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ROBERT YATES Obituary

ROBERT E. YATES - SPRING BRANCH, Texas - Robert E. "Bob" Yates Jr. passed away April 16, 2013, at his home in Spring Branch, Texas. He was born on Nov. 20, 1938, in East Montpelier to parents, Robert E. Yates Sr. and Beatrice (Broe) Yates. Bob was a graduate of Montpelier High School Class of '56. He later graduated from Syracuse University in 1960 playing on the 1959 Collegiate National Championship Orangemen football team. Bob was named First Team All-American in recognition of his gritty play. Following the Orangemen's 23-14 victory in the 1960 Cotton Bowl, Yates was married to first wife, Sarah (Morrison) Yates on Jan. 2, 1960. Yates played pro-ball for the then AFL Boston Patriots from 1960 to 1965. Following his professional career, he coached and taught at the high school and collegiate levels. In 1979, he returned to his native Vermont to coach the Burlington High School Seahorse football team, which he transformed from a winless program to a state title runner up in 1987. This past fall, Bob was inducted into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame's Inaugural Class. He is survived by the three sons of his first marriage, Scott Yates (wife, Sharon) of Austin, Texas, Tim Yates of Verdi, Nev., and Steve Yates (wife, Jessika) of Monkton; sister, Nancy Anderson of Berlin; brother, Paul Anderson of Antrim, N.H.; second wife, Fay Farrar Yates; and stepdaughters, Rena Baisden and Ruth Kupcha. He is also survived by grandchildren, Tory Yates of Colorado Springs, Colo., Conor Yates of Austin, Texas, and Orion Yates of Monkton. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert E. Yates Sr. and Beatrice (Broe) Yates; and brother, Mike Yates. A Vermont Remembrance Service will be held at The Old Meeting House in East Montpelier Center at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2013. The Old Meeting House is located at 1620 Center Rd., East Montpelier. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the Parsonage. Interment will be at the Doty Cemetery in East Montpelier.

Published by The Burlington Free Press on May 15, 2013.
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To Bob's family, esp. Nancy, who is a long-time friend and former MHS classmate (a couple or so yrs behind me)of mine. My father, Gray Coane, was one of Bob "Itchy" Yates' coaches at Montpelier High School. No question that Bob/Itchy was one of, if not the, best athletes to come out of MHS. He was a legend and, of course, Montpelier was so excited when he became a pro player with the Boston Patriots and we'd hope to see him in a game on TV. I was 9 yrs younger that Bob and closer to his late brother, Mike/"Scatchy", with whom I played music. Mike was also a good athlete at MHS. Further, their mother, Bea, was quite a gal herself. I am sad that Bob has passed on - truly one of the best all the way around, not just as an athlete. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend his Memorial out at the old East Montp. Meeting House on 5/18, but, again, my thoughts & condolences to his family. I see a couple of Bob's old classmates, whose names I recognize, have written in. RIP Bob - you will always be well remembered.

Danny Coane

May 29, 2013

You were a great Track coach too,you helped me win state in shot put and discus and 4 th in New England , I will cherish those memories for ever you were loved and will be missed by many and my heart goes out to your family ,BHS class of 1983

Cindy Parent - Krogg

May 24, 2013

My sincere condolences to Bob's family. May Bob rest in peace.

Walt Hall

May 24, 2013

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Angela

May 17, 2013

The greatest athlete in the MHS class of 1956.Bob or "itchy" as he was known was a gentle giant except during competitive battles. He was a great classmate & friend. We enjoyed getting together for all the class reunions. Itch you will be missed. Our thoughts go out to his family.
George Roop

May 16, 2013

God Bless. Thankyou for teaching me about football all those years ago in school. Rest in peace Coach

Carrie Root

May 16, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Joan Blondin

May 16, 2013

Bob: Your big heart fit your big body. We who attended MHS with you and had the privilege of playing football with you are very proud of you, your sportsmanship, excellent work effort, and your friendship. You are very much missed. Dave Sierra, MHS Class of '56.

May 15, 2013

Steve, the best to you and your family. I remember the years well ---the football years at BHS. It was a great time in our lives. Sorry to hear about your dad. I would be at the service, but I will be in Washington DC this weekend. Take care.
Bob Belisle

Bob Belisle

May 15, 2013

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