Karl Stanley Yates, 94, passed away on May 19 in Spokane, Washington. He was the husband of Kathleen (Kay) Lyse Yates. They shared 71 years of marriage together.

Born in Tonasket, Washington, he was the son of Herbert A. Yates, Jr., and Loula B. Tribble Yates. Karl graduated from Davenport High School and Washington State College. He was in the US Naval Reserves during the Korean War. Karl was employed at Union Oil Company in Seattle and then in Colville, Washington, where he operated a Union 76 bulk plant. He later worked for Boyle Fuel which brought him to Spokane, Washington, and finished his career as building manager for The Sisters of Providence.

He and Kay enjoyed square dancing and were members of The Missing Links square dance club in Colville, and the Jacks and Jennys in Spokane. Karl loved to downhill ski and he became a ski patrolman at 49 Degrees North in Chewelah, Washington, which he continued to do after he and Kay moved to Spokane. He skied until he was 87. Karl and Kay loved their cabin at Davis Lake near Newport, Washington. It was their happy place and Karl could be seen sailing his sunfish sailboat on a breezy afternoon. Karl will be remembered for his sense of humor, his infectious laugh, and his love for life.

He is survived by his wife Kay, his son Russell Yates, daughter-in-law Linda Yates, his daughter Diane Yates Axworthy, son-in-law Scott Axworthy, and grandsons Alex and Connor Axworthy, and Jeff and Jon Parr, and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Herbert A. Yates, Jr., and Loula B. Tribble Yates, and his brother Keith R. Yates.

The memorial service will be held on June 17 at 12:30 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N Government Way, Spokane, with internment at Greenwood Memorial Terrace Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to the time of the service.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Port Townsend Aero Flight Museum Youth Program www.ptaeromuseum.com/support-aviation-museum/ or the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org.