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KURT YAEGER Obituary

RIVERSIDE KURT E. YAEGER Kurt passed away at Loma Linda University Medical Center on November 10, 2009, following a three-year battle with cancer at the age of 53. He is survived by his wife, Andrea, daughters Jacqueline and Elizabeth, parents Derrill and Francee Yaeger, and sister Neddi Yaeger. Kurt was born in Los Angeles, California, was raised in a La Sierra neighborhood where he attended school at La Sierra Academy graduating in 1974. Kurt obtained his Bachelor of Science at Loma Linda University and a Master of Arts from San Diego State University. Kurt earned his Juris Doctorate in 1989 from Western State University College of Law. Kurt obtained his first legal job with a prominent firm in Bakersfield, California where he discovered that he excelled at developing client relationships, and as a result he was made a partner three years after starting at the firm specializing in commercial and employment law issues. Wanting to be closer to his parents, Kurt and his family decided to return home to Riverside in 2000. After returning to Riverside, Kurt joined the law firm of Thompson & Colegate where he was a partner and head of the successful Labor and Employment Department. Kurt represented business clients in all areas of labor and employment litigation, discrimination, business development and risk management. Kurt was an avid golfer and member of the Victoria Club where he served on numerous committees, including the Board of Directors and as President of the club from 2005-2006. Kurt was also very active in the legal community. He was a member of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court since 2000, and served as a Special Master for the State Bar. Kurt will be missed by many. Everyone who knew Kurt was aware of his leadership, charisma, and sense of ethical responsibility whether it was in regards to his family, a project at work, a friend in need, or trying to win a golf tournament. Kurt was not a spectator when it came to life, he took the initiative to create a life full of love and compassion and truly lived life to the fullest. A special thank you to Kurt's "quarterback of the team", Dr. Frank Howard, for orchestrating Kurt's medical care between Loma Linda University Medical Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Cedars-Sinai Brain Institute in Los Angeles. Kurt donated his corneas to the "One Legacy" foundation, and his body to the "Bodies for Science" program at the School of Medicine Division of Human Anatomy at Loma Linda University as a means of furthering science. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the La Sierra University Church, 4937 Sierra Vista Avenue, Riverside, CA 92505 on November 29, 2009 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Kurt's name to the lung cancer division at the American Cancer Society at: www.cancer.org or to the Lung Cancer Alliance at: www.lungcanceralliance.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Press-Enterprise from Nov. 21 to Nov. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for KURT YAEGER

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Edy Hall

November 16, 2010

It's been over a year Kurt and I still feel your presence... strong in life and death... Thanks for being you. He's still right, it is all good.

Steve Williams

November 16, 2010

I was just talking to a friend the other day about Kurt. Kurt was the only guy I could never beat in the 100 butteyfly!!! He always seemed to be about 2 feet ahead no matter how much faster I swam as we grew up...Kurt was a great childhood friend to me and I will aleays remember his friendship and the great memories we shared...

Zee Beard

November 16, 2010

Getting a message that this guest book will soon shut down is understandable, yet filled with a certain sadness. Another goodbye. Kurt was and remans a very special and powerful force in the lives of those of us who are fortunate enough to have known him. What a good and great guy!

Edy Hall

January 1, 2010

Kurt was the Best brother in law a little sister could possibly hope for. Nice, handsome, strong, smart and willing to take on my big sister. His fight these last three years was amazing. He knew how to show love, grace, and honor in the most horrible situation. Through it all he made my sister stronger. Helped the girls to know he will forever live on within their hearts... he was and always will be an amazing man filled with love and smiles. Let his legacy be his love of family, sense of humor and zest for life.

Aloha,

Craig Blunden

December 6, 2009

For those of us in Riverside, it so amazing the impact Kurt had on our lives since 2000, such a short time. No one made more people feel good and loved than Kurt. His smile said it all!

Jack Trees

December 2, 2009

As I sat in the church Sunday and listened to two teenagers express their love for their father, while we ALL tried to make some sense of this tragedy, I thought all the fathers would be envious of that kind of love and respect from our children. I got the message from this special father "If you want your children to feel this way about you you have to lead your life to deserve it"! He set the bar very high for us all. Kurt is not gone...he lives in all of us every time he gets us thinking we need to do the right thing.

Dick & Sammi Wurster

November 30, 2009

What can we say about Kurt that hasn't been said many times. What a wonderful
husband, dad, son and our friend. We
have so many fond memories that will
always be with us. It is truly a blessing
to have know Kurt and shared many great
times with he and Andy.

