ARLINGTON — Arlington will not be the same without Harry Yost.
Born on Jordan Road July 28, 1921, Harry K. Yost passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 13, at the age of 87, said his son-in-law, Dale Duskin, Monday.
A consummate volunteer, Yost never stopped giving to the community of Arlington. In recent years he was a constant local worker with the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Association after helping build the building that holds Arlington’s history.
His service to the community started as a youth in Arlington schools when he served as the business manager for the associated student body. Harry was the “go-to” guy and drove school bus while attending high school as well as playing on the Arlington High School football team. As a senior at AHS, Harry received the faculty’s highest award, the Boyer award.
Following high school, Harry joined the Navy in 1942 and served in the South Pacific as a second class aviation machinist mate. Harry received an honorable discharge in October 1945, while stationed at the Arlington Naval Air Station, now the Arlington Airport.
On April 3, 1945 Harry married his childhood sweetheart, Ruth Wangsmo.
Following his Navy career, Harry and one of his best friends, Clarence Wayt, who also passed away last week, partnered in a cabinet shop in downtown Arlington. This was followed by about seven years employment with the Arlington School District where Harry worked as a maintenance supervisor. Harry then joined the staff at Arlington’s Columbia Valley Lumber Company which later became Copeland Lumber, where he was the lead installer of floor covering, counter tops and tile. With his carpentry skills, he ventured out as an independent business owner in 1969, donating many hours and talent to family, friends, churches and neighbors.
Harry retired at the age of 58 to travel with his wife, Ruth, to Norway, Europe and the South Pacific, continuing his service to the community in many ways. It was at this time that Harry dedicated his skills and unlimited energy to the Pioneer Association, serving as president. Along with the inspiration of many others, Harry and the pioneers formed a museum committee and embarked on an incredible building project. In 1995 they completed their dream with a three-story, 20,000-square-foot museum.
Through his life, Harry was devoted to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He coached and umpired little league baseball as well as Lassie League baseball. He served as the Cub Master for Pack 29, was president of the Arlington PTA, served on the Arlington Centennial Committee, Arlington American Legion and was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, where he also served as president.
Harry received many community awards, including “One of a Kind” Citizen award from past Mayor Robert Kraski. He received the Veterans of Foreign Wars Lifetime Achievement & Outstanding Service award, Citizen of the Year award from the Arlington Chamber, Grand Marshall of the 4th of July Parade, Arlington Rotary Paul Harris Fellow and the Life Time Achievement Award from the Stillaguamish Senior Center last year, Duskin said.
Harry leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Ruth Yost, their sons Marv (Pam) Yost of Renton, Merlin (Suzanne) Yost of Stanwood and his daughter Carol (Dale) Duskin of Arlington. He leaves seven grandchildren, Kasey (Jenifer) Yost of Kent, John Yost of Renton, Nathan Gilman of Arlington, Sarah Gilman of Seatac, Chad Duskin, Cory (Desa) Duskin and Nicole (Scott) Peterson, all of Arlington. He also leaves 13 great-grand-children.
A memorial service will be held at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church on Highland Drive in Arlington at 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19.
Remembrances can be made to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, The Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum or the charity of your choice.
Clarence Wayt passes
Clarence Wayt died early Saturday morning, Feb. 14, in Regency Care Center, said his daughter, Shirley Wayt Thompson. His memorial service will be from 1 – 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21.
