Gailand Arthur Yates

YATES, Gailand “Pappy” (age 96) –Entered into rest on May 31st, 2013, Gailand was born in Kearny, Nebraska on Sept 25, 1916. His family moved to Western CO, where Gailand grew up. During his early and late teens he worked in CO & WY as a laborer and with the CCC’s. When WWII broke out, he joined the Navy and served in the South Pacific. After the war, he moved to Kent, WA, later joining his family in Eastern WA. It was here he met his future wife, a transplant from Minnesota, Hilda Minderman. Gailand and Hilda married in Spokane and raisied six boys and one girl. He worked at The Armour Meat Packing Plant for 20 yrs, then for BNRR until he finally retired. He loved to garden, pick huckleberries and spend time with family. He especially enjoyed the time he had with grandkids and great-grandkids. In 1992, Hilda passed away, and later that year, he married his second wife, Alta. They were together until her death in 2003. When his health no longer allowed him to live on his own, he moved to Riverview Retirement Center where he spent his final days. He was honored to be part of “The Honor Flight Program” this recent fall. Gailand was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, two sisters, and one granddaughter. Survivors include: his children, Roy, Duane, Darlene, Ray, Kevin, Kenny, and Dale; one son-in-law, Pat; one daughter-in-law, Dee; a sister-in-law, Luella Wick of Minnesota; also by Alta’s children, Bonnie & Bud, Sharon, Allen & Nancy, Diane and their extended family. Viewing will be held at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME, 4305 N Division St., between the hours of 9 AM and 8 PM on Thursday and Friday, June 6 & 7. Funeral will be held at Colbert Chapel, 4922 E Bernhill Rd., Colbert, WA, on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 12 Noon, reception following. At 4:00 PM, interment with military honors will be at Fairmount Memorial Park Cemetery, Pastor Marty Hall officiating. Memorials may be made to Colbert Chapel or to The Honor Flight Program. A sincere thank you to Doctor, Nurses and the Staff of Riverview Terrace, who made his final days comfortable.