ROGER WILLIAM YATES
February 10, 1938 – May 10, 2021
Roger was born on February 10, 1938, in Los Angeles, California and went home to be with Jesus on May 10, 2021. He lived in Los Angeles until he moved to Toluca Lake where he very much enjoyed the Toluca Lake lifestyle. That included delivering items from his dad's hardware store to houses like Bob Hope's, Walt Disney's, and playing with the son of one of the Three Stooges.
His family moved to Hanford where Roger had so many fond memories in the two short years he lived there. When Roger was fourteen years of age, life forever changed for him when his father unexpectedly passed away. The family moved to North Hollywood where he finished high school, joining the Reserve Forces of America when he was a junior and serving for seven years. He began his college career as an accounting major, working his way through college doing multiple jobs. Upon graduation, he was hired by the prestigious accounting firm of Haskins & Sills. He soon learned that sitting at a desk all day by himself did not appeal to him, so he tried other jobs. A highlight in his life was when he moved to Manhattan Beach and enjoyed living with roommates who became lifelong friends. Nightly rituals included body surfing and hanging out on the beach.
Work moved him to Visalia where he was set up on a blind date with Carole. On their first date he told Carole that they were going to get married someday. Carole laughed it off, but was surprised when three short months later he asked her to be his wife. He had several jobs, but he desired to have a job that he truly loved. When he found real estate and moved from selling houses into development and management, he found he could meet new people, tell stories and jokes, all under the guise of work. No real estate dealings; however, could prepare him for the job of raising three girls. Whether it was a dance recital, a play, or a soccer game, Roger was always there cheering them on. As the girls got older, he was able to introduce them to bike riding, snow skiing, and hiking. Family gatherings of holidays and birthdays were a highlight for him.
In 2006, Roger's perseverance and fighting spirit helped him overcome stage four cancer which jump started their retirement years. Carole and Roger had lots of fun taking dance classes, playing games with friends, walking and meeting up with favorite neighborhood dogs. They traveled to new places, and had too many dinners to count with special friends. Roger had a deep faith in Jesus and read the Bible daily. He loved attending First Presbyterian, learning more about Jesus, and making more friends. On the morning of his last day, he told Carole that he was seeing Jesus. Later in the morning he continued to see Jesus and family members who had already passed away. His deep faith influenced his many friends and family.
He will be forever missed by Carole, his wife of fifty three years, his daughters, Heather (Danny), Kelli (Gary), and Sally; grandchildren Elise, Joshua, and Libby, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends who are like family.
Roger never met a stranger and his smile, jokes, stories, and laughter will be forever missed. Although we are saddened and are grieving, we rest assured we will be together again. “The pain that you've been feeling cannot compare to the joy that's coming.” Romans 8:18.
Special thanks to Dr. Cartmell and the staff at CBCC who gave us an extra sixteen years together.
A celebration of Roger's life will be on May 29th at 10:30 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St. in Bakersfield. Roger loved Hawaiian shirts and could often be seen wearing one. You're welcome to dress Hawaiian, if you wish, in honor of him. Masks and social distancing are requested. You're welcome to wear a Hawaiian shirt, if you wish, in honor of him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Bakersfield.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/10192126