With sorrow and fond memories, we announce the passing of Sydney Edgar Yates on June 15, 2011 at Arbor House. He passed away with his family by his side at the age of 93 years. Syd is survived by his loving wife Betty of 63 years; children; Sheila(Stacey), Debbie(Gary), Wendy, Tom, Gary (Jackie), Jennifer (Gord), 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his oldest son Geoffrey in 1960. From a family of 11, he was the last surviving sibling.
He was born on October 17, 1917 in Goodwood, Saskatchewan but moved at the age of 2 to Victoria, BC. He was involved in sports, mainly rugby, softball with a little bit of boxing on the side. He served in the Canadian Forestry Core of the Armed Forces from 1940-1945. He met his wife Betty in Canoe, BC and they were married on January 21, 1948 in the little church in Canoe. They raised their family in Canoe, where Syd was employed for 35 years at Federated Co-op. He was also an alderman on council for 11 years, volunteer fireman and belonged to the Knights of Pythias. He loved to water ski, golf, bowl, curl and coach minor league baseball.
Upon retiring Syd and Betty spent 13 winters in Scottsdale, Arizona. Their summers were spent at their home at Fraser’s Beach with lots of family and friends. He loved to have a good time and often was the centre of entertainment. He was very particular about his appearance and liked his surroundings to be neat and tidy. This carried on to the end of his life. Syd was a good provider, a loving husband an amazing father and a great role model for his family.
A Celebration of Sydney’s life will be held on July 6, 2011 at 11:00 am at Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm. Reception will follow in the mountain side room.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent the Alzheimer’s Society, BC, Suite 300, 828 West 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1E2
Online Condolences can be sent through Syd’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Funeral Arrangements are in the Care of Bowers Funeral Service, Salmon Arm