Thomas Roger "Tom" YAHRAES Jr.

August 27, 1945 – May 31, 2025

Thomas "Tom" Roger Yahraes Jr. was a kind-hearted soul, devoted father, beloved husband, spirited adventurer, lover of music and nature, educator, mentor, and leader. He was born on August 27, 1945, in Washington, D.C. to mother, Marilyn Elizabeth Booth, and father, Thomas Roger Yahraes. Following a long illness, Tom died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family, on May 31, 2025, at Valley Hospital and Medical Center in Spokane Valley, WA.

Tom graduated from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in New Jersey and earned his master's degree in environmental education from Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale. While at SIU, he was very involved with the Underway Program - a program that served physically and emotionally challenged young men. This knowledge, along with his master's degree, led him to be named the Director of the Bald Eagle Center in Minnesota. While he was on one of his numerous backpacking trips (this time in Norway), the Center was destroyed by a tornado. This event led him to become the director of fundraising for Bemidji State University, Fontbonne University, and eventually the University of Montana Western.

Tom retired in 2007, from the University of Montana Western in Dillon, MT, as the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and President of the Foundation, where he left behind a strong legacy and served as the President of Rotary Club (twice), Master of Ceremonies for numerous events, fundraised millions of dollars for student scholarships; obtained, improved, and enhanced facilities; and secured the administrative office building for Western - the Roe House.

Tom had a great sense of humor, along with an ability to make fun of himself. He loved puns, and he also loudly enjoyed singing the lyrics of numerous 1950s and '60s tunes. He was extremely knowledgeable of current events, analyzed baseball box scores, closely watched the weather, studied and memorized maps, completed crossword puzzles, and always figured out the answer to Sudoku puzzles.

For most of his adult life, his routine included running 3-5 miles daily, as well as training for and participating in various races and marathons. During the winter, he loved cross-country skiing and competed in numerous cross-country races, including the Minnesota Finlandia. He was a proud Eagle Scout. He loved baseball (both as a player and spectator) and was a lifetime fan of the Yankees and the Phillies.

Tom was a water person, and in particular loved kayaking. He never saw a lake without commenting on where one should kayak. Traveling and taking pictures of adventures were some of his favorite activities. During his lifetime, he was able to visit countries and parks on six different continents. One of Tom's favorite trips was to Iceland with his beloved wife and best friend, Dr. Cheri Jimeno.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sisters, Barbara and Phyllis. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Cheri Jimeno; sons, Tom Yahraes (spouse, Dr. Brenda Yahraes), Dan Yahraes, and Chris Yahraes (partner, Sarah Bryant); stepdaughter, Shawna Sutherland (spouse, Ian Finlay); stepson, Shayne Sutherland; eight grandchildren, Korbin, Josephine, Logan, Griffin, Eleanor, Thorsen, Lexie, and CJ; and two nieces, Erika (spouse, Pete) and Kim. Tom never complained about any of the medical illnesses that impacted his later years. The family would like to thank his numerous medical doctors, nurses, physical, speech, and occupational therapists, hospital staff, and caregivers who impacted his life. He was a strong fighter and repeatedly overcame the odds that affected his health.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Pacific), on September 6, at Mirabeau Point State Park, 13500 E. Mirabeau Pkwy., Spokane Valley, WA, with a reception (a buffet lunch will be served). As per Tom's wishes, his ashes will be spread in the Pacific Ocean. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his honor to one of the following organizations that had a significant impact on his life: the University of Montana Western Foundation, the Alzheimer's or Parkinson's Research Foundations, or the American Heart Association.