YATES-Howard Allan, aged 52 years of Gul1 Lake, Saskatchewan passed
away peacefully October 11, 2009 at the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current with his family by his side. He was born June 2, 1957 in Gull Lake, second son of Walter and Maevis Yates. He attended the Twin Butte Country School for one year and the Gull Lake School until Grade 10. At the age of 12 Howard was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes, a disease he battled until the end. Following school
he helped his Grandpa Elmer Yates and his dad on the family farm. Howard loved all aspects of farming, both the fieldwork and the animals. Howard married Kathy Slaferek on May 1, 1976 at the St. Anthony's R.C. Church in the country in the Illerburn District. They lived on the Arnold Moritz farm which he had purchased the previous year. They were blessed with two children, Lisa and Colin. Howard often talked to Kathy about want to follow in his Grandpa Yates footsteps, driving truck, In 1985 his dream came true with the help of his in-laws. He got his first semi tractor and cattleliner. "H. A. Yates Trucking" became a well know name. He was very proud to own his work and the business grew, so did his fleet as he bought another tractor, cattleliner, 2 grain trailers, and 2 flat decks. They hauled livestock, grain and bales for many surrounding farmers. Howard enjoyed sports and played throughout his life. He played minor hockey in Gull Lake. He acted as linesmen and also was a scorekeeper for the Gull Lake Greyhounds for several years. He played fastball with the Aldag Eagles, (youngest player to play) Pioneer, Shaunavon Steelers and the Bench Braves. As well as broomball with the Shaunavon Steelers. Howard enjoyed dirt biking in the summer, where he and Kathy and thier kids would make many miles, stopping to visit and play cards with friends along the way. In the winter, he put away his dirt bike and brought out the snowmobiles, another passion of his. He and his brother Mike formed Yates Bros. Racing and together won many trophies. In the past few years he traveled to Blairmore, Alberta, where he, Colin and friends went back country snowmobiling in the mountains. Howard was a member of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and acted as secretary for a few years. He was also a PFRA- board member. He was a member of the Southwest Snowmobile Drag Racing Association and was instrumental in planning many races in the area. Howard was a very proud grandpa to Nicole Jade and Tenille Jasmin. Although Howard often didn't express his feelings with words, his actions spoke loud, and it was through these actions he expressed his love for his family. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Elmer and Helen Yates; maternal grandparents Albert and Tillie Voll; brothers-in-law Brian Slaferek and Jim McCallum and infant son Jarvis. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Kathy; daughter Lisa Willows (Brian) of Swift Current; granddaughters Nicole and Tenille; son Colin (Rachel) of Blairmore, AB; parents Walter and Maevis Yates of Gull Lake; brother Mike (Deb) of Gull Lake; sister Donna (George) of Shaunavon; and mother-in-law Gertie Slaferek-Zeller (Karl) of Pennant. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Funeral services were held on Friday, October 16, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Tompkins Community Hall with Father James Owolagba officiating. His life tribute was given by Anne Willman. Ushers were Dale Klink and Jason Craig. Interment took place at the Gull Lake Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dale Fernquist, Wayne Willman, Mike Berquist, Larry Smith, Kim Yates and Calvin Dyer. Warren's Funeral Home of Swift Current was in care of the arrangements. For further information please call 773-8831 or visit our website and express your sympathy to the family in our book of condolence.