R. Graham Yates
May 31, 2015
1924 – 2015
Peacefully with his family by his side at Parkwood Institute, London, on Sunday, May 31, 2015 in his 91st year. Beloved husband of 61 years to the late Reva Eileen Yates (2011). Loving father of Bob Yates, Brian Yates, Barb Glover (Al), and Bev vanderHeide (Rick). Cherished grandfather of Adam, Lauren, Kelly, Acasia, Sarah, Chelsea and Matthew. Dear brother of George and Don, and his sister Mary Meadus. Predeceased by his parents Raymond and Pearle, his brother Gordon and sister Norma Iley. Graham was born at home in East York on December 23, 1924. He attended East York Collegiate. Summers were spent at the Yates family homestead in Port Union on Lake Ontario. In 1943, Graham joined the Royal Canadian Navy and trained as a Radio Artificer. He served in World War II (1943-46) in Halifax and Gaspé. He attended the University of Toronto and earned his B.A.Sc. in Electrical Engineering. Graham and Reva married in 1949 and they relocated to London, Ontario, where he worked as a Professional Engineer with Ontario Hydro for 33 years as the Distribution Engineer for the Western Ontario region. Graham retired in 1982 and enjoyed traveling to Europe with his wife Reva. They had a summer home in Seaforth, Ontario where he continued to enjoy gardening, nature and woodworking. Thank you to the staff of 3 Essex for your loving care. A special thank you to Chaplain Katherine Spannemann for your support of Graham and Reva. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the funeral service will be conducted on Friday, June 5, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Woodland Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Graham are asked to consider the Canadian Diabetes Association or Veterans Care at Parkwood Institute.
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Am a former back fence neighbour to the Yates family in the 1930's to 1950's when they lived on Greenwood Avenue in Toronto. As Graham was the oldest child, I did not know him as well as George, Gordon and Don, but respected him for his consideration of a younger kid like me. Very sorry to hear about his passing, but he did enjoy a long and accomplished life. My sincere condolences to the Yates family. Will not be able to attend the visitation or funeral service in London this Thursday and Friday. As I have lost track of George and Don, would one or both of them please contact me at (416) 922-9387. My home address is: 4 Deer Park Crescent, Apt. 12A, Toronto M4V 2C3 near Yonge and St. Clair West.
Sorry for your loss.
So, so sorry to hear of your dad's passing Rick and Bev. May you find true peace in Him who has loved you first!
So sorry for your loss, it was a pleasure caring for your Dad and getting to know all of you. He was such a gentle, kind man. Dorothy
Sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Graham. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Liz & Kevin & family
DEEP CONDOLENCES ARE BEING SENT YOUR WAY FROM ME. BRENDA BECK (YATES). GEORGE YATES HAS INFORMED ME THAT GRAHAM HAD A RATHER PEACEFUL PASSING. SURROUNDED BY FAMILY. AN ANECDOTE OF MY RERMEMBERING GRAHAM. WORLD WAR TWO. I WAS TEN YEARS OLD I BELIEVE. HAD HAD A TIFF WITH MY OLDER SISTER ( ALSO PASSED ON, GRETA SPILSBURY), I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF TO “RUN AWAY FROM HOMR. AT THE CORNER OF MY STREET I BUMPED INTO A SAILOR. WE IMMEDIATELY RECOGNIZED ONE ANOTHER. HANDSOME SAILOR GRAHAM YATES. HE THOUGHT HE COULD HELP ME FIND MY WAY BACK TO MY MOTHER, HE HELD MY HAMD ANI BEGAN HOPPING AND SKIPPING HOME , PROUDLY SHOUTING , “MOM HERE’S GRAHAM FROM AUNT PEARLES FAMILY” HE FOUND ME. MAY PEACE BE IN YOUR HEART ON THIS DAY. SINCERELY, BRENDA BECK
(Donated to Veterans Care at Parkwood Institute)
(Donated to Veterans Care at Parkwood Institute)
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My condolences Bev to you and your family! Charles
~ Charles Nelson