, and Sierra Legebokoff served as casket Bearers.
Interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the SPCA, 79 7th Avenue South, Yorkton, Saskatchewan S3N 3V1, as gifts of remembrance.