Lori Spriggs

November 29, 2009

Kurt we will miss that mini cooper that used to honk in our driveway every morning. Your smile would brighten our day! Chandlor always told me you were the best driver ever. And I know she was right. We will miss you so much but we are so lucky to have known such a great person! We know you are in a better place with the perfect mini cooper!

Val & Joanne Popov

November 28, 2009

Kurt will always have a special place in our hearts. He had a way about him that made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. His courageous fight against a horrible disease was an inspiration to our family. We feel blessed to have spent a number of good times with Kurt, Andy, Jacqueline, and Lizzie. We miss him, but he will always live in our heart. Heaven just became an even better place!

Steve Williams

November 27, 2009

To Kurt's Family and children from Janet,Shelby and Steve. We grew up with Kurt and had such great memories form growing up together in La Sierra. A great sadness came into our hearts when we learned of his passing and all of you are in our prayers tonight. The Williams family

linda chitwood

November 26, 2009

Kurt was a breath of fresh air to myself and many others. I taught physical education with Andrea. During that time a gentleman partners his knowledge and expertise of exercise physiology with us at the high school. He was was really way ahead of his time with the testing of athletes, and the protocal for training. His prescriptions for young athletes was appropriate and wise. For that, I will always remember Kurt. He made me feel like I was making a difference. And then he met Andrea. They completed each other. Kurt has been in my thoughts daily for the past three years. He in his short life seemed to accomplish what any of us could only hope for. His longevity with his situation speaks volumes for his will to live to be with Andrea, and their children.

gerry franke

November 26, 2009

dear andy i know that words are what they are i know that from our own experience that they are truly appreciated i hope you know how much you , jackie and lizzie are in our prayers , thoughts and hearts kurt was incredibly supportive of us, as i told kurt, friends for life, friends for eternity , we are always here love gerry/diane

Charla Little

November 26, 2009

There are so many fantastic memories it is difficult to summarize in a short paragraph. When I think of Kurtie I think of his smile and wicked quick wit! He loved to kid around and find the humor or create humor on a daily basis. Kurtie always welcomed me as I followed you guys from Bako to Sact to Riverside...we always picked up the bantering without skipping a beat. How can I ever forget the vacation to Hawaii and all the funny things that happened on that trip? I still can't eat sushi without thinking about Kurtie doing the seal imitation!
Examples of Kurtie's wit have been well documented and now courage will go hand in hand with top of mind memories. It is really a modern day miracle how long Kurtie was able to prevail over one of the worst diagnosis. Kurt's ability to prevail over the disease for so long is a testament to the power of the positive mind, the individual will to live coupled with a first class team of Andrea, Jackie, Lizzie, Kurt's family, and the long list of supportive friends and a superb medical team. Kurtie never liked to say goodbye when parting so I will sign off by saying "see you soon". What an exceptional man! Love you guys.

Patty and Keith White

November 26, 2009

Where to start on the Kurt that I knew…..
He loved my sister beyond measure. He gave her the life she always dreamed of and more. For that I will always hold him dear.
He was a good father to his daughters, my nieces. He taught them what a good man should be, so they won’t settle for less.
Kurt lent me his wife for a few days during my time of sadness and loss.
He welcomed me into his home; more than one Thanksgiving dinner was shared with me. And who can forget that he was dynamite at the BBQ.
He always laughed when I called, EARLY in the morning, to sing him Happy Birthday. I will miss doing that next year, but am glad to have been able to do that the last 3 years.
Kurt will be missed by many, but our loss is Heaven’s gain. He is with our Lord now and we will all see him again. He was here for as long as he was supposed to be and as I truly believe that God’s in charge, I must believe that this couldn’t have happened any other way.
I love you, Andy, Jax and Liz, more than I’ve ever been able to express…..Patty and Keith

Greg Francis

November 26, 2009

Andy,Jackie & Lizzie, I love you all. Kurt was a Dear friend, I will miss all the hugs I gave him during his times of pain but I will never forget him. Your Husband, your Dad was 1 in a million, God Bless Him and God Bless you all.

Terry Lawson

November 25, 2009

To Kurt's wife and daughters, mom and dad; I was Kurt's college roommate at La Sierra (oh the stories I still tell...) I'm so sorry that we lost track of each other, though I've been aware of his illness and have heard of the valiant fight you've all been through. I can see from the things that have been said here, that Kurt never lost his intensity or his crazy sense of humor...and that these traits have led to a full personal and professional life. I'm certainly not surprised and I'm proud to have known him. God bless and comfort you all. Nancie and I will continue to pray for you and may you all be together again very soon for eternity!

