Oscar "Oscar Y" Yanes

Julio Oscar Yanes Febles was a wonderful man who touched the hearts of those whom he met. Oscar was born in “La Hacienda La Urbina” in Venezuela on July 30, 1939, the second of nine children. His parents, Angel and Pancha , originally from the Canary Islands in Spain, had raised their large family in a modest home in Venezuela, with strong family values, a deep sense of community, love for God, and compassion for others.

At 17, believing that his calling was to the priesthood, Oscar began studying at a seminary.  However soon after, he met his future wife Luisa while she was recovering from a long illness at a hospital where he was working as volunteer. From the moment they met, they fell completely in love so Oscar decided that he would have to serve God and humanity in a different way. Instead, he studied sociology at the Central University in Venezuela (UCV) and dedicated his early years to political activities, and promoting social programs for communities based on a new methodology that he had developed. He wrote books and worked as a diplomatic in almost every country in Latin-America. He was even invited to England to present his books and concepts related to community education.

Oscar was often compared with “Don Quijote de la Mancha”, idealistic, always seeing the positive in life, day dreaming about peace, justice, compassion and deeply in love with Dulcinea – (Luisa), who in reality was more like Sancho Pansa.

Oscar married the most beautiful woman in the world. Luisa was a physician who dedicated her life to serve children and to those in need. Together, they served their community throughout their lives. Luisa was predeceased in 2002.

Oscar was a professor at the Catholic University of Andres Bello (UCAB) in Caracas and worked for many years at the Ministry of Education. Later in life, he invested his energy to a family company involved in arts and crafts called “Oyanesf” .This family owned company had two main objectives: to promote Venezuelan culture through crafts made in terracotta and to provide self-sustained economy options for new entrepreneurs with little education and financial resources.

Oscar was the father of Maria Fernanda his only daughter. He loved her dearly and taught her everything he could with patience, dedication and compassion. Oscar’s last year was focused on family, specially his grandchildren Roberto Ignacio and Ana Sofia. Oscar loved his grandchildren more than life itself. He played, cooked, sang, cried, read with them through out their lives.

Oscar had passion for art, music, painting, good food and company, and deep profound conversations. He loved to dance and care for his plants. 

He was known for being a gentleman. He was always sharply dressed and ready for new adventures. He would always put a smile in people’s face and offered support and love if needed.

Oscar brought only joy and blessing for those whom he met.

If there is to be a theme for his funeral, it should be about the beauty in life, the joy of family values, the hope for a better society and social commitment for all. He used to tell his wife “I only want to see your eyes smile, and don’t want you to be afraid of life”.

Oscar passed peacefully on December 1, 2018, at the age of 79, at Bow Crest Centre in Calgary, Canada where dedicated and compassionate staff took wonderful care of him to the last minute. He was also accompanied by his daughter who was praying the rosary.

Oscar was a man with a happy spirit who was always thankful for life.  We ask that in his memory, that happy colors are worn to remember him during his services.

In lieu of flowers, Maria (Mafe), Roberto and Ana ask that you make your donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society

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