Gary Brian Yates' Obituary
Gary Brian Yates passed away November 1st, 2024. Born October 10th, 1958, to Donald and Geraldine.
A favorite of many, Gary was known for his selfless generosity, outgoing nature, and zest for life. Raised by loving parents, Gary grew up with three brothers and three sisters in Sandy, UT, where he met his best friend and wife, Tauna Lee Hansen. They grew up across the street from one another. The Hansen and Yates families were very close and would often go horseback riding and camping together. The first time Gary met Tauna in grade school, he told his family he knew he was going to marry her.
Growing up, Gary enjoyed running cross country and competing on the wrestling team in high school. He served a fulltime mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Canada, Hallifax Mission, and maintained a lifelong love for the Canadian people and their country. He could regularly be heard describing his mission experience with pride stating, “Many are called but few are frozen.”
Gary loved driving his green 1958 step side Chevy Apache truck named Jake and ended up proposing to Tauna in that truck. They were married June 13, 1981, in the Salt Lake Temple. He was very close with his brothers and sisters and together they had many adventures, laughs, and memories. He looked forward to family reunions and the Yates Extravaganza every year.
Gary had unconditional love for everyone he met. He didn’t have to know you to start a conversation. At the end of it, you knew you had a new friend. He saw the best in people and always left them with a smile. You could always depend on Gary to rescue you in times of need. He frequently stopped to help people who were stranded on the roadside. He always made sure his interactions were positive with others.
Always the teacher, Gary taught his family and friends many life lessons by his inspired words and loving deeds. He was blessed with a unique gift of discernment when helping those around him. He never shirked his responsibilities. He followed our Savior’s example by ministering to the one and was often found visiting and serving others.
Gary gave the best advice; it was even better if you were on a trip with him in the semi. Those therapy sessions in the truck usually started with, “Let’s get you a treat.” More often than not, it was a Nut Roll and Neccos. He wasn’t afraid to have the important conversations that were needed. Gary always took the time to sincerely listen and sought to understand but never made you feel judged.
The cabin was Gary’s happy place. Any spare time he had, Gary could be found there. From helping build the cabin to maintaining it, he always looked forward to spending time there with his family, no matter the season. A favorite activity of his was snowmobiling at the cabin. Each snowmobile outing would start with an enthusiastic, “Let’s Ride!” Gary loved to play pinochle, a Yates family tradition, best played in front of the fire at the cabin. He enjoyed teaching others how to play and there were always plenty of treats on the table to share. He would involve his kids and grandkids in helping with projects around the cabin. Any project was rewarded with a fun adventure afterwards usually involving the zipline, a snowmobile ride, or snow racing.
He enjoyed music and liked to sing songs with his own made-up lyrics. This always brought a smile to everyone’s face. He was famous for singing his unique birthday song with Tauna for family members on their birthday. At Christmas time Gary’s family often requested to have him play his accordion, a talent he shared with his older brother Don.
You couldn’t walk past Gary without receiving a loving hug or a strong handshake with a smile. If any of his grandchildren would sneak past, he would say, “Hey, did you forget something?” and they would come running for a hug. He always gave the best hugs and made you feel important.
Always ready for an adventure, Gary loved to travel and try new things. All it would take was someone to express interest in a vacation and he would say, “when are we gonna go?” He always wanted everyone to join in on his adventures, from scout camps to family vacations, he just wanted everyone to be included and have fun together. Trips always included enjoying great meals and delicious treats along the way. Often while hiking with grandchildren on vacation when more motivation was needed, the promise of a milkshake to anyone who could beat him back to the car did the trick.
Gary and Tauna loved to build projects and create things together for family and friends. Gary was especially skilled with woodworking and would often bring life to the visions Tauna and his family would dream up. The final result always exceeded expectations.
Gary loved his family and spending time with them was his top priority. Gary and Tauna frequently express their love for their five children and spouses, which they consider their own. In addition to being amazing parents, they are incredible grandparents. Nothing brings them more joy than sharing experiences with their 16 grandchildren.
Gary and Tauna built their home in Bluffdale with the purpose of gathering their family together often and that’s exactly what happened. Many family gatherings included football, swimming, and riding scooters around the bike path. The tennis court transformed into a dance hall, pickleball court, and even a fireworks display. The memories made there will never be forgotten.
Gary has always been generous with everything he has, his possessions, his caring advice, his precious time, and his Christlike love. We are all better because of his influence and are eternally grateful for it. He will be missed as our husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Gary would want all to have a smile, enjoy each other’s company, and serve one another as he did countless times. True to Gary’s spirit of adventure, “Let’s Ride!”
We would like to express our deepest appreciation for the love and support from all those who know and love Gary. Please join us in celebrating his life and remembering him. Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 7th, 2024, 10:30 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house located at 14650 S 3200 W, Bluffdale, UT 84065. Viewings will be held Wednesday evening November 6th, from 5:00-7:00 PM and Thursday morning, November 7th from 9:00-10:00 AM prior to the services at the church. Interment will be at Memorial Lake Hills Cemetery, Sandy, UT following the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, please perform an act of service in Gary’s memory.
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