Ed & Janelle Fellow

November 25, 2009

Andy, Jacki and Lizzi....Kurt meant the world to us and we will miss him so much! We have great memories of him! He was such a special person and fighter! He was truly an inspiration to me! We pray that you will have the strength to carry on from all his memories! We love you,

Fred Hoffman

November 23, 2009

Andy, Jacki and Lizzi...While you grieve the loss of a great man, may your hearts be full of the love he had for you and the grace in which he lived his life. Kurt was special to so many but my memories are of the fun loving, practical joking man who I admired for many reasons.

Melanie Bunn

November 22, 2009

Andy & Girls...Kurt was so special and we saw so much of his sweetness and tenderness. Especially with Nana. We will continue to pray as we have been for the past 3 years that God will wrap his arms around you during those times you need Kurt to. We will be there on Sunday to celebrate him with you. Jason & Melanie Bunn

Joe & Jane Barr

November 22, 2009

Dear Andy, Jacquiline and Elizabeth,

Our love and prayers continue for Kurt who is in the arms of our Lord and for his beloved family. His leadership is an inspiration to all who has known him. May all your memories be of the good works and kindness he has shown everyone.

Betsy Wadman

November 22, 2009

Dee, Jacki, and Lizzy,
Really there are no words. Pat & I have such happy and hilarious memories with you and Kurt that we will hold near and dear forever. Kurt will be in our hearts always. His humor and wit still come up in everyday conversations; flash-in-the-pan for Tiger Woods is just one we use daily. We cherish our times in Riverside, Bakersfield, Sacramento, Fat-Boy events, driving fast, and the beach with Kurt. (not to mention our dogs and puppies too!) And we hold close the promise of all being together again someday. 53 years was just not enough, and we know he is holding a place for his family and friends, since he never treated friends less than family! Thanks for sharing your man with us. Once again Kurt has shown us a new level of courage, determination and dignity. We love you Dee, Jacki, and Lizzy! You are stuck with us because you are our family!
Betsy & Pat Wadman

Zee Beard

November 21, 2009

Kurt was an angel of a man here on earth and now, Andy, you, Jacquiline and Elizabeth have a beautiful guardian angel looking after you forever. I will always remember Kurt as he was the last time I saw you guys together -- smiling that sweet, mischievous smile as if none of this long battle had occurred and, maybe for that moment it hadn't. He was so brave, smart, kind, loving, fun and generous right up to the end and beyond.

The Williams Family

November 21, 2009

Dear Andrea, Jacquiline and Elizabeth, Mr. and Mrs. Yaeger and Neddie,
We send you our love and support along with our sincere sympathy. Our prayers are with you in mind every morning.
Love,
Karmen (McVoy) and Craig Williams

Denene Klosterman

November 21, 2009

Andi, Jacki, and Lizzie,

Each of your presence in my life is cherished. I am hopeful our relationship will grow deeper over the years.

You have been in my prayers and will continue to be,

Denene Klosterman

after a day on the slopes

Glenn & Nancy Busse

November 21, 2009

The amount of respect,love and admiration we have for Kurt is difficult to express. He knew how to make others feel special every day of his life, he added so much more to our lives. We are blessed to have shared many happy times with him and his family. Kurt will always be loved.

Debbie Hoffman

November 21, 2009

There are no words to express how sad I am that Kurt will no longer physically be in my life. He truly exemplified the word 'gentleman', was so giving to everyone he met and such a great example to the world of a loving husband, father and friend. While my heart is broken, I will always remember his great smile, his warm hugs and loving personality. He is truly an inspiration to me and has left this earth a better place. See ya' one day my friend!

Victoria Chen Rutledge

November 21, 2009

What a valiant battle you all have fought these last few years. You were incredible warriors against a terrible disease. Kurt defied the odds and made the most of his last few years. They just don't come any better than Kurt. I will always miss and love him. Pershing and I probably wouldn't have made it through law school without him. I have such warm, loving, happy, hilarious memories of so many great times together. Andy, you were a champion and such a huge blessing. For you, the girls and the rest of the Yaeger family, I will pray for The Lord's strength, peace and love to fill you and bring you comfort. May your wonderful memories of the gift of the incredible person that Kurt was bring you solace. Kurt will live in my heart and mind always.
Love to all,
Victoria and family

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