Marko Yurkovich

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Marko Yurkovich in Jordanovac Hospital in Zagreb, Croatia on October 4th 2025. He had been vacationing in his favourite country, Croatia, with his partner, Mo and family when he passed away.

Marko was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2022 which he fought with relentless courage and a positive outlook. He underwent multiple rounds of chemo, surgeries, clinical trials, and experimental procedures that extended his life far beyond his original prognosis. In addition, he turned his fight into a purpose. He became a voice for young adults facing early age onset cancer, proving that advocacy, research, advanced therapeutics, and hope can change outcomes.

Dr. Yurkovich made his life in Vancouver where he completed his undergraduate science degree and attended medical school at the University of British Columbia. Marko found his true calling as a family physician and started practicing in the Downtown and West End neighbourhoods in 2016. Marko went on to open his own clinic, Genetica Medical and Wellness where he practiced family and obesity medicine in Vancouver. He was on the faculty of UBC Medicine as well as multiple committees on delivery of primary care where he helped drive the changes that improved patients’ lives.

As a teenager Marko was keen on both geography and languages. His interest in the bigger world led him to travel extensively, soaking in the sun and culture of many countries, and picking up fluency in four languages along the way. His first love was the home of his ancestors, Croatia, which he visited many times. He loved to cook Croatian dishes using the freshest ingredients from his own well tended garden and sharing his food with family and friends in the lush surroundings of his West End oasis. He loved to run with his best dog friend, Amira, and ski in the winter. Most of all, he loved spending time with friends and family, preferably on a beach.

To those who knew him as a physician, a teacher, and a friend, Marko embodied strength, generosity, kindness, and grace. He taught us to live fully, love deeply, and never stop learning. He made every room brighter, every conversation meaningful, and every challenge worth facing. To his family and close friends, we lost someone always willing to help, no matter what the hour, putting his loved ones first, even when he was busy, and doing so with humour, intelligence, and love. As heartbroken as we are by his passing, we are equally inspired by his life. He was a gift to all who knew and loved him.

Marko is survived by his partner, Mo Samie, his constant, unwavering supporter, advocate and loving partner in life and at work, who kept Marko smiling through the worst of times. As well, his parents, Gary (Tina Kam) and Karen (Bill Miloglav) Yurkovich, and his sister, Anna Yurkovich. He will be mourned by his loving great aunt and uncle (stric and strina), Dr Tony and Nancy Yurkovich, his aunts (tetka) Donna Yurkovich, Kathleen (Parthi) Yurkovich, Nancy Terenzek, and uncle Randy Reinsch. He will be dearly missed by all his cousins from both sides of his family. Marko was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Bob and Phyllis Yurkovich, and Bert and Joyce Reinsch.

The brilliant life and light that was our Marko will continue to shine through the Marko Yurkovich Colorectal Foundation, established in honour of his mission to raise awareness, drive research, provide support, and advocate for patients with early age onset colorectal cancer. His vision for better access and care will live on through this work and through the people he inspired.

A private memorial service will be held in November and per Marko’s request, a Celebration of Life will be held in the sun next summer.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Marko’s personal legacy, the Marko Yurkovich Colorectal Cancer Foundation: www.mycrcfoundation.com

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