Obituary - Thomas Yates
Thomas Yates
1932 - 2023
"Tom"
The family of Thomas Harold Yates are sad to announce his passing at the Bow Island Health Centre on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the age of 90 years. Tom leaves behind his children, Russel (Rochelle) Yates, Pat McCray, Shelly Lambert and Murray (Jayne) Yates; grandchildren, Bailey McCray, Miles McCray, Kaelin Lambert, Clayton Yates and Rohdy Yates as well as his great-granddaughter Mekah McCray. Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife, Midge in 2009; son-in-law, Scott McCray; parents, Harold and Ethel Yates; sister, Pat (Mick) Brooks; brothers, Bill (Toody) Yates and Richard Yates as well as all of Midge’s siblings. Tom started trucking in 1952, hauling gravel for his brother, who owned Royal Sand & Gravel in Bow Island. The following year, Tom bought his own truck and leased it to his brother, hauling gravel for roads. In 1970, Tom briefly hauled freight between Alberta, and Vancouver, British Columbia but soon went into hauling crude oil in Southeastern Alberta. He moved his operation to Lethbridge in 1985. In 2012, at the age of 80, Tom gave up his Class 1 driver’s license but still has two trucks that haul crude oil (one driven by his son Russel). A Celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Murray Jaster officiating. Tom’s service will be live-streamed. Those unable to attend who wish to experience the celebration may visit our website and selecting the View Broadcast Button on the home page at service time. Memorial donations in Tom’s name may be made directly to the Bow Island and District Health Foundation, c/o Bag 3990, Bow Island, Alberta, ToK 0G0.
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Janelle Adams:
Mar 01, 2023 at 09:08 AM
I am so sorry to hear of Thomas' passing. I will miss our late night chats. My deepest sympathy.
Dave & Vicki Neilson:
Mar 01, 2023 at 10:06 AM
Russell, sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Our condolences to you & family.
Jacquie & Terry Doran:
Mar 01, 2023 at 12:43 PM
To Tom’s Family,
Our sympathy to you all with the loss of Tom. He had a long life, well lived. Take care.
Dave & Karen Smith:
Mar 01, 2023 at 04:41 PM
Condolences to the family of Tom. Are thoughts are with you. Hugs.
Darcee Jean Gundlock:
Mar 02, 2023 at 01:24 AM
Our deepest condolences to the family - Phyllis and Darcee Jean Gundlock
Valerie Knapik:
Mar 02, 2023 at 01:15 PM
So sorry for your loss Russell. May it comfort you to know that you were such a good son and your dad knows how much you love him.
Karen Wachtler (Ostby):
Mar 03, 2023 at 12:27 AM
I’m so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Cherish all the memories you had with him. Thinking of all of you in your time of loss.
Karen Wachtler (Ostby)
Clayton Tabish:
Mar 03, 2023 at 10:07 PM
Our saddest condolences on your loss from Tab's Oilfield Operators. Larry and Clayton Tabish
Barb & Bob Cole:
Mar 04, 2023 at 10:20 AM
Sorry to read about Tom‘s passing in the Lethbridge Herald today. We are in the United States, but we want you to know we’re thinking of your whole family today as you celebrate Tom’s life. He lived a long time without his love, Midge. He was a gentle, friendly soul and neighbour that we all came to know in Eagle Place. Please accept our sympathies.
Val (Leach) MacNiven:
Mar 04, 2023 at 05:28 PM
My condolences to the family.
I remember cousin Tom and his wife, Midge visiting with my Mom, Hilda (Berryhill) Leach, and her parents, James & Monica (Brewin) Berryhill at the farm on Rollings Lake Road in Lumby B.C.
Harry Korthuis:
Mar 04, 2023 at 08:12 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. It was always a pleasure to run into Tom at the coffee shop. He always had a good story to tell. And always took the time to have a visit. Rest in peace Tom.
David Riehl:
Mar 04, 2023 at 10:25 PM
Deepest condolences are sent to everyone. It was a privilege and an honor to have coffee and discuss all topics with Tom on numerous occasions. He was an incredible man and will be missed by many. May God be beside you all during this difficult time.
Brian Kerner:
Mar 06, 2023 at 09:58 AM
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I have great memories of him as I grew up.
Margery Ensminger:
Mar 08, 2023 at 12:24 AM
Sorry for the loss of Tom: he did have a long life journey and you will all miss him.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.