F.W. “Bill” Yates, beloved husband of Delores (Toody) for 59 years and loving father of three sons Bob (Tish) of Calgary, Tom (Dawn) of Calgary, Gary (Shelley) of Bow Island and one daughter Nancy (Nyle) Starner of Bow Island, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2009 after a short but courageous battle with cancer at the age of 79 years.
He also leaves to cherish his memory grandchildren Derek (Maria) Yates, Robert (Stephanie) Starner, Jody (Jaime) Starner, Cummins (Melissa) Starner, Morgan Starner, Kelsey Starner, Travis Yates, Jamey Yates, Breanne Yates, Cassandra (Ryan) Kielstra, Larissa Elliott (Deven Collins); great grandchildren Shailyn and Kayla Yates; Jaxson, Parker and Presley Starner; Alexa, Cash and Zane Kielstra; sister Patricia (Mick) Brooks; brothers Tom (Midge) Yates and Richard Yates; brother-in-law Don (Betty) Ostby.
He was predeceased by a son James Yates; grandson Blake Elliott and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Delrose & Charles Bell.
Bill was born on March 14, 1929 at Lethbridge. He started work at a young age driving transport truck for Alberta/Montana Truck Lines, eventually purchasing his own truck, hauling asphalt and gravel. During this time he met and married the love of his life Delores Ostby on July 15, 1949. In the fall of 1952 Bill and Delores started Royal Sand & Gravel Ltd. which became a thriving business for fifty two years. During the early years of the company, his brother Tom and brother-in-law Don helped Bill in many ways doing extras that he greatly appreciated and never forgot. Over the years they employed many people who became lifelong friends as well as his family and especially Gary who later became their partner, working with Bill for over thirty years. Gary says that Bill was not only his bestman but his best friend as well. Bill dealt with numerous companies and local businesses for many years. His hobby was his love for work. As Bill said, “Remember boys, there’s always twenty four hours in a day for work.” In 1990 farmland was purchased and Bill enjoyed getting back to farming as he was raised on a farm at Aden. In the last few years he found this a relaxing way to enjoy his retirement. Bill was greatly loved by his family with whom he spent many hours watching various activities. He always had interesting stories of past days all of which the grandkids loved to hear. Bill and Toody loved to have their family join them at their cabin in Elkwater. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church, 139 - 2 Avenue West, Bow Island on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Sheila McLeod officiating. A private family burial to follow at the Bow Island Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bill’s name may be made directly to the Bow Island Health Centre, Bag 3990, Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0.

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Christopher “Beans” Edwin Masanari Yokoyama, beloved son of Rod & Denise Yokoyama of Taber, passed away unexpectedly near Taber on Friday, December 12, 2008 at the age of 17 years.
Besides his loving parents Rod & Denise, he is survived by his brothers Stephen (special friend Sarah King) and Derrick; his sister and best friend Aniko. He is also survived by his grandparents Roy & Carolee Haynes of Taber and Roy & Joyce Yokoyama of Brooks; aunts, uncles and cousins Brenda (Bud) Mickelberry of Taber and their son Cameron; Sheldon (Tracie) Haynes of Bentley and their children Chantelle, Brittany and Alisha; Arlene (John) Geeraert of Taber and their children Ryan (Ashley) Geeraert (their children Colton and Maggie), Kristina, Mitchell and Carter; Leonard (Kelly) Haynes of Taber and their children Justine (Kyle Bice), Josh and Jarred; Monica Haynes (Larry Burton) of Taber and her children Trinity and Gunner; Barry (Susan) Yokoyama of Brooks and their children Evan and Bryce; Lori (Chris) Red Gun of Gem and their children Jacob, Morgan and Josh.
Chris was born in Lethbridge on April 26, 1991. His family moved to Taber in 1996 where they continue to reside. He was known as “Beans” since grade six and many people just knew him by that name alone. Chris attended school at Dr. Hamman, D.A. Ferguson, Barnwell and was in grade twelve at W.R. Myers High School. Chris had previously worked at Tim Horton’s and McDonald’s. At the time of his passing he was working at Hostess Frito Lay and he enjoyed the people he worked with. Chris enjoyed spending time with both family and friends and would always take the time to be there for those that needed him. Beans was a light who brought smiles to all he seen. He was always smiling and giving hugs and saying “I love you” to all. He was kind to all at school and was known for his good sense of humor.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and also prior to the funeral service on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. with Bishop Mark Baldry conducting. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Chris’ name may be made directly to Taber Hospital Foundation, 4326 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9.

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