Hardy Roy Yates

In Loving Memory of Hardy Roy Yates

February 25, 1939 – October 17, 2025

Hardy Roy Yates passed away peacefully on Friday, October 17, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family.

Roy was born on February 25, 1939, in Ketchikan, Alaska, to Signe and Hardy Yates. He grew up in Seattle and was a proud graduate of Ballard High School in 1957 where he played on the football team and made many lifelong friends. He went on to attend the University of Washington, graduating in 1961, and then received a graduate degree from Pacific Coast Banking School.

In December 1960, Roy married the love of his life, Barbara (Beach) Yates, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in love, faith, and family. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on their three daughters, family, friends, travel, faith, and community service.

Roy's chosen profession, which started working for Seafirst Bank (later becoming Bank of America) and then Frontier Bank, was a perfect fit for him. His financial intelligence, outgoing personality and relatability to his clients made him a sought-after banker and financial advisor.

The majority of Roy's career was spent in Everett, Washington, where he became deeply involved in his community. He generously gave his time and leadership to organizations such as the Snohomish County YMCA, the Imagine Children's Museum, Everett Rotary, First Presbyterian Church of Everett, and many others. He taught banking and finance classes at Everett Community College and proudly served for many years as an Everett School Board Member.

Roy and Barbara cherished time with family, often gathering for vacations at Camano Island, Lake Chelan, and Hawaii. They shared a deep love for tennis, travel, and fellowship, forming lasting friendships wherever they went. Roy enjoyed spending time with friends over the years with daily visits to the YMCA, a book club, a weekly coffee group, poker and bridge groups, and church fellowship groups.

Roy was also an enthusiastic sports fan, cheering faithfully for the Mariners, Seahawks, and his beloved Huskies. His children have fond memories of road trips to cheer on the Huskies at several Rose Bowl games. His love of sports was passed on to his grandchildren and he and Barbara made every effort to attend their various games, often sporting the appropriate high school colors and for Roy enjoying snacks from the concession stands.

Roy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Yates, and his granddaughter, Charlotte Lee Norris. He is survived by his brothers Russ Yates (Carleen) and Roger Yates (Kathy), his cousin Richard Berg (Janet), daughters Melissa Yates Norris (Kevin), Kathleen Yates Shubert (Kurt), and Susan Yates Wilson (Brian), and his eight grandchildren: Elizabeth, Nathan, Sophie, Aidan, Bridget, Paige, Daniel, and Meredith.

Roy's daughters would specifically like to thank his wonderful friends and family and their unwavering support to Roy following the death of Barbara. Their visits, cookies, casseroles, flowers, cards, and words of encouragement brought him so much joy and strength.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 21st, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Everett.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Imagine Children's Museum of Everett or the YMCA of Snohomish County, two organizations close to Roy's heart.

Roy will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, devotion to family, faith and community - a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